This intriguing mini PC is missing a crucial AI element, but it's otherwise sleek with desktop-class RTX power

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra has piqued my interest. On one hand, it offers a powerful desktop performance in a compact form factor – something that I always appreciate for its space-saving abilities. The enterprise security features and business-oriented components are also appealing, as they cater to the needs of professionals like myself.

This year, there’s been a surge in interest for mini PCs that mirrors the growing need for AI PCs. Notably, Lenovo has found a common ground by introducing the ThinkCentre neo Ultra, which falls within both categories and is designed for business use.

This model is a spacious 3.6L mini PC, which leverages its larger size relative to standard mini PCs to deliver robust NVIDIA RTX graphics performance typically found in desktops. It also houses Intel vPro processors (CPUs) of desktop class, ample upgradable RAM and storage, and an optional Kinara Ara-2 discrete Neural Processing Unit (NPU) card with 40 TOPS, designed to expedite AI tasks.

Lenovo envisions PCs on the desks of busy professionals who frequently utilize AI to increase productivity and creativity; however, it’s not inexpensive, especially at its full price. Nevertheless, due to the discrete GPU and NPU it houses, it occupies a slender section of the mini PC market share. Is it a good investment? Let’s find out.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Price, availability, and specs

The best place to shop for the ThinkCentre neo Ultra is at Lenovo’s official website, where you’ll find deep configuration options and, at least at the time of writing, some massive discounts.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Lenovo offers pre-set models for immediate purchase, but what truly sets them apart is their custom configurator. This tool allows you to tailor your laptop’s specifications to your unique needs. At the moment of writing, the starting price for these configurable models hovers around $1,653, a significant reduction from its original price of $3,179.

At Lenovo, significant price drops, particularly for their business computers, aren’t unusual. These devices tend to be quite expensive, but substantial savings can typically be found almost anytime. So, if you’re planning to buy a Lenovo PC, it’s wise to keep an eye out for large sales instead.

If Lenovo’s pre-built systems don’t come with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) as standard equipment, I suggest you consider customizing your model if you require additional AI acceleration. In the customized version, you can opt for an Intel Core i9-14900 vPro CPU, a discrete NPU priced at $125, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, dual 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs; the RTX 4060 is included in all models by default.

Opting for the full customization will raise the cost to $5,579; however, with an ongoing discount applied, the price is significantly reduced to just $2,901.

The specific model I’m referring to, which comes with Windows 11 Pro, an Intel Core i7-14700 processor, NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card, a discrete NPU card, 32GB of DDR5-5200MHz RAM, a 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity typically retails for approximately $3,909. However, at the moment, you can find it on Lenovo for only $2,032.68.

Reviewed configuration

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Design and internal layout

Although Lenovo doesn’t label the ThinkCentre neo Ultra as a mini PC in their documentation, they do refer to it as an Ultra-Small Form Factor (USFF). Given its compact size, it falls under the category of mini PCs, even though this term isn’t explicitly used.

Approximately 7.72 pounds (3.5 kg) in weight and with dimensions of 7.68 x 7.52 x 4.25 inches, this device is significantly larger and heavier than the Beelink EQR6, a well-reviewed device by Senior Editor Zac Bowden. However, it packs more hardware under its hood.

Despite a cluttered workspace with a docking station and an ultra-wide screen, there is still enough room for the Neo Ultra.

The neo Ultra, in many aspects, aligns with the ASUS ROG NUC 970, as reviewed by Editor Rebecca Spear, given they both incorporate a discrete GPU. However, it’s important to note that the neo Ultra utilizes desktop-class CPUs and GPUs, whereas other comparable options run on laptop hardware, which may not deliver the same level of power.

Despite being surrounded by a docking station and an ultrawide screen on my desk, there is still enough room to accommodate the Neo Ultra. But, if what you seek is a computer that can be mounted onto the rear of a monitor, then this one doesn’t fit the bill.

This computer case boasts smoothly curved edges and a stylish Luna Gray coating, ensuring it harmonizes well with other components on your workspace. It’s crafted from an assortment of reprocessed aluminum and plastics, offering a sturdy feel that exudes quality.

To create space for the GPU and system fans, the upper part of the case has been delicately set apart, which also gives a stylish edge to the entire computer as a whole.

Tucked away at the rear of this PC is an access panel housing ports and ventilation openings. Surprisingly, it accommodates four DisplayPort 1.4, dual HDMI 2.1, four USB-A (two offering 5Gbps speed and two providing 10Gbps), a 2.5GbE LAN port, and two additional slots that can be customized with options like VGA, USB-C, LAN, Serial, DisplayPort, or HDMI according to your requirements. This thoughtful design feature will undoubtedly prove useful for many professionals.

This setup allows you to connect up to eight external screens using a combination of built-in ports and graphics card ports. Even if you choose not to use the empty slots when setting things up, you can still enjoy support for six displays. It’s quite flexible!

