Thinkpad T430 USB-C mod

thingiverse

I couldn't find a mount for the usb-c mod for my T430, I tried one for the X230 (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3732642, the plug is from that model, I already printed it, so...) but it doesn't fit correctly on the T430, so I modeled a one from scratch. Print the plug with the taper up. Push it with a flat screwdriver if needed, make sure it reaches the board keeping the connector in place, if you leave it flush it won't secure it. You wouldn't notice it's been modified, it looks so sleek :) You'll need a ZYPDS USB-C 20v PD module like this one (https://it.aliexpress.com/item/4000557859597.html) and trim it slightly with a dremel in a corner where it touches the heatsink fan. I desoldered the cables from the original connector and soldered accordingly to the ZYPDS, with a 10k resistor to ground on the signal pin (http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Power_Connector#Signal_Pin). Space is not much, so I used a 0805 SMD resistor and it wasn't fun to solder it "mid air", but after mounting it back I'd say you can probably make your life easier with a 1/4W THT. Keep in mind that it won't be fully usb c compliant, meaning it will need a PSU/powerbank capable to negotiate 20v, if it doesn't support 20v it could negotiate 9v or whatever, and the thinkpad won't be happy (won't charge, won't power on, ...)