Lenovo ThinkStation P 2023

Basic Information

• Model: The Lenovo ThinkStation P Series (2023) encompasses a range of professional workstations, including the P3 series (Tower, Ultra, Tiny), and the higher-end PX, P7, P5, and P8 models.
• Version: The PX, P7, and P5 models are Gen 1, while the P3 series are successors to the P360.
• Release Date: The P3 series launched in May 2023. The PX, P7, and P5 models were announced in March 2023.
• Minimum Requirements: Specific minimum requirements are not explicitly detailed but are dictated by the supported operating systems and professional software certifications.
• Supported Operating Systems: The series supports Microsoft Windows 11 and various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Specific certifications include RHEL 9.6, RHEL 10.0, Rocky Linux 9.6, Rocky Linux 10.0, Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, and VMware ESXi 9.0.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the configurations and hardware available as of the 2023 releases.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified for individual models. Lenovo offers Premier Support Plus for enhanced technical assistance.
• End of Life Date: Not publicly specified.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not publicly specified.
• License Type: Commercial/Enterprise workstation. Operating system licenses (e.g., Windows 11 Pro) are typically separate.
• Deployment Model: Available in deskside tower (P3 Tower, P5, P7, P8), compact small form factor (P3 Ultra, P3 Tiny), and rack-optimized (PX) configurations.

Technical Specifications

• Processor:
  • P3 Series: Up to 13th Gen Intel Core processors (e.g., Intel Core i7-13700 vPro, up to i9). The P3 Ultra offers up to 13th Gen Intel Core with vPro, featuring up to 24 cores.
  • P5: Intel Xeon W-2400 series processors with up to 24 cores.
  • P7: Intel Xeon W-3400 series processors with up to 56 cores.
  • PX: Dual 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, offering up to 120 cores in total.
  • P8: AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 series processors (e.g., 7945WX 12-core).
• RAM:
  • P3 Tower: Up to 128GB DDR5 4400MHz UDIMMs. ECC memory is not supported on Intel Core i3/i5 configurations.
  • P3 Ultra: Up to 128GB DDR5 4000MHz. ECC memory is not supported on Intel Core i3/i5 configurations.
  • P3 Tiny: Up to 64GB DDR5 4800MHz SODIMMs, supporting non-ECC memory only.
  • P5: Up to 512GB DDR5 ECC memory.
  • P7/PX: Up to 4TB DDR5 ECC memory.
  • P8: Up to 1TB 8-channel DDR5 4800MHz ECC RAM.
• Storage:
  • P3 Tower: Multiple options, including up to 26TB, support for four SATA drives, and at least one M.2 NVMe SSD slot.
  • P3 Ultra: Up to 8TB M.2 storage, with dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs and support for one 2.5-inch SATA drive.
  • P3 Tiny: Features two M.2 slots, with no support for SATA drives.
  • P5: Supports up to 10 drives, including M.2 NVMe SSDs, leveraging PCIe Gen 5 bandwidth.
  • P8: Standard 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Opal SSD, with expansion for three 3.5-inch drives and four M.2 SSDs, or a total of eight M.2 SSDs.
• Display:
  • P3 Tiny: Supports up to six independent displays with a discrete GPU.
  • P3 Ultra: Supports up to eight displays (four with integrated graphics).
  • P5: Configurable with two GPUs to enable up to eight monitors.
• Ports:
  • P3 Tower: Front ports include USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and USB-C Gen 2. Rear ports include multiple USB 2.0.
  • P3 Ultra: Front ports include USB Type-A (10 Gbps) and two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (40 Gbps, one always-on). Rear ports include integrated DisplayPort 1.4.
  • P8: Features USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), multiple USB-C and USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), USB-A 2.0, a 15-in-1 card reader, and three mini DisplayPort outputs.
• Operating System: Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, with support for Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • P3 Tiny: Ultra-compact, approximately 1 liter in volume (9 x 8 x 3.5 inches or 3.9L).
  • P3 Ultra: Small form factor, less than four liters in volume.
  • P3 Tower: Features a 27-liter chassis.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The 2023 Lenovo ThinkStation P Series offers a broad spectrum of technical capabilities, catering to diverse professional needs. The P3 series provides a balance of performance and value in various form factors, from the ultra-compact Tiny to the expandable Tower. These models leverage 13th Gen Intel Core processors and DDR5 memory, making them suitable for everyday professional tasks and entry-level CAD/design work. The higher-end P5, P7, PX, and P8 models are designed for extreme workloads, featuring multi-core Intel Xeon W/Scalable or AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors, massive DDR5 ECC memory capacities (up to 4TB or 1TB depending on the model), and advanced NVIDIA RTX professional GPUs. The inclusion of PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5 support ensures high-speed data transfer and expandability. The range of display outputs and connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 on some models, further enhances their versatility for multi-monitor setups and high-speed peripherals. The series demonstrates a clear focus on delivering cutting-edge performance for demanding professional applications.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: The 2023 lineup represents the latest generation of ThinkStation P series workstations.
• OS Support: Comprehensive support for Windows 11 and major Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux), with specific certifications for various RHEL, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu LTS, and VMware ESXi versions.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified for individual models. Lenovo offers Premier Support Plus, providing 24/7/365 direct access to advanced technicians.
• Localization: As a global manufacturer, Lenovo ThinkStations are available and supported in numerous regions, implying broad localization.
• Available Drivers: Drivers and system updates are available through Lenovo System Update and the official Lenovo support website.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable, as this is a workstation, not a printer.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The Lenovo ThinkStation P Series (2023) demonstrates robust support and compatibility, crucial for enterprise environments. Its extensive operating system support, including the latest Windows and multiple certified Linux distributions, ensures flexibility for various professional workflows. The availability of Lenovo Premier Support Plus highlights a commitment to enterprise-grade service, offering advanced technical assistance and proactive issue resolution. Furthermore, the series boasts ISV certifications for a wide array of professional applications from vendors like Autodesk, Adobe, and Dassault Systèmes, guaranteeing optimal performance and reliability with industry-standard software. This strong compatibility and dedicated support infrastructure make the ThinkStation P Series a reliable choice for demanding professional users.

