LaptopUpgradeFINDER · MAKE IT LAST
All laptop models
Model-specific guide
Lenovo · ThinkPad

Lenovo ThinkPad T480

Everything you need to understand this laptop — core hardware, graphics, display, connectivity and practical upgrade options.

Full specificationsRAM compatibilitySSD upgrade guide
Processor

8th-gen Intel Core i5-8250U/i5-8350U or Core i7-8550U/i7-8650U, depending on machine type

Graphics

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620; selected configurations include NVIDIA GeForce MX150 with 2 GB GDDR5

RAM ceiling

Not verified

Storage

M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe

The complete picture

Hardware specifications

Options can vary by product number, country and factory configuration. Unknown details are labelled rather than guessed.

12 specification entries

Performance

Processor, graphics and acceleration

Processor options
  • 8th-gen Intel Core i5-8250U/i5-8350U or Core i7-8550U/i7-8650U, depending on machine type
GPU
  • Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • selected configurations include NVIDIA GeForce MX150 with 2 GB GDDR5
Chipset
  • Intel SoC platform

Display & media

Screen, camera and sound

Panel
  • 14-inch HD (1366 × 768), FHD (1920 × 1080) or WQHD (2560 × 1440)
  • touch is available on selected FHD configurations
Camera
  • 720p webcam
  • selected versions include IR camera or ThinkShutter privacy cover
Audio
  • Stereo 2 W speakers with Dolby Audio Premium and dual-array microphones

Connectivity & security

Ports, wireless and protection

Ports
  • USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ×2, USB-C Gen 1 with Power Delivery/DisplayPort, USB-C Gen 2 with Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet, audio combo jack, 4-in-1 card reader and docking connector
Wireless
  • Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1
  • optional WWAN on selected configurations
Security
  • TPM 2.0
  • optional fingerprint reader, IR camera, smart-card reader and NFC

Power & design

Battery, operating system and build

Battery
  • Internal 24 Wh battery plus optional removable 24 Wh, 48 Wh or 72 Wh battery, depending on model
Weight / dimensions
  • Starting around 1.58 kg
  • 336.6 × 232.5 × 19.95 mm, with weight varying by case and battery
Operating system
  • Originally offered with Windows 10 Home/Pro options
  • installed OS depends on current owner and support status

Plan your upgrade

Possible upgrades

See the listed RAM ceiling, storage options and what each upgrade is useful for. Maximums are only shown when supported by the model information available here.

RAM upgrade

Factory configs up to 32 GB

Listed factory configurations do not confirm the absolute supported maximum.

Drive upgrade (configuration-dependent)

2.5-inch drive: 2.5-inch HDD (SATA)

Max capacity: Not verified

The T480 shipped with different drive setups. Check your exact unit to confirm whether it has an M.2 SSD or a 2.5-inch SATA HDD before choosing an upgrade.

RAM upgrade

Increase memory for smoother multitasking

Smooth everyday use

Option 1

Useful for: Schoolwork, browsing and video calls

Suggested upgrade

If currently at 8 GB, consider 16 GB (2 × 8 GB).

Compatibility to check

DDR4 SO-DIMM at 2400 MT/s; check whether one or both slots are occupied.

More demanding multitasking

Option 2

Useful for: Coding and heavier productivity workloads

Suggested upgrade

A 32 GB configuration (2 × 16 GB) is within the listed factory configurations.

Compatibility to check

Confirm the machine type and BIOS/service guidance for your exact unit before buying.

Storage upgrade

Replace or add storage where supported

Replace a slow or small drive

Option 1

Useful for: Improving responsiveness and increasing storage space

Suggested upgrade

Use a larger compatible M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD when the required slot and mounting hardware are present.

Compatibility to check

Drive layouts vary: some units shipped with a 2.5-inch SATA drive. Check connectors, cable and caddy before changing layouts.

The T480 has configuration-dependent drive layouts. Verify the machine type (for example, 20L5/20L6) first.

Check before you buy

Upgrade compatibility

RAM specifications

Memory type, slots and listed capacity

Memory type
  • DDR4 SO-DIMM
Speed
  • 2400 MT/s
Slots
  • Not verified

Shipped models use up to 2 modules

Maximum
  • Not verified

Factory models go up to 32 GB (2 × 16 GB)

Listed configurations

1 × 8 GB1 × 16 GB2 × 8 GB2 × 16 GB

No additional restrictions listed.

SSD & storage specifications

Drive format, connection and limits

M.2 SSD
  • M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe

As shipped in most listed models

2.5-inch drive
  • 2.5-inch HDD (SATA)

As shipped in some models

Drive locations / combinations
  • Not verified
Max capacity
  • Not verified
  • Units built with a 2.5-inch hard drive and units built with an M.2 SSD may not have the same connectors or cables installed.

Before you order parts

  • Look up your machine type (e.g. 20L5/20L6 + model code) on Lenovo PSREF to see which drive your unit shipped with.
  • If your unit has a 2.5-inch drive, confirm an M.2 slot and cable are present before buying an M.2 SSD.
  • Check installed RAM — many units shipped with a single 8 GB stick, leaving one slot free.

Official specifications & sources

Manufacturer pages are the reference for exact configurations.