Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny
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Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M700 Tiny puts enterprise desktop parts in a chassis that measures 1.36 inches thin. It shipped in 2015 and 2016 with Intel 6th generation Skylake processors, and it now sells refurbished as a low-cost machine for home offices, basic workstations, and media center builds. Refurbished configurations run from about $128 to $217 depending on the processor and memory. It works as an everyday productivity desktop or as a quiet box mounted behind a monitor.
Cheap and upgradeable, held back by Skylake
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-compact 1.36-inch thin design fits anywhere | Older Intel 6th gen processors limit demanding tasks |
| Dual DisplayPort for multi-monitor setups | No HDMI port without optional adapter |
| Excellent expandability with socketed CPU | M.2 slot is SATA-only, not NVMe |
| 6 USB 3.0 ports for peripherals | WiFi antenna fragile during HDD caddy removal |
| VESA mount compatible for behind-monitor installation | Limited to 35W TDP processors |
| Two drive bays: M.2 SATA plus a 2.5-inch caddy | DDR4-2133 memory tops out at 32GB |
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Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny Comparison Chart
 Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny | Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny | Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny | |
| Price | List Price: $127.72 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $163.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $216.85 Amazon Prices: |
| Version | --- | --- | --- |
| Performance Rating | 2.6 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.50 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Core i5-6500T | Quad-core 2.50 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Core i5-6500T | Quad-core 2.50 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Core i5-6500T |
| GPU | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM | 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM | 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 7.2 x 7.05 x 1.36 inches (182.88 x 179.07 x 34.54 mm) | 7.2 x 7.05 x 1.36 inches (182.88 x 179.07 x 34.54 mm) | 7.2 x 7.05 x 1.36 inches (182.88 x 179.07 x 34.54 mm) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) | 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) | 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| DisplayPort | 2 DisplayPorts (Optional modular slot can add 3rd DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, or serial) | 2 DisplayPorts (Optional modular slot can add 3rd DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, or serial) | 2 DisplayPorts (Optional modular slot can add 3rd DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, or serial) |
| VGA | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 6 USB 3 2 front USB 3.0 with Always On fast charge, 4 rear USB 3.0 | 6 USB 3 2 front USB 3.0 with Always On fast charge, 4 rear USB 3.0 | 6 USB 3 2 front USB 3.0 with Always On fast charge, 4 rear USB 3.0 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| OCuLink | No | No | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (2.5-inch SATA bay with removable caddy) | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (2.5-inch SATA bay with removable caddy) | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (2.5-inch SATA bay with removable caddy) |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm combo | 3.5mm combo | 3.5mm combo |
| Fanless | No | No | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In the Box | Mini PC unit, 65W power adapter, keyboard, mouse, USB WiFi adapter (most listings) | Mini PC unit, 65W power adapter, keyboard, mouse, USB WiFi adapter (most listings) | Mini PC unit, 65W power adapter, keyboard, mouse, USB WiFi adapter (most listings) |
| Expandability | 2x DDR4 SODIMM slots (max 32GB), 1x M.2 SATA, 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay, socketed CPU | 2x DDR4 SODIMM slots (max 32GB), 1x M.2 SATA, 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay, socketed CPU | 2x DDR4 SODIMM slots (max 32GB), 1x M.2 SATA, 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay, socketed CPU |
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Six USB 3.0 ports, dual DisplayPort, and a socketed CPU
The Tiny form factor measures 7.2 x 7.05 x 1.36 inches and weighs under 3 pounds. Its metal and plastic chassis carries the plain, professional look of ThinkCentre business desktops, with subtle branding and no decoration. Two USB 3.0 ports with “Always On” fast charging sit on the front panel beside the headphone jack, while the rear holds four more USB 3.0 ports, dual DisplayPort outputs, gigabit Ethernet, and the power input. Ventilation is placed to keep the 35W TDP processors cool under load, which matters in a case this small.
The i5-6500T and i7-6700T variants stay responsive for web browsing, office productivity, video playback, and light multitasking. Intel HD Graphics 530 drives 4K video output and basic photo editing, though gaming is limited to older titles at low settings. Low power draw and quiet operation are the trade for that limited headroom, and they suit workstations where noise levels matter.
