ThinkCentre M series
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | IBM ThinkCentre |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | IBM |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Desktop computers (towers, small form factor, ultra small form factor, all-in-one) |
| Owner | Lenovo |
The M-series desktops belong to Lenovo's ThinkCentre lineup. Originally developed by IBM, Lenovo took over the ThinkCentre brand after acquiring IBM's Personal Computing Division (PCD) in 2005. Since that acquisition, Lenovo has produced M-series desktops in multiple form factors, such as conventional towers, small form factor units, ultra small form factor models, and all-in-one (AIO) systems.
2003
In 2003, IBM revamped and reintroduced the ThinkCentre series with the launch of the M50 desktop model.
M50
Released in 2003, the M50 was equipped with:
- Processor: Intel Pentium 4 running at 3.0 GHz
- Memory: 256 MB PC2700 DDR
- Storage: 40 GB hard drive spinning at 7200 RPM
- Graphics: Intel Extreme 2 integrated graphics with 64MB shared video RAM
- Optical drive: 48x speed CD-ROM
- Audio: SoundMAX Cadenza audio chipset without built-in speakers
- Operating system: Windows XP Professional
- USB connectivity: eight USB 2.0 ports
Although accessible to individual consumers, the M50 was primarily targeted at corporate users due to its modest storage capacity and basic graphics capabilities.
2005
After Lenovo's acquisition of IBM's PCD, the ThinkCentre M52 desktop was introduced in May 2005.
M52
Designed for business environments emphasizing reliability and security, the M52 included a 3 GHz Pentium 4 processor, support for up to 4 GB of RAM, an 80 GB hard disk, eight USB 2.0 ports, two serial ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and VGA output. Its chassis featured a tool-free design to facilitate easy servicing, meeting the demands of corporate IT departments.
2006
In September 2006, Lenovo expanded the ThinkCentre lineup by launching the M55, M55p, and M55e desktop models.
M55
The ThinkCentre M55 earned praise from PC World as a compact and quiet business computer engineered for straightforward maintenance and upgrades. It was well-suited for standardized office deployments. Its main specifications included:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 at 1.86 GHz
- Memory: 1 GB DDR2 RAM
- Storage: 80 GB hard drive
While capable of running Windows Vista Business, it was shipped with Windows XP. The chassis was designed smaller than earlier versions to better accommodate office settings.
M55p
The ThinkCentre M55p came with:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
- Memory: 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
- Storage: 160 GB SATA hard drive at 7200 RPM
- Graphics: Intel GMA 3000 Integrated with 256 MB shared memory
- Audio: Intel HD Audio
- Optical drive: 16x Dual Layer DVD reader/writer
- USB ports: Ten USB 2.0 connections
- Operating system: Windows XP Professional
About.com characterized the M55p as a dependable general-purpose business machine but pointed out its limitations regarding multimedia performance and storage size.
M55e
The ThinkCentre M55e desktop offered:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 at 1.86 GHz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel GMA 3000 integrated graphics
- Storage: 250 GB hard disk drive
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
- Display: 22-inch LED widescreen monitor
PCMag emphasized its dual-core processor, compact design, enterprise-level components, inclusion of ThinkVantage Technologies, and a three-year on-site warranty as significant benefits. However, it noted drawbacks including a relatively high price point, a limited 90-day subscription for Symantec client security software, and absence of a DVD writer.
2007
In September 2007, Lenovo launched the ThinkCentre M57 and M57p desktop models.
M57 and M57p
These desktops were the first in their category to obtain GREENGUARD certification, alongside earning EPEAT Gold and Energy Star 4.0 distinctions. They utilized recycled consumer plastics and were equipped with up to Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a maximum of 2 GB DDR2 RAM, integrated graphics, and hard drives up to 160 GB.
M57 Eco and M57p Eco
Lenovo unveiled the environmentally conscious M57 Eco and M57p Eco in March 2008. These ultra-compact desktops were engineered for minimal energy usage. Desktop Review noted that the M57 Eco consumed significantly less power than traditional desktops, rivaling energy-efficient laptops.
