The Lenovo ThinkPad T430s is a thin and light notebook computer featuring third-generation Intel Core processors, a magnesium alloy frame and carbon fiber reinforced construction.

With a 14.0-inch LED backlit display, integrated HD camera, multiple wireless options and up to 13 hours of battery life, the ThinkPad T430s provides an excellent balance of mobility, performance and connectivity.

The resources assembled here are intended to help owners get the most out of their ThinkPad T430s. Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page to suggest any additions or changes.


MACOS INSTALLATION

Installation guide for macOS Catalina 10.15 on the ThinkPad T430s is available here

BIOS / FIRMWARE

  • The latest official ThinkPad T430s BIOS can be downloaded from Lenovo here
  • A simple method to install a modified BIOS (no external programmer required) is available here: 1vyrain
  • The open source firmware coreboot can be installed as an alternative to the proprietary Lenovo BIOS
  • Intel Management Engine Firmware 8.1
    • On November 21, 2017, Lenovo released a firmware update for the T430s to address an escalation of privilege vulnerability in Intel Active Management Technology (AMT), Intel Standard Manageability (ISM), and Intel Small Business Technology as well as additional security vulnerabilities.
    • The firmware update can be downloaded from Lenovo here
    • Additional information about the security issues this update addresses is available here

RAM SUPPORT

  • The ThinkPad T430s supports a maximum of 16GB (two 8GB modules) of 1.35v 204-pin PC3-17000 (DDR3-2133) non-ECC RAM
    source
  • Install two modules of any capacity to enable dual channel memory speeds
  • A comparison of T430s benchmarks with PC3-14900 (1866MHz) vs PC3-17000 (2133MHz) RAM can be viewed here
  • Some T430s configurations will encounter errors when running some 2133MHz RAM modules, however all T430s configurations appear to operate properly with 1866MHz modules.
  • Recommended RAM: Crucial DDR3/DDR3L 1866MHz PC3-14900

DISPLAY OPTIONS

  • The ThinkPad T430s includes either a 1366×768 (HD) or 1600×900 (HD+) 14.0-inch LED backlit display
  • A stock 1600×900 display panel can be replaced with one of the following Alienware M14x 1600×900 panels for improved color performance and viewing angles:
  • Upgrade kits are available to install a 1920×1080 (FHD) display panel in the T430s. Additional details here.

BATTERY

  • Three genuine Lenovo batteries are available for the ThinkPad T430s:
    • ThinkPad Battery 81+ (6 cell)
      44 watt hours, Part number 0A36309
    • ThinkPad Battery 82+ (4 cell)
      39 watt hours, Part number 45N1067
    • ThinkPad Bay Battery 43 (3 cell)
      32 watt hours, Part number 45N1041
  • The following aftermarket batteries are known to work properly with the ThinkPad T430s:
    • GHU model BC06
      39.9 watt hours, shows in system as part number 45N1023
  • Reset the battery gauge by launching Power Manager (click the battery icon), select Advanced > Battery > Battery maintenance > Perform Reset
    • To perform the reset if Power Manager is not installed: fully charge the battery, unplug the AC adapter and let the battery completely discharge, then fully recharge the battery
  • To improve battery life on the T430s:
    • Update the BIOS to the most recent version
    • Reduce display brightness and set the display to dim and turn off as soon as possible in Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
    • Deactivate in the BIOS any ports that you don’t use, especially USB
    • Unplug unneeded USB devices
    • Remove unneeded optical media
    • Use a plain black desktop wallpaper
    • Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi when not needed
    • Turn off visual effects in Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings > Advanced
    • Set computer to hibernate instead of sleep in Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > System Settings
    • See Windows 7/8/10 Adjustments below
      source 1 | source 2

DRIVES / STORAGE

  • The primary drive bay accommodates 2.5-inch, 7mm drives and supports SATA III (6Gb/s) speeds
    Recommended SSD: Samsung 860 EVO 250GB
  • A second 2.5-inch, 7mm drive can be installed in the Ultrabay using a 9.5mm caddy. The Ultrabay interface supports SATA III (6Gb/s) speeds.
  • An mSATA SSD can be installed in the second MiniPCI Express slot that provides a SATA II (3Gb/s) interface
    Recommended mSATA SSD: Samsung 860 EVO 250GB mSATA

WIRELESS NETWORKING

  • The Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (FRU 60Y3233) is the fastest WiFi card that will clear the T430s whitelist check. This card provides up to 450 Mbps data rates on 802.11n connections and Intel Wireless Display options.