At the front of this computer, you’ll find a power button, a USB-C port capable of 20Gbps speeds, two USB-A ports with 10Gbps speed, and an audio jack. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support USB4 or Thunderbolt 4. The bottom part has ventilation around its edges and four rubber feet for stability. Additionally, you can access the internal components for upgrades or maintenance from this side.

To remove the bottom part of your computer, all you need is a screwdriver and a prying tool. The rubber feet can be rotated and popped out effortlessly, exposing four screws. After unscrewing them, the panel comes off with ease. This action exposes the PC’s RAM slots (SODIMM) and M.2 PCIe storage slots, so you don’t need to delve deeper for memory or storage upgrades.

Lenovo offers useful video tutorials on disassembling computers, which I found helpful for gaining access. I’m consistently amazed by how much hardware can fit into such a compact area, particularly when a dedicated graphics card is involved. The computer’s cover can be entirely detached, providing a clear view of the installation process, as depicted in the image gallery above.

Regarding organization in your workspace, the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is conveniently enclosed within the computer itself, minimizing mess and keeping things tidy. However, one minor issue I’ve noticed pertains to the relatively short power cord included with the neo Ultra.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Performance and AI

The ThinkCentre neo Ultra has something inside that I’ve never seen before. Alongside the desktop-class Intel CPU and NVIDIA GPU, there’s a Kinsara Ara-2 discrete Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with 40 TOPS of power designed specifically for AI acceleration. Eager to test it out, I set up the usual AI benchmarks we use for AI PCs. I quickly ran into an issue large enough to warrant its own article, but I’ll recap here.

Although the discrete NPU appeared in the Windows 11 Device Manager, I couldn’t find it elsewhere. Not even Lenovo’s Vantage application, designed exclusively for their PCs, detected its presence. No tests seemed relevant when I was toggling the NPU on and off via the Device Manager. Considering it might be a problem with the testing software or my own inexperience, I sought assistance from Lenovo support.

The ThinkCentre neo Ultra has something inside that I’ve never seen before.

The reply wasn’t what I was expecting. As it turns out, the NPU can’t be utilized by anything until Lenovo provides a software update. However, there’s no date set for when that software update might arrive, so anyone who spends the extra $125 on the discrete NPU will have to wait. OK, we’re still in the “Wild West” period of AI PCs, with software and hardware at a mismatch as both try to keep up with the frantic pace of AI model progress.

What’s worse is the lack of transparency on Lenovo’s website. Nowhere on the product page is it mentioned that the NPU, if purchased and included in the PC, does nothing while it waits for a software update that’s yet to be confirmed. At best, it’s disingenuous on Lenovo’s part.

In a related piece, I expressed my concerns about AI benchmarking tools and marketing for AI PCs, revealing that these technologies are largely overhyped with few practical applications for typical computer users. Lenovo should be transparent in admitting that their NPU is currently not functional, rather than concealing the truth by relying on general ignorance about artificial intelligence computing.

Without dwelling on the NPU’s pre-installation in the PC, since it’s an additional purchase, let me tell you that the ThinkCentre neo Ultra is quite a nimble performer. As always, I conducted a 30-minute system stress test to evaluate its heat management capabilities.

During the Turbo boost, the Core i7-14700 rapidly reached 98 degrees Celsius, causing a 9% thermal throttle for a brief spell. For the remainder of the test, the CPU maintained around 87 degrees Celsius without throttling. It consumed approximately 65W while operating at roughly 2.98GHz, spiking up to 5.2GHz during the Turbo period. Simultaneously, the GPU hotspot peaked at 83 degrees, subsequently dropping to 78 degrees as the fans increased speed. The GPU drew 112W and ran at approximately 2.6GHz throughout the stress test.

I captured some pictures using my FLIR camera to locate where the heat was escaping. The images in the following gallery show that the low exhaust temperature is approximately 60°C, while the entire casing heats up to around 27°C. As far as I’m concerned, you won’t encounter any issues as long as the exhaust isn’t aimed towards you (and why would it be?).

Additionally, I conducted individual tests on the CPU, observing thermal throttling ranging from 3% to 7% with Turbo mode activated. When the GPU wasn’t under pressure, the CPU stabilized at a more acceptable temperature of around 82°C. It’s important to note that the SODIMM RAM tends to heat up significantly when the CPU is working hard because of its internal positioning. The RAM temperatures reached as high as 90°C during my tests focused solely on the CPU.

During a full system stress test, the sound level from the cooling system increased to approximately 52 decibels when standing behind the computer (near the exhaust), or roughly 45 decibels when positioned in front. On the higher end, this is similar to normal conversation volume. While idling, the system produces around 25 decibels of noise, which is only slightly louder than a whisper.

After conducting a stress test, I proceeded to run our standard suite of benchmarks to evaluate the PC’s performance relative to similar devices we’ve recently assessed.