Key features of the M57 Eco included:
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 at 3 GHz
- Graphics: Integrated Intel X3100
- Memory: Up to 4 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
- Storage: 160 GB 7200 RPM HDD
- Optical Drive: DVD burner
- Operating System: Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
- Size: 11.8 x 9.4 x 3.2 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7 lbs
The M57p Eco offered the same technical specifications.
M58
Lenovo introduced the M58 desktop in October 2008, featuring:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad at 2.33 GHz
- Storage: Up to 500 GB HDD
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Optical Drive: DVD writer
- Graphics: Intel GMA 4500
- Audio: Intel HD audio support
- USB Ports: Eight available
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista
M58p
The M58p was aimed at business users, offering improved features along with Lenovo’s OEM software, warranty options, and support services. Specifications included:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 at 3.00 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1066 MHz
- Storage: 250 GB SATA HDD at 7200 RPM
- Audio: Integrated HD audio with speakers
- Graphics: Integrated solution
- Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
Optional Small Form Factor configurations allowed:
- Processors up to Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (3.0 GHz)
- RAM capacity up to either 8 or 16 GB DDR3 (with BIOS update)
- Storage options up to two drives of 1 TB each at 7200 RPM SATA
- Graphics cards up to NVIDIA GT 1030 or GTX 750 Ti
- Operating System upgrade to Genuine Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
Desktop Review praised its premium build, portability aided by a carry handle, and expansion possibilities, while noting the price point and lack of DVI ports as potential limitations.
2009
In 2009, Lenovo expanded its ThinkCentre M-series with the introduction of the M58e desktop, which included a Small Form Factor variant featuring a BTX motherboard.
M58e
Released in March 2009, the ThinkCentre M58e offered:
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 running at 3 GHz
- Memory: Up to 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Integrated Intel GMA 4500 MHD
- Storage Capacity: 320 GB HDD
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
This model held EPEAT Gold certification and complied with Energy Star standards. It was also compatible with solar charging solutions. PC Mag described it as a mid-tier business computer equipped with Intel vPro technology and IT-friendly capabilities, making it well-suited for expanding enterprises.
2010
Lenovo's product lineup in 2010 included the ThinkCentre models M70e, M70z, M90, and M90z.
M70e
The specifications for the M70e desktop were as follows:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 at 3 GHz
- Chipset: Intel G41 Express
- Memory: Up to 4 GB DDR3 running at 1066 MHz
- Storage: 500 GB SATA hard drive
- Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 integrated GPU
- Audio: Built-in HD audio support
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
M90
Introduced in 2010, the Lenovo M90 desktop came equipped with a 3.33 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, supporting up to 4 GB of DDR3 memory and a maximum of 500 GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive storage. Its graphics capabilities were powered by an Intel GMA X4500 GPU, and it featured a DVD read/write drive within a compact chassis measuring 10.78 by 9.37 by 3.07 inches.
The M90 received the "PCPro Recommended" accolade, achieving five out of six stars, recognized for its high-quality design and robust performance tailored to demanding professional environments, despite carrying a relatively premium price tag.
M90z
Also released in 2010, the M90z represented Lenovo’s all-in-one desktop solution aimed at business professionals. It was configured with a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5-650 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 500 GB of storage, Intel GMA HD graphics, and a dual-layer DVD reader/writer. The system showcased a 23-inch HD widescreen display capable of 1920x1080 resolution and included six USB 2.0 ports.
PCMag commended the M90z for its space-saving design, HD display quality, multi-touch capability, solid hardware combination, adjustable stands, and straightforward maintenance. However, critiques were directed at the matte screen’s muted color reproduction, the lack of an eSATA port, and the necessity of a DVI adapter.
Computer Shopper described the M90z as "excessive for typical office tasks," yet pointed out that customizable options could lower costs while maintaining powerful performance suitable for large-screen office computing.
M71e
The ThinkCentre M71e desktop targeted small to medium enterprises with an Intel Core i5-2500 CPU, 4 GB DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB 7200 RPM hard disk, and AMD Radeon HD 5450 graphics. It delivered satisfactory performance for routine office applications with good responsiveness and maintained low noise levels despite having three cooling fans. The DVD drive operated smoothly with minimal delay. Although it lacked modern features like USB 3.0, it retained legacy connectivity such as PS/2 ports. Internally, the layout was simple but somewhat cluttered. A key business benefit was its one-year on-site warranty. Connectivity included four USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, DVI and DisplayPort outputs, plus analog audio jacks.
