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Lenovo ThinkPad T480 (2018) Specifications
The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 (2018) is a professional-grade laptop designed for business users seeking reliable performance and solid upgrade potential. This guide covers RAM, SSD, charger compatibility, and upgrade paths for this model. For a comprehensive overview of all Lenovo upgradeable models, visit the Lenovo Laptop Upgrades hub.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 (Kaby Lake-R) |
| RAM | DDR4-2400, 2 SO-DIMM slots (upgradeable) |
| Max RAM | 32GB (2× 16GB) |
| Storage | M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 or SATA, 1 slot |
| Charger | 65W USB-C Power Delivery or slim-tip barrel |
| Ports | 1× Thunderbolt 3, 1× USB-C 3.1, 2× USB-A 3.1, HDMI 1.4, RJ-45, SD card, docking connector |
| Display | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS, 16:9 |
| Weight | 1.58 kg (3.49 lbs) |
Memory Upgrade Path
The ThinkPad T480 features 2 SO-DIMM slots for DDR4-2400 RAM, allowing upgrades from the factory configuration up to a maximum of 32GB (2× 16GB). Both slots are user-accessible, and the upgrade process is straightforward for most users.
Recommended DDR4 RAM Upgrades:
- Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM — Proven DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility. Fast and reliable.
- Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM — Popular DDR4 upgrade for laptops. Good speeds and low latency.
- Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM — Budget-friendly DDR4 with solid performance. Well-tested across brands.
Storage Expansion (M.2 NVMe)
The ThinkPad T480 uses an M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 or SATA slot. The single M.2 slot supports up to 2TB.
Recommended M.2 2280 SSDs:
- Samsung 980 PRO 2280 — Top-tier Gen4 NVMe for maximum performance. Widely compatible.
- WD Black SN770 2280 — Excellent mainstream NVMe with strong sequential and random speeds.
- Kingston NV2 2280 — Budget NVMe SSD with reliable performance. Great value upgrade.
Power Delivery & Charging
The ThinkPad T480 uses a 65W USB-C Power Delivery or slim-tip barrel charger. This is compatible with any USB-C PD charger of equal or higher wattage from brands like Anker, Ugreen, or the original Lenovo charger.
Compatible Chargers:
- Anker 100W USB-C PD Charger — Compact, multi-port option. Works with this and other USB-C devices.
- Ugreen USB-C PD Charger (65W+) — Affordable universal charger with good reputation.
- INIU USB-C PD Fast Charger — Budget option with solid performance and portability.
Port & Docking Capabilities
Connectivity: 1× Thunderbolt 3, 1× USB-C 3.1, 2× USB-A 3.1, HDMI 1.4, RJ-45, SD card, docking connector
The presence of Thunderbolt 3 (×1) provides fast external storage and high-bandwidth peripherals. Consider a Thunderbolt dock like the CalDigit TS4 or Belkin Thunderbolt 4 Dock Pro for desktop expansion with multiple displays and storage.
Upgrade Difficulty & Tools Required
The ThinkPad T480 has a difficulty rating of 5/5 for upgrades (5 = easiest). Legendary upgradeability. The T480 is widely considered the most upgradeable modern ThinkPad — 2 DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, M.2 2280, hot-swappable battery, and even a WWAN M.2 2242 slot. The last ThinkPad T-series with a removable rear battery.Tools needed:
- Philips screwdriver (M2.5 or similar)
- ESD wrist strap (optional but recommended)
- Thermal paste (only if reapplying to heatsinks)
We recommend backing up your data and consulting your service manual before opening the chassis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Lenovo ThinkPad T480?
Yes, the RAM is user-upgradeable via two SO-DIMM slots.
What is the maximum RAM for the ThinkPad T480?
The ThinkPad T480 supports up to 32GB (2× 16GB) (DDR4-2400) with both SO-DIMM slots populated with matching modules.
What type of SSD does the ThinkPad T480 use?
The ThinkPad T480 uses a standard M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. This is the most common laptop SSD form factor with the widest range of compatible drives available.
Can I use a different USB-C charger with the ThinkPad T480?
Yes, any USB-C Power Delivery charger rated for 65W or higher will work. Brands like Anker and Ugreen offer universal USB-C solutions.
Is the ThinkPad T480 compatible with a Thunderbolt dock?
Yes, the Thunderbolt 3 (×1) supports Thunderbolt docks for desktop expansion with multiple monitors and external storage.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GB | Proven DDR4 laptop memory with wide compatibility. Fast and reliable. | View on Amazon |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GB | Popular DDR4 upgrade for laptops. Good speeds and low latency. | View on Amazon |
| Crucial DDR4 SO-DIMM 16GB | Budget-friendly DDR4 with solid performance. Well-tested across brands. | View on Amazon |
| Samsung 980 PRO 2280 NVMe 512GB | Top-tier Gen4 NVMe for maximum performance. Widely compatible. | View on Amazon |
| WD Black SN770 2280 NVMe 512GB | Excellent mainstream NVMe with strong sequential and random speeds. | View on Amazon |
| Kingston NV2 2280 NVMe 512GB | Budget NVMe SSD with reliable performance. Great value upgrade. | View on Amazon |
| Anker 100W USB-C PD Charger | Compact, multi-port option. Works with this and other USB-C devices. | View on Amazon |
| Ugreen USB-C PD Charger (65W+) | Affordable universal charger with good reputation. | View on Amazon |
| INIU USB-C PD Fast Charger | Budget option with solid performance and portability. | View on Amazon |
| CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt Dock | Professional-grade Thunderbolt 4 dock with multiple ports, displays, and Ethernet. Top choice for desk setup. | View on Amazon |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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