ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x is offered now for $849 at Greatest Purchase.
- It offers dependable efficiency due to its Snapdragon X Plus processor, ample RAM, and a good number of ports.
- Graphical efficiency is proscribed, and app compatibility points might be a priority.
extra shopping for selections
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Again in December, my desktop died. I nonetheless do not know precisely what occurred, however the consequence was clear: I wanted a brand new one. Fortunately, I had the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x available. I used to be skeptical, however this mini PC, which launched on the finish of 2025, delivered an expertise surprisingly near my normal setup. And it is one I like to recommend for those who’re on a funds.
The current AI craze has seen builders gobble up as a lot RAM as they will get their fingers on, driving PC costs to new heights and leaving corporations struggling to search out elements. I’ve seen fashionable laptops with solely 16GB of RAM retail for $1,500. Mini PCs like Lenovo’s IdeaCentre are an ideal different as a result of they provide efficiency similar to, and typically even higher than, fashionable laptops.
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On this explicit occasion, it is undoubtedly higher as a result of the IdeaCentre mannequin that I reviewed comes with 32GB of RAM to ship excessive velocity and energy, whereas additionally being cheaper at simply $900 on the time of this writing. Granted, it isn’t as transportable as a laptop computer, however the upsides are too good to disregard.
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Why we prefer it
In comparison with different mini PCs I’ve examined, this machine is a bit on the bigger facet, measuring 1.68 x 7.68 x 7.52 inches and weighing just below 4 kilos. It jogs my memory a number of the previous Mac Minis earlier than the redesign. It would not take up a number of house, however for those who discover it too huge to your desk, Lenovo features a small vertical stand that props the pc upright.
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What’s attention-grabbing about this machine is that it’s a part of Lenovo’s ARM-compatible lineup. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 processor, paired with an Andreno graphics card. In case you’re not acquainted with Home windows on ARM, it’s a extra energy-efficient model of Home windows designed that run particular ARM-based chips relatively than conventional Intel and AMD {hardware}.
For years, all these PCs had been successfully seen as much less highly effective. However instances have modified, and Home windows on ARM PCs at the moment are viable alternate options. We have examined a number of such laptops over the past 12 months.
Under is a desk the place I examine the benchmark outcomes of the IdeaCentre Mini x to the Acer Veriton NUC AI, which is the final mini PC I examined, and the Acer Swift Edge 14, a work-centric laptop computer from this 12 months. Wanting on the numbers, you will discover the IdeaCentre outperforms its rivals, averaging a multi-core rating of round 13,290 in Geekbench 6.
In on a regular basis use, the IdeaCentre felt quick and responsive. An enormous consider that velocity is the 32GB of RAM it homes. Searching the web, dealing with normal workplace work, writing in a phrase processor, and doing gentle photograph enhancing all felt easy. I used the PC as my main work laptop through the month my essential desktop was out of fee, and the distinction between the 2 felt nearly indistinguishable.
Graphical efficiency is the place the problems present up, and that is not a shock. This isn’t a machine meant for heavy content material creation. Certain, it handles graphics-intensive duties higher than its rivals, however in comparison with extra creator-focused machines like Samsung’s Galaxy Book6 Extremely, it falls quick.
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I must also level out that it’s doable to play video video games on the IdeaCentre. Monster Hunter Rise was a sport I examined, and it ran completely positive, although I needed to tweak some graphical settings to make the expertise smoother. Nonetheless, as a no-frills PC constructed for on a regular basis duties, there are some limitations on what you may run on Lenovo’s PC. I will get into these restrictions a bit afterward.
Who it is for
The Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x is greatest suited to individuals who need an inexpensive, compact PC for on a regular basis duties or enterprise use. It is quick, dependable, and, most notably, quiet. Even below heavier workloads, the loudest it will get is a delicate hum from the inner fan.
The chassis does heat up a bit throughout sustained use, however by no means to a worrying stage. Connectivity on the IdeaCentre is fairly stable. You get 4 USB-A ports, two USB-C inputs, Ethernet for wired web, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4a for video output, and a headphone/mic combo jack. That is sufficient to assist a full workplace setup full with a number of equipment and exterior shows.
Who ought to look elsewhere
To repeat what I’ve mentioned earlier, this isn’t a PC constructed for exceedingly intensive workloads. If uncooked efficiency is a high precedence, there are stronger choices. Samsung’s aforementioned Galaxy Book6 Extremely outperforms the IdeaCentre throughout each metric. Apple’s M4 Max Mac Studio from final 12 months is one other nice possibility. It is a small laptop that gives considerably higher efficiency than Lenovo’s PC.
Additionally, there’s the compatibility concern with Home windows on ARM. Whereas software program assist has improved considerably over time, not each app can run natively and even be emulated on an ARM-based system. With out getting too deep into the weeds, this hole in assist exists as a result of ARM chips use a special structure than conventional processors. Most main applications run positive on the IdeaCentre, nevertheless.
However there are some exceptions. Google Play Video games doesn’t presently work on Home windows on ARM, for instance. Throughout testing, I discovered a really useful web site referred to as Home windows ARM Software program & Information. It maintains a frequently up to date record of applications that work with Home windows on ARM.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
A number of configurations of the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x can be found. The Snapdragon-powered mannequin that I reviewed usually retails for $1,340, but it surely’s presently on sale for $900. In case you’re seeking to spend much less, the corporate additionally affords an Intel-based model of the IdeaCentre for $550. The pc is a stable different to pricier laptops and desktops. In case you get this PC, I like to recommend testing that Home windows ARM web site to see which apps work and which do not.
