Lenovo ThinkCentre M90 review

We’ve seen a number of Lenovo ThinkCentre machines in the past, and we’ve always been impressed by their combination of ingenious easy-access design and powerful specifications. The latest ThinkCentre, the M90, is the smallest and most powerful yet.

We’re pleased to report that the compact dimensions – the M90 measures just 275mm across and 78mm tall – don’t mean a compromise when it comes to usability. The M90 folds open like a book and, while it doesn’t open wide enough to lay flat on a desk, the system’s various components are all within easy reach.

The motherboard, for instance, can be lifted entirely out of the lid by releasing two purple catches, and its pair of SODIMM slots are easily accessible. The other end of the board is home to a PCI slot that’s been rotated to sit horizontally on the PC. While space is restricted – there’s only room inside the case for low-profile cards, unlike the full-size Dell Optiplex 980 – this still allows for sensible upgrades such as the addition of a wireless card.

Other components can be accessed just as simply. The hard disk sits in a purple, plastic caddy and is held in place by small rods rather than screws, so it can be effortlessly popped out and replaced, while four small screws unlock the CPU heatsink and allow access to the LGA 1156 processor socket.

The only component that puts up a fight is the DVD writer, which is fully encased in metal and offers no easy solution for removal – the only way to unseat this part is to separate the two halves of the machine, and that requires special tools.

We were also slightly disappointed to note that Lenovo’s colour-coding – so prevalent in the preceding ThinkCentre A58 – has taken a back seat. While removable components such as the hard disk and motherboard are signified by purple plastic, the motherboard’s various jumpers and power connectors aren’t, so it isn’t as easy to pull apart and put back together again.

Thankfully, Lenovo hasn’t compromised on build quality. The M90’s panels are extremely strong and rigid, and the machine is covered with a sensible matte finish, so fingerprints, scratches and scuffs won’t ruin its looks.

The port selection is mostly fine, with plenty of USB 2 sockets – including two on the front of the machine that can be deactivated – but the M90 does have its quirks: there’s no eSATA, and display output is limited to D-SUB and DisplayPort, with no DVI-I in sight.