I found a mini PC that can be a powerful Windows alternative – and it's not a Mac
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Lenovo’s ThinkStation P3 Tiny is available now starting at $860 for the low-tier configurations, but upgrades will bring it close beyond $2,000.
- There’s some powerful hardware here packed into a tiny frame, and pro users will appreciate its upgradeability and support for up to six monitors.
- It’s pricey, the power supply is almost as big as the device itself, and it’s specialized for the enterprise space.
The aptly named Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny is a small but mighty workstation with huge power despite its diminutive form. It looks more like a router (complete with antenna) than a PC, but it has a broad selection of configurations that serve various functions for pro users in the enterprise space.
When I went hands-on with the ThinkStation P3 Tiny, the first thing I noticed when picking it up was its weight. Yes, it’s small, but this device is heavy thanks to all that hardware crammed into its tiny frame.
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The maximum configuration includes up to a 14th-generation Intel Core i9 processor, Nvidia RTX T1000 GPU, up to two 2TB SSD drives, and up to a whopping 96GB of RAM. My review unit had 16GB of RAM, but the price point of the workstation can vary wildly, depending on the hardware.
To give a ballpark price point, the upper-middle-ground configuration with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD starts at around $2,200, while the cost can dip closer to $1,000 for lighter hardware, and jump up with more RAM and memory.
So, who is this workstation aimed at? The ThinkStation P3 Tiny is first and foremost an enterprise workstation designed for professional workloads. Its small size requires minimal desk space, particularly in settings other than an office, such as a studio.
If you’re looking for out-of-the-box usability, the Tiny can also be bundled with supported Lenovo peripherals, including keyboards and mice. Lenovo’s Premier Support offers on-site and virtual hardware and software support.
The workstation has plenty of raw horsepower to blaze through basic tasks like web browsing and multitasking. For architecture, design, or finance professionals, the large amounts of on-device storage and CPU power will cover all your bases, especially with the potential to upgrade.
In my testing, 4K 60fps video editing in DaVinci Resolve performed seamlessly, with fast renders and minimal lag. However, there was some choppiness when the technology was pushed with more demanding commands, which is to be expected. When it comes to drafting and modeling, this machine is designed to run industry-standard software like AutoCAD or Revit.
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I also want to mention Linux support. If you’re keen to break your dependency on Windows and want a powerful Linux machine, the ThinkStation P3 Tiny can come with Linux Ubuntu pre-installed at purchase, saving you $100 off the price without Windows.
I wouldn’t recommend taking this step unless you are committed to using a Linux-powered workstation. However, it’s a solid option for Linux out of the box, especially if you have prior experience and use a PC with a soon-to-be-expired version of Windows.
Continuing with its enterprise-first use case, this machine is easy to open up, which is key for sustainable support. The top of the device slides right off with one screw, revealing the CPU, GPU, and other internal components that can be replaced or upgraded as needed.
Conversely, the bottom of the device is easily popped off to access the dual RAM slots and two M.2 NVMe SSDs. The device comes with a Samsung SSD via PCI 4.0, which achieved fast transfer speeds in our CrystalDiskMark read and write speed tests.
The machine also boasts extensive ports and connectivity options, both on the front and back. The front features two 10GB/second USB-A ports and a USB-C (note: not a Thunderbolt port) with a headphone jack.
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On the back, you’ve got four mini DisplayPorts that jack right into the GPU, enabling professional-grade visuals for the enterprise setting. There’s also an HDMI and DisplayPort that run off the CPU, allowing for six external displays simultaneously.
The ThinkStation P3 Tiny’s power supply is anything but. The gigantic power brick is almost as big as the Tiny itself, supplying 300W of power to the device and requiring some thought for setting up. I recommend not placing the power supply on top of the PC, as both are heat sources. Also, this isn’t a gaming laptop, but the hardware can be carried if a user has gaming inclinations.
ZDNET’s buying advice
If you’re in the market for a pro-minded mini PC, Lenovo’s ThinkStation P3 Tiny is a solid choice, offering a highly customizable form factor, support for Linux, and a veritable library of ports. I would recommend this device for pro users in an enterprise setting, particularly for IT teams looking to supply a team with multiple devices using the same configuration.
This PC is well-suited for creative production in a studio setting with a ton of horsepower in a small frame and support for up to six external monitors. If the above two sentences don’t immediately resonate with your desired use case, I would say this machine isn’t the best option. It’s not particularly cheap, even on the low-end.
If you’re looking for a more consumer-friendly mini PC, I recommend Apple’s Mac Mini M4, which is a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for a mini PC oriented to gaming, check out Minisforum’s AI X1 Pro.
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
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Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
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