M71z
The M71z all-in-one stood out as a business PC offering an optional multi-touch touchscreen alongside a default non-touch 20-inch display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels. The screen delivered decent color fidelity but relatively low brightness at approximately 210.8 cd/m². Powered by an Intel Core i3-2100 processor with integrated Intel HD 2000 graphics, it managed standard office workloads effectively but was not suited for graphics-heavy software due to absence of a discrete GPU. The system was characterized by low power consumption, minimal heat generation, and quiet operation. Its build quality featured matte black plastic construction; the keyboard and mouse were dependable and responsive. Key specifications included support for up to 8 GB RAM, storage options comprising either a 1 TB HDD or a 160 GB SSD, and WiFi connectivity supporting standards a/b/g/n.
M75e
The ThinkCentre M75e desktop earned praise from SlashGear for its processing capabilities combined with its compact footprint. It retained Lenovo’s signature practical design with easy component access secured by just two chassis screws.
Powered by an AMD Athlon II X4 640 processor alongside 4 GB DDR3 RAM and a 500 GB hard drive, it featured ATI Radeon HD 3000 discrete graphics and supported dual monitors in its standard configuration. An optional half-height graphics card upgrade allowed support for up to four separate displays.
Despite its small form factor restricting cooling space, the desktop maintained stable operating temperatures. However, fan noise was noted as louder than some rivals due to occasional bursts at high speeds.
Core specifications:
- Processor: up to AMD Phenom II X4 B9x series
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional/Home Premium/Home Basic)
- Chipset: AMD 750G + SB710
- Storage: up to 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD
- Memory: up to 16 GB DDR3
- Graphics:
- ATI Radeon HD 3000 (integrated)
- NVIDIA Quadro FX380
- NVIDIA GeForce 310
M77
Unveiled on October 28, 2011, the ThinkCentre M77 introduced enhancements including AMD FX processors and support for up to 16 GB of RAM. Lenovo marketed this model as offering processing capabilities once reserved for high-end desktops. It was released in both tower and compact form factor options.
The system incorporated Enhanced Experience 3.0 technology, allowing startup durations under 30 seconds. Optional discrete AMD Radeon graphics cards enabled support for up to four separate displays. Additional features tailored for business use included a maximum 1 TB hard drive, eight USB 2.0 ports, a 25-in-1 memory card reader, Trusted Platform Module security, and hard drive encryption.
M82
The M82 comes in either Tower or Small Form Factor (SFF) variants.
Specifications:
- Standard Tower:
- Processor: 2nd Generation Intel Core i3-2120 (3.3 GHz)
- Operating System: Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
- Memory: 4 GB DDR3
- Storage: Single 500 GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive
- Graphics: Integrated chipset
- Customizable Tower:
- Processor: Up to 3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3770 (3.4 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo)
- Operating System: Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
- Memory: Up to 8 GB DDR3
- Storage: Up to two 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA drives
- Graphics: Up to AMD Radeon HD 7450 discrete GPU
M92/M92p
Designed for business environments, the M92p is available in Tower, Small Form Factor, and Tiny configurations. It supports Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors paired with DDR3-1600 memory and integrated Intel HD Graphics 2000. Storage options include both HDD and SSD formats. A notable upgrade from the M91p is the inclusion of four USB 3.0 ports instead of USB 2.0.
A review from ZDNet recognized the M92p as a reliable small form factor PC for business use, offering scalable performance through configurable options.
Specifications (Tower):
- Processor:
- Intel Core i7-3770
- Intel Core i5-3470/3550/3570
- Intel Core i3-2120/2130
- Operating System:
- Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
- Windows 8 Pro
- Memory: Up to 32 GB DDR3
- Storage: Up to a 128 GB SSD or dual 1 TB 7200 RPM HDDs
- Graphics: AMD Radeon HD7350 or HD7450
M93/M93p
The M93 and M93p models are offered in Tower, Small Form Factor, and Tiny versions.