BLUETOOTH

  • The ThinkPad T430s includes one of the following Bluetooth 4.0 daughter cards:

KEYBOARD

  • Any standard or backlit keyboard on the T430s System Service Parts list can be installed in any T430s
  • Non-backlit keyboard models are reported to feel somewhat more solid and responsive than backlit models
  • Non-backlit keyboard models are reported to have a more matte finish than backlit models
  • The build quality of Lite-On (LTN) keyboards is generally considered superior to those manufactured by Chicony (CHY) or Shenzhen SRX Technology (SRX)
  • A classic 7-row keyboard can be installed in the T430s by following the guide here

TOUCHPAD

  • The textured surface of the touchpad on the T430s is a simple adhesive overlay.
  • This overlay can be peeled away with duct tape. This will leave behind a smooth touchpad surface.

PORTS

  • ThinkPad T430s models with the Intel Core i7 CPU and integrated graphics include a Mini DisplayPort / Thunderbolt combo port in place of the standard Mini DisplayPort

DOCKS / EXPANSION

  • Lenovo Essential Notebook Stand (45J9292)
  • ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3 with USB 3.0 (4336-15W)
    • USB 2.0 x 3 | USB 3.0 x 1 | VGA x 1
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 – 90W (4337-10U)
    • USB 2.0 x 6 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 1 | DisplayPort x 1
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 with USB 3.0 – 90W (4337-15U)
    • USB 2.0 x 5 | USB 3.0 x 1 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 1 | DisplayPort x 1
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 with USB 3.0 – 90W (4338-15U)
    • USB 2.0 x 6 | USB 3.0 x 1 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 2 | DisplayPort x 2
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 with USB 3.0 – 170W (4338-35U)
    • USB 2.0 x 6 | USB 3.0 x 1 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 2 | DisplayPort x 2
    • Same as 4338-15U but with a 170W power supply
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 – 90W (4338-10U)
    • USB 2.0 x 6 | eSATA x 1 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 2 | DisplayPort x 2
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 – 135W (4338-20U)
    • USB 2.0 x 6 | eSATA x 1 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 2 | DisplayPort x 2
    • Same as 4338-10U but with 135W power supply
  • ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 – 170W (4338-30U)
    • USB 2.0 x 6 | eSATA x 1 | VGA x 1 | DVI x 2 | DisplayPort x 2
    • Same as 4338-10U but with 170W power supply

MODIFICATIONS & CUSTOMIZATION

  • Fan speeds can be controlled with TPFanControl in Windows (alternate source here) and with thinkfan in Linux
  • Upgrade kits are available to install a 1920×1080 (FHD) display panel
  • 1vyrain is a simple software-only method to install a modified BIOS (no external programmer required)
  • The open source firmware coreboot can be installed as an alternative to the stock BIOS
  • A classic 7-row keyboard can be installed in the T430s by following the guide here

WINDOWS 10 INSTALLATION ON THE THINKPAD T430S

  1. Create a bootable installation USB from this ISO using Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
  2. Press F12 at startup and select the USB as your boot drive
  3. In Windows setup (for a clean installation):
    • Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”
    • Delete any partitions on your target drive
    • Select the unallocated space as the location to install Windows
  4. The system will automatically restart during the installation process
  5. Complete the Windows guided setup and the system will proceed to the desktop
  6. Go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security and click the Check for updates button
  7. If the keyboard or touchpad become unresponsive during driver updates, attach an external USB keyboard and/or mouse until the next restart.
  8. Install and run ThinkVantage System Update to search for the latest Lenovo drivers and utilities
  9. If the Fingerprint Sensor does not install automatically, the necessary software is available here.
  10. Adjust UltraNav settings as desired in Start Menu > Settings > Devices > Mouse & touchpad > Additional mouse options
  11. To enable right click with two finger tap:
    • Open Registry Editor (Windows + R, type regedit then hit Enter)
    • Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Synaptics\SynTP\TouchPadPS2
    • Change the value of 2FingerTapAction to (create this as a new DWORD (32-bit) value if it doesn’t already exist)
    • Restart computer to make changes active
      source

WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL RECOVERY DVD SET

  • Images of the five DVD set to recover Windows 7 Professional to your ThinkPad T430s can be downloaded here
  • The installation process will also create a fully-functional recovery partition that can be accessed by pressing F11 at startup
  • Instructions for use of these images are in the included Read Me file

WINDOWS 7/8/10 ADJUSTMENTS

CPU SPEED THROTTLING

  • The maximum CPU clock speed will be reduced when the system is operated on the 65W AC adapter and no battery is installed
  • To prevent automatic CPU throttling, leave the battery in place while running on AC power
    source

DRIVERS

SUPPORT AND DOCUMENTATION

LENOVO PARTS LOOKUP

LENOVO WARRANTY STATUS LOOKUP

REVIEWS

DISCUSSION FORUMS / OTHER SITES


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