Apart from you, I too conducted the Handbrake Tears of Steel (4K) test. This test lasted for approximately 1,764 seconds to finish. This performance is quite impressive, surpassing all the laptops we’ve tested so far by a significant difference; the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) comes closest with a time of 2,725 seconds.

Because the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) wasn’t functioning, I was limited in testing AI performance beyond the RTX 4060 GPU. In Procyon’s AI Image test using Stable Diffusion 1.5, the GPU managed a score of 1,226. When tested with Geekbench AI’s ONNX model, the result was 6,399. These scores are as expected, but I wanted to remind you that the NPU isn’t operational until Lenovo releases a software update; the release date is yet to be confirmed.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Features, security, and warranty

Lenovo’s ThinkCentre computers are designed specifically for professional use, offering a variety of security features on the neo Ultra model to safeguard your important information.

Primarily, Lenovo’s ThinkShield suite is what sets their products apart, encompassing features such as a dTPM 2.0 chip and security at both the BIOS and firmware levels. Intel further enhances this security and offers professional management through its vPro Enterprise tools in their CPUs. If you’re looking for a computer that prioritizes security, the neo Ultra is quite comprehensive in its offerings.

Lenovo’s ThinkCentre computers are designed for professional use, boasting numerous security features to safeguard your information within the neo Ultra model.

As a tech enthusiast, I absolutely love the convenience of Lenovo’s Smart Connect feature on my PC. When I’m juggling multiple devices at once, it’s incredibly handy! This feature enables my mouse and keyboard to seamlessly work across compatible devices, making multitasking a breeze. Plus, it offers additional benefits like synced notifications, a universal clipboard for copy-paste across platforms, and a centralized file-sharing hub.

Regarding the warranty, the duration varies based on your purchase method. Every model comes with a default one-year coverage, but you have an option to extend it further. You can enhance features like onsite assistance and Premier Support Plus (which offers an extensive range of support options) for up to five years.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Competition

From what I’ve gathered, the ThinkCentre neo Ultra appears to be the unique PC in its class that incorporates a discrete NPU specifically for AI applications. Unfortunately, it’s currently idle. If and when it becomes operational, Lenovo claims it will collaborate with the GPU to manage AI tasks more efficiently, making it an appealing choice for creators and developers who value both raw power and NPU hardware.

Without an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) built-in, the Neo Ultra functions primarily as a compact desktop computer with robust enterprise-level security and management capabilities. From this perspective, it indeed delivers on many fronts. Nevertheless, some users may find these additional features costly, making alternative mini PCs, which we’ve tested, appear more appealing due to their lower price points.

According to Windows Central Editor Rebecca Spear, both the ASUS ROG NUC 970 and the ASUS ROG G22CH received high ratings from gamers. Each device comes equipped with a discrete GPU, ensuring that they won’t take up much space on your desk. The ASUS ROG G22CH can be purchased for approximately $2,534 at Newegg, while the ASUS ROG NUC 970 is typically priced around $1,800 at B&H.

Don’t worry if you’re on a budget; some affordable mini PCs forgo discrete GPUs to reduce costs. For instance, the Beelink EQR6, which we’ve reviewed, starts at around $329 and excels in handling everyday productivity tasks. Regarding Lenovo, the IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8), a model we’ve praised favorably, begins at approximately $490 and is significantly more compact than the neo Ultra.

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Scorecard

Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if …

✅ You’d like desktop performance without traditional desktop size.

✅ You weren’t going to add the discrete NPU for $125 anyway.

✅ You have a desktop setup with a lot of external monitors.

✅ You can take advantage of Lenovo’s ThinkShield security suite and other business features.

You should not buy this if …

❌ You need to lean on an NPU for AI work, as it’s not functional for the time being.

❌ You want a mini PC that’s designed specifically for gaming.

❌ You don’t need business features and don’t want to pay extra for them.

The Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra appears intriguing, but falls short of its promised capabilities. Regrettably, the optional Kinara Ara-2 NPU, priced at an additional $125, is not functional until Lenovo releases a software update – information that is not disclosed on their website. With no definite date for this update, purchasing it seems like unnecessary spending. This incident serves as a reminder to me about the exaggerations in AI marketing and underscores the fact that current AI testing tools are still far from perfect.

Ignoring the NPU concern for now and focusing on the PC configuration without additional hardware, Lenovo has done an impressive job. It’s highly secure due to ThinkShield and vPro Intel chips, boasting desktop components that outperform their laptop counterparts (commonly found in other mini PCs). The design is sleek, making it a stylish addition to any desk. While I would prefer more contemporary ports like USB4 or Thunderbolt 4, the extensive video support will undoubtedly delight users of multiple screens.

This computer is quite pricey, however, Lenovo frequently offers it as part of their “permanently discounted” section, a common feature for ThinkPad laptops. If you’re a professional considering this PC, it might be wiser to forego the NPU and wait for it to go on sale instead.

2024-12-11 17:10

This intriguing mini PC is missing a crucial AI element, but it’s otherwise sleek with desktop-class RTX power