Changing Ram Slots

In this guide, I will disassemble a Lenovo ThinkPad T480 laptop. I will remove the bottom case to upgrade the RAM, SSD, and HDD for my T480.

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As for repairing it, technically yes, it could be repaired, but you would need to find a new RAM slot and know how to solder the connections onto the board. Chances are you would be cannibalizing another board to get the part and if you had the skills required to repair it, you wouldn’t need to ask. Upgrading memory is easier later, when memory slots are available. Some PCs have a pairing requirement. The memory slots are organized in pairs, and every pair must have the same DIMM size. For example, you can have 3GB of memory in a PC with four memory banks. That’s two 1GB DIMMs in two slots and two 512MB DIMMs in the other two slots.

Its disassembly method is very simple, just like the ThinkPad T470, you only need to remove the external battery first, and then remove all the screws on the bottom case. Use the guitar pick open the bottom case slowly, and there are many snaps on the back cover to securing the case to the laptop body. Be careful do not to break the snaps.

With the bottom case removed, you can get access to the internal battery, M.2 SSD, RAM, CMOS battery, hard drive, Wi-Fi card, heat sink, cooling fan, and motherboard.

Lenovo ThinkPad T480 has two available RAM slots, each supporting up to 16GB of DDR4-2400 memory, which means you can upgrade the RAM to 32GB. The unit we’ve tested comes with one 8GB DDR4-2400 RAM from Samsung.

Amazingly, it is equipped with a 2242 PCIe NVMe 128GB M.2 SSD from Toshiba with a part number of KBG30ZMT128G, Lenovo P/N: 00UP650, SSSOL24702.
The laptop also comes with a 500GB mechanical hard disk; if necessary, you can replace it with a larger capacity hard disk.

Here’s the internal battery, 11.4V, 24Wh, Lenovo FRU: 01AV489.

Update
Another version of ThinkPad T480 has an M.2 2280 SSD and installed via an adapter. Please see the ThinkPad T480 review here.

Related Parts:
Genuine WQHD AG Screen for Lenovo 00NY681 B140QAN02.3 ThinkPad T480 T480s X1 Carbon (5th, 6th, 7th)
Genuine WQHD Screen for Lenovo 00NY664 LP140QH2-SPB1 ThinkPad T480 T480s X1 Carbon (5th, 6th, 7th)

I’m falling back to options for the T480 because of this year’s disaster of a design T490.

On Lenovo web site, I see T480 with two separate drive slots
1. traditional 2.5″ slot for magnetic hard disk or M.2 2280 SSD.
2. M.2 2242 SSD.

How would I know, if I first buy it with a traditional disk, then replace it later with a M.2 2280 drive, that the adapter cable will be there? Or do I have to source for that cable component separately?

Before you begin

To minimize the possibility of damage to the computer components due to static discharge, it's important to wear an antistatic wrist strap while you work with your computer's memory.

Choose your model

Mac mini models have different memory (RAM) installation requirements. Choose your Mac mini model for more information. If you need help determining which Mac mini you have, find out how to identify Mac mini models.

2020
Mac mini (M1, 2020)

2018
Mac mini (2018)

2014
Mac mini (Late 2014)

2012
Mac mini (Late 2012)

2011
Mac mini (Mid 2011)

2010
Mac mini (Mid 2010)

2009
Mac mini (Late 2009)
Mac mini (Early 2009)

2007
Mac mini (Mid 2007)

2006
Mac mini (Late 2006)
Mac mini (Early 2006)

2005
Mac mini (Original)

2020

Mac mini (M1, 2020) has memory that is integrated into the AppleM1chip and can't be upgraded. You can configure the memory in your Mac mini when you purchase it.

2018

Mac mini (2018) does not have user-installable RAM. You can configure the memory in your Mac mini (2018) when you purchase it. To upgrade the memory in your Mac mini (2018), go to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

2014

Mac mini (Late 2014) has memory that is integrated into the main logic board and can't be upgraded.

2012, 2011, 2010

To remove and install memory in your Mac mini (Late 2012), Mac mini (Mid 2011), or Mac mini (Mid 2010), use the following steps.

Remove the bottom cover

  1. Turn off your Mac mini. From the Apple menu (), choose Shut Down.
  2. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your Mac mini.
  3. Lay your Mac mini upside down on a soft cloth or towel, and then rotate the bottom cover counterclockwise to the unlocked position.
  4. Press on the cover to pop up the opposite side, and then remove the cover.

Remove the original memory modules

  1. Gently spread the clips at the ends of the top memory module just enough to let the free edge pop up.
  2. Pull the module out of the slot.
  3. Repeat to remove the second, bottom module.

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Install the new memory

  1. Carefully press the notched edge of the new memory module into the bottom slot while keeping the opposite edge slightly raised.
  2. Press down on the raised edge until the clips snap into place.
  3. Repeat to install the top memory module.

Replace the bottom cover

Don't connect the power cord or turn on your Mac mini until you replace the bottom cover. Never operate your Mac mini without the cover in place.

  1. Replace the bottom cover using the alignment dots to place it in the unlocked position.
  2. Rotate the cover clockwise to lock it in place.
  3. Reconnect the power cord and any other cables you disconnected.

After you install the memory, confirm that your Mac mini sees the new memory.

2009 and earlier

To remove or install memory in the following Mac mini models, go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

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Confirm that your Mac sees the new memory

To check that the computer recognizes the new memory:

  1. Start up your computer.
  2. When you see your desktop, choose Apple menu , then choose About This Mac.
  3. Confirm that the memory listed matches the memory you installed.

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If the reported memory size isn't correct or if your Mac mini repeatedly plays three tones, it may be having trouble recognizing a memory module. If this happens, shut down your Mac mini, verify the module specifications against the requirements for your Mac mini model, and then repeat the memory installation instructions to make sure that the modules are installed correctly. If you still have issues, remove the memory and consult the support information that came with the memory, or contact the vendor who provided the memory.