Specifications (Tower):
- Processor:
- Intel Core i7-4770/4790
- Intel Core i5-4430/4440S/4570/4670
- Intel Core i3-4130/4330
- Intel Pentium Dual Core G3220/G3420/G3430
- Intel Celeron G1820/G1830
- Operating System:
- Windows 7 (various editions)
- Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro
- Memory: Supports up to 32 GB DDR3 (four slots of up to 8 GB each)
- Storage: Up to a 180 GB SSD or a single 2 TB 7200 RPM HDD
- Graphics Options:
- Integrated Intel graphics
- ATI Radeon HD8470
- NVIDIA GeForce GT620 or GT630
M83
Available in Mini Tower, Small Form Factor, or Tiny Form Factor layouts, the M83 offers flexible configurations.
Specifications (Mini Tower):
- Processor:
- Intel Core i7-4770
- Intel Core i5-4570/4670
- Intel Core i3-4130/4330
- Operating System:
- Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
- Windows 8.1 (64-bit) / Pro (64-bit)
- Memory: Up to 32 GB DDR3 RAM
- Storage: Options include up to a 180 GB SSD or a 2 TB 7200 RPM HDD
- Graphics:
- Integrated Intel graphics
- ATI Radeon HD8470 or HD8570
- NVIDIA GeForce GT620
M900/M900x
Introduced in December of 2015, the M900 series encompasses Tower, Small Form Factor, and Tiny Form Factor models. The M900x is specifically available only as a Tiny Form Factor unit.
Specifications (Tower):
- Processor:
- Intel Core i7-6700
- Intel Core i5-6400/6500
- Intel Core i3-6100
- Operating System:
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 10 Home or Pro editions
- Memory: Up to 32 GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: Supports up to a 512 GB SSD or a single 2 TB 7200 RPM HDD
- Graphics:
- Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce GT 720 with either 1 GB or 2 GB VRAM
- NVIDIA Quadro K420 with 2 GB VRAM
M700 series
| Model | Revision | Category | Launch Date | Processor | Graphics | RAM | Storage | Connectivity | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M700 | M700 | Tower | January 2016 | Intel 6th generation Core | 2x 3.5" SATA |
| |||
| Small | Maximum 2x16 GB DDR4 2133MHz | ||||||||
| Tiny | Intel 6th generation Core 35W | Intel HD Graphics 510/530 |
|
||||||
| M710 | M710t | Tower | February 2017 | Intel 6th/7th generation Core | Up to 4x16 GB DDR4 2400MHz | ||||
| M710s | Small | ||||||||
| M710q | Tiny | * Intel 6th gen Core 35W
|
|
Up to 2x16 GB DDR4 2400MHz SO-DIMM |
| ||||
| M715 | M715t | Tower | June 2017 | * AMD A6, A10, or A12 APUs
|
Up to 4x16 GB DDR4 2400MHz SO-DIMM | ||||
| M715s | Small | ||||||||
| M715q | Tiny | AMD A6, A10, or A12 APUs | Maximum of 2x16 GB DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMM | ||||||
| M715q gen 2 | Tiny | July 2018 | * AMD A6, A10, or A12 APUs
|
Windows 10 Pro |
Product Specifications Reference (historical entries)
2021
Nano Desktops:
- ThinkCentre M75n, M75n IoT, and M75n Thin Client models
- ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano and its IoT variants
Tiny Desktops:
- ThinkCentre M60e, M625 Tiny Thin Client, M630e Tiny
- ThinkCentre M70q, M70q Gen 2, M720 Tiny, M75q Gen 2, and M75q Tiny
- ThinkCentre M80q, M90q, M90q Gen 2, and M920 Tiny
- ThinkSmart Edition Tiny models: M80q and M920q tailored for Logitech, Poly, Zoom Rooms
Small Form Factor (SFF) Desktops:
- ThinkCentre models including M70s, M70c, M720 SFF, and M75s Gen 2
- ThinkCentre series: M80s, M90s, and M920 SFF
Tower Desktops:
- ThinkCentre lineup featuring M70t, M720 Tower, and M75t Gen 2
- Additional Tower models such as the M80t, M90t, and M920 Tower
2020
Nano Desktops:
- ThinkCentre’s M75n series alongside the M90n-1 Nano line (including IoT and Thin Client versions)
Tiny Desktops:
- ThinkCentre models: M70q, M80q; plus the M625 Tiny and Thin Client; and the M630e Tiny
- Second generation of the ThinkCentre M715 Tiny and its Thin Client variant; also includes the M720 Tiny; the Gen 2 and Tiny versions of the M75q; as well as the M90q; plus the tiny-focused models like the M920 Tiny and Tinyx
- ThinkSmart Edition Tiny model: the M920q designed for Logitech, Poly, Zoom Rooms