Security Status

• Security Features: The ThinkStation P Series integrates Lenovo's ThinkShield security solution, offering end-to-end protection. Features include hardware encryption for storage drives, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chips for secure authentication, and physical chassis locks to prevent unauthorized access. Models with Intel vPro processors provide IT administrators with remote management and security capabilities. The series also includes Secured-core PC options, with security deeply integrated across hardware, firmware, and software.
• Known Vulnerabilities: General product marketing does not list specific known vulnerabilities; however, regular security updates and patches are expected.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: The workstations are ISV certified for professional applications, ensuring compatibility and reliability. Some models or their predecessors are eco-certified and built with sustainable materials.
• Encryption Support: Hardware encryption is supported for storage drives.
• Authentication Methods: Secure authentication is facilitated by TPM chips.
• General Recommendations: Leveraging Intel vPro for remote management and utilizing the ThinkShield suite are recommended for enhanced security.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The Lenovo ThinkStation P Series (2023) offers a strong overall security rating, built on a multi-layered approach. The integration of ThinkShield, hardware encryption, and TPM chips provides robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. The availability of Intel vPro technology further empowers IT departments with remote management and security enforcement capabilities, crucial for enterprise deployments. The Secured-core PC designation on some models signifies a high level of security integration from the hardware up. While specific vulnerability details are not publicly disclosed in general product overviews, the comprehensive suite of security features and certifications indicates a strong commitment to protecting sensitive data and maintaining system integrity, making these workstations suitable for environments with stringent security requirements.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • PX: Boasts a 53% average performance gain over the prior generation with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors.
  • P340 (older model): Achieved a PassMark score of 2713 (37th percentile) and a CPU mark of 16,443. (Note: This refers to an older model and is not directly representative of the 2023 lineup).
• Real-world Performance Metrics: The ThinkStation P Series is engineered for demanding workloads such as 3D modeling, CAD, video editing, scientific simulations, machine learning, data science, computer-aided engineering (CAE), reality capture, AI, and high-definition rendering. The P3 Tiny, despite its size, delivers impressive performance, handling 90% of typical professional jobs effectively.
• Power Consumption:
  • P3 Tower: Supports power supplies up to 1100W.
  • P3 Ultra: Available with 170W, 230W, or 300W power supplies.
  • P5: Features a 1500W PSU.
  • P8: Equipped with a 1000W power supply.
• Carbon Footprint: Lenovo is committed to sustainability, increasing the use of recycled materials and post-consumer content (PCC) plastic in components, with a goal to integrate PCC into 100% of PC products by 2025. Some models are eco-certified.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The ThinkStation P Series competes directly with other enterprise workstation lines such as Dell Precision, HP Z line, Acer Veriton K series, and Apple Mac Pro. Mobile workstations like the ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 are noted for performance approaching that of some desktop workstations.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

