When it comes to mini PCs, there’s always an interest in finding the right balance between compact design and performance. The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny fits into this niche as a workstation designed for professional use cases where space is limited but more computing power than a single chip NUC-style PC is needed.
We take a look at the Tiny in this video review.
This small form factor PC isn’t intended for gaming enthusiasts but is targeted toward industrial and professional environments requiring reliable performance. The model I tested is priced around $2,000 (compensated affiliate link) and comes with an Intel Core i7-14700 processor featuring 20 cores (8 performance and 12 efficiency), 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and an NVIDIA T1000 GPU with 8GB of video memory. Entry-level configurations without a GPU start at about $700.
The build quality is robust, featuring an all-metal case. Accessing the internals is straightforward, with a single screw allowing the top and bottom panels to be removed. The CPU is socketed, so swapping it out for another is possible, while the RAM and storage can also be upgraded via accessible slots on the bottom. Our unit had a free RAM slot along with an open NVME SSD slot. However, the GPU is connected using a proprietary interface, limiting options to Lenovo’s offerings, with the T1000 being the highest-end GPU available for this model.
Ports include several USB-A and USB-C ports, though there is no Thunderbolt support on this particular configuration. It supports up to six external displays, thanks to four mini DisplayPort outputs from the GPU and two additional outputs driven by the Intel integrated graphics. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and a gigabit Ethernet port, although some might find the lack of 2.5Gb Ethernet a drawback given its growing prevalence.
Performance-wise, the ThinkStation P3 Tiny handles professional workloads effectively. In video editing tests using DaVinci Resolve, the system smoothly processed 4K video at 60 frames per second with multiple effects applied. For live video production, the NVIDIA T1000’s hardware encoders provided ample support, accommodating up to eight simultaneous streams – a big bump above what’s available on a consumer-focused Nvidia GPU.
While it’s not marketed as a gaming PC, I tested it with Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1080p on the lowest settings. The frame rates hovered between 60 and 70 fps, which is comparable to other mini PCs we’ve looked at recently with integrated graphics.
But the system surpassed those cheaper Mini PCs in professional workload benchmarks. Using the SPECworkstation 4.0 benchmark, the P3 Tiny demonstrated better results in areas like AI, machine learning, financial services, and media production.
Thermal performance remained stable, even under sustained heavy loads, with a 98.1% pass rate on the 3DMark stress test. However, fan noise was noticeable, comparable to a gaming laptop under load. Power consumption ranged from 25 to 35 watts when idle to around 300 watts under full load.
Linux compatibility is another strength. Lenovo officially supports Linux on this device, offering Ubuntu as a pre-installed option. Opting for Linux instead of Windows can even reduce the cost by $100.
Overall, the ThinkStation P3 Tiny is a good option for professionals needing a compact yet capable workstation. It’s not designed for gaming or general consumer use, but its performance and build quality make it a reliable choice for industrial and professional applications. For those requiring workstation-grade capabilities in a small form factor, this device is worth considering.