Small Form Factor Desktops:
- ThinkCentre product lines including the series: M70s, M70c, M720 SFF and SFFe; also the newer models such as the Gen 2 version of the M75s; plus the higher-end options like the M80s, M90s, and the flagship-like M920 SFF
Tower Desktops:
- ThinkCentre offerings including the original and Gen 2 versions of the M70t and the versatile models such as the M720 Tower up to premium-level units like the M920 Tower
2019
Nano Desktops:
- The ThinkCentre line featuring the Nano model: specifically the M90n-1 Nano along with its IoT editions
Tiny Desktops:
- Models ranging from entry-level options like the M600 through to advanced generations including Thin Client variants (M600, 625,630e series) and high-performance units such as the ThinkCentre’s premium models like the M910 and latest Tiny series (M920 variants)
Small Form Factor Desktops:
- Spanning entry-level units such as those in the M710 series through to more advanced options in the higher-tiered lineup like the ThinkCentre’s flagship-like models in the M910 series
Tower Desktops:
- Encompasses a broad range from lower-tier towers such as those in the ThinkCentre’s early-stage offerings (M710) through to top-tier premium tower desktops exemplified by models like the ThinkCentre’s flagship-level units (M920)
2018
Highlighted product lines included:
- The ThinkCentre Tiny desktop range covering from initial generations such as the model series starting at the M600 up to more recent iterations including Thin Client configurations
- Small Form Factor and Tower desktops addressing mid-range to high-end business requirements within ranges spanning from models like the ThinkCentre’s mid-series (M710) through to advanced business-class units (M920 series)
2017
Primary focus was on:
- The ThinkCentre Tiny desktop family represented by models in the mid-range segment such as those in the initial generation of the series (M600)
- Small Form Factor and Tower desktops targeting mid-market business customers with offerings ranging from mid-level performance machines within model numbers like those found in both the mid-tier SFF (M710) and tower lines extending up to advanced configurations in series such as the ThinkCentre’s higher-end (M910)
2016
The product portfolio featured:
- Tiny desktops spanning entry-level configurations starting with models like those in the initial generation of the series (M600) through to high-performance solutions exemplified by advanced models in ranges such as those represented by units within the ThinkCentre’s upper-tier lineup (M900 series)
- Small Form Factor and Tower desktops addressing a variety of market segments with multiple options available across ranges including early-stage through premium business-class systems within model families spanning from earlier generations (M700) up to more recent releases (M900)
2015
The lineup included:
- Thin Clients exemplified by products like the ThinkCentre’s compact unit modelled as the M32
- Tiny desktops covering a spectrum from entry-level devices through to more advanced configurations within families such as those represented by models from early-stage units (M53) up to more powerful iterations like those found in advanced units (M93p)
- Small Form Factor and Tower desktops designed to meet diverse enterprise requirements ranging from mid-tier offerings such as those within model ranges like the ThinkCentre’s mid-series (M73) up to high-end business desktops
2014
Product range comprised:
- Thin Clients along with Tiny desktop solutions optimized for small form factor needs
- Small Form Factor and Tower desktops tailored for various enterprise applications with product lines spanning model generations including earlier releases such as those in series ranging from mid-level business systems (M73) through to advanced units exemplified by models like those found in later releases (M93p)
External links
- Lenovo M Series Tiny desktops official page Desktop Computers | Desktop PCs | Lenovo US