The 2023 Lenovo ThinkStation P Series delivers exceptional performance across its diverse lineup, tailored for various professional demands. The high-end PX, P7, P5, and P8 models, with their multi-core Intel Xeon Scalable/W or AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors and advanced NVIDIA RTX professional GPUs, are designed to handle the most compute-intensive and graphics-heavy workloads, showing significant performance gains over previous generations. The P3 series, while positioned as entry-level, still offers robust performance for its segment, particularly the P3 Tiny and Ultra which pack considerable power into compact form factors. Power consumption varies widely depending on the model and configuration, reflecting the scalable performance. Lenovo's focus on ISV certifications ensures optimized performance with critical professional software. The series also reflects a growing commitment to environmental responsibility through the use of recycled materials.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Strengths:
  • P3 Tiny: Praised for its ultra-compact design, powerful performance for its size (up to Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA T1000), MIL-STD-810H durability, modular design for easy maintenance, and excellent connectivity options. It is highly recommended for space-saving setups and can support up to six displays.
  • P3 Ultra: Noted for packing exceptional performance into a small chassis, making it ideal for demanding workflows in hybrid or remote environments due to its portability.
  • P3 Tower: Valued for its expandability and affordability as a tower workstation, making it a strong choice for cost-conscious designers, engineers, and students.
  • P5: Receives positive feedback for its high-end aesthetic (co-designed with Aston Martin) and well-engineered, high-performance features.
  • General: Users appreciate the series' reliability, usability, configurability, and strong performance for professional applications, backed by ISV certifications.
• Weaknesses:
  • P3 Tiny: Common criticisms include a large external power brick, potential for noise under heavy load, and a lack of Thunderbolt and USB4 support.
  • P3 Tower: Some reviews suggest it can be overpriced for certain configurations and note a lack of PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and Thunderbolt ports. There's also feedback regarding an unusual distribution of USB 2.0 ports on the rear and limitations in GPU and memory upgrades for some setups.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • General: Ideal for high-end computing, computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modeling, video editing, scientific simulations, machine learning, data science, CAE, reality capture, AI, rendering, and virtual production.
  • P3 Tiny: Recommended for front desk setups, medical offices, digital signage, minimalist workstations, and any scenario requiring a powerful yet discreet computing solution.
  • P3 Ultra: Suited for demanding workflows in hybrid, remote, or less accessible locations where a compact yet powerful machine is essential.
  • P3 Tower: An excellent option for cost-conscious designers, engineers, and students who require flexibility and expandability without sacrificing compute power.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkStation P Series (2023) represents a comprehensive and highly capable lineup of professional workstations, designed to meet the rigorous demands of various industries. Its primary strength lies in its diverse range of models, from the ultra-compact P3 Tiny and P3 Ultra, offering impressive performance in small footprints, to the high-performance P5, P7, P8, and the flagship PX, which deliver extreme processing power with multi-core Intel Xeon or AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO CPUs and advanced NVIDIA RTX professional GPUs. This scalability allows enterprises to select a workstation precisely tailored to their specific workload requirements, from entry-level design to complex AI and simulation tasks.

Key strengths include cutting-edge processor and memory technologies (13th Gen Intel Core, Intel Xeon W/Scalable, AMD