Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x ZDNET's key takeaways The Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x is available now for $849 at Best Buy.
It provides reliable performance thanks to its Snapdragon X Plus processor, ample RAM, and a decent selection of ports.
Graphical performance is limited, and app compatibility issues could be a concern. View now at Lenovo View now at Best Buy more buying choices
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Back in December, my desktop died. I still don't know exactly what happened, but the outcome was clear: I needed a new one. Thankfully, I had the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x on hand. I was skeptical, but this mini PC, which launched at the end of 2025, delivered an experience surprisingly close to my usual setup. And it's one I recommend if you're on a budget.
The recent AI craze has seen developers gobble up as much RAM as they can get their hands on, driving PC prices to new heights and leaving companies struggling to find components. I've seen modern laptops with only 16GB of RAM retail for $1,500. Mini PCs like Lenovo's IdeaCentre are a great alternative because they offer performance comparable to, and sometimes even better than, modern laptops.
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In this particular instance, it's definitely better because the IdeaCentre model that I reviewed comes with 32GB of RAM to deliver high speed and power, while also being cheaper at just $900 at the time of this writing. Granted, it's not as portable as a laptop, but the upsides are too good to ignore.
Why we like it
Compared to other mini PCs I've tested, this device is a bit on the larger side, measuring 1.68 x 7.68 x 7.52 inches and weighing just under four pounds. It reminds me a lot of the old Mac Minis before the redesign. It doesn't take up a lot of space, but if you find it too big for your desk, Lenovo includes a small vertical stand that props the computer upright.
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