The dual DisplayPort outputs drive two monitors out of the box, and an optional modular slot can add a third output as HDMI, VGA, or serial. Wireless comes from an Intel 8260 dual-band WiFi 5 adapter with Bluetooth 4.1, and a single gigabit Ethernet port covers wired networking. Storage runs to one M.2 2280 SATA slot plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay, so two drives fit at once. The LGA 1151 CPU is socketed rather than soldered, so an owner can move up from an i3 to an i7.
Reviewer Insights
Haiste Computer Repair’s Perspective
Haiste Computer Repair works through the machine from basic specifications to a full motherboard tour. The reviewer particularly appreciates the accessibility of the internal design, noting “I really like the accessibility of this design. It allows the technician to easily access upgrades and extra solutions for the workplace.” RAM and storage swaps are straightforward as a result.
The same video tests general use and light gaming. As the reviewer explains, “This is the lower power draw version of the regular desktop i5-6500 with a TDP of 35 watts as compared to 65 watts,” which is the efficiency trade the Tiny form factor makes. He notes the CPU limits on demanding tasks and still lands on a recommendation for budget buyers: “So, if that is something you are looking for and it’s the right price, I would say give it a shot.”
The teardown flags a fragile WiFi antenna connection when the 2.5-inch drive caddy comes out, which is worth knowing before any internal work. The same walkthrough confirms the 2 DDR4 SODIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of RAM, the M.2 SATA slot, and the socketed CPU.
A cheap refurb for light desktop work
Configurations with 16GB of RAM and SSD storage can be found under $200. Before you buy a used corporate box like this, run through our used mini PC worksheet and its five specs to check first. For web browsing, office productivity, email, and video streaming, it stays compact, quiet, and quick enough, and the dual DisplayPort outputs, six USB 3.0 ports, and socketed CPU go beyond what the price suggests.
The 2015-era Intel 6th generation processors handle those everyday tasks well and struggle with demanding applications or modern games. The M.2 slot takes SATA drives only, so anyone who wants NVMe speed has to look elsewhere.
Budget shoppers can weigh it against newer Intel N100-based systems, which draw similar power with better efficiency but offer less expansion and lighter build quality than enterprise ThinkCentre hardware. Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart lists alternatives across price points and performance levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Lenovo ThinkCentre M700 Tiny run Windows 11?
Yes, and many refurbished units ship with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. The Intel 6th generation processors do not officially meet Microsoft’s requirements, but the install goes through and runs smoothly on this hardware.
What is the maximum RAM supported by the M700 Tiny?
Two SODIMM slots take up to 32GB of DDR4-2133MHz memory. Refurbished units usually arrive with 8GB or 16GB fitted, and filling both slots to the 32GB maximum is straightforward.
Does the M700 Tiny have an HDMI port?
No. The base configuration has two DisplayPort outputs instead. HDMI can be added through the optional modular expansion slot, or through a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter cable for HDMI-only monitors.
Can I upgrade the CPU in the ThinkCentre M700 Tiny?
Yes. The LGA 1151 CPU is socketed, which is unusual for mini PCs, so a lower-end i3 can give way to an i5 or i7 6th generation Skylake chip. The Tiny form factor uses T-series (35W TDP) processors, so only low-power variants are compatible.
Is the M700 Tiny suitable for gaming?
Intel HD Graphics 530 handles older games at low settings; modern titles will not run well. Productivity, web browsing, and media consumption are the workloads it fits.
Does the M700 Tiny support NVMe SSDs?
No, the M.2 slot takes SATA SSDs only, not NVMe PCIe drives. The M.2 2280 SATA slot runs at 6Gbps, the same speed as a standard 2.5-inch SATA SSD. Storage expansion covers both that M.2 slot and the 2.5-inch SATA bay.
Can the M700 Tiny be mounted behind a monitor?
Yes, using the Lenovo Tiny VESA Mount II bracket (sold separately, part number 4XF0N03161). The mini PC then attaches to the back of any VESA-compatible monitor for an all-in-one style setup that saves desk space.