Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x: A Compact Desktop with Snapdragon X Power
When Qualcomm canceled its Snapdragon Dev Kit, it seemed like the dream of a small-form-factor desktop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite CPU had been dashed. However, Lenovo is stepping up to fill that void with the IdeaCentre Mini x, a sleek and compact desktop that packs the power of the Snapdragon X series processor. Unveiled at CES 2025, the IdeaCentre Mini x is priced at $659.99 and is slated for release in April 2025, offering a much more affordable alternative to Qualcomm’s now-discontinued Dev Kit, which retailed for $900 before its cancellation.
While Snapdragon X chips have found a place in numerous laptops, the move to mini-desktops has been an intriguing question. Qualcomm had teased the possibility of Snapdragon-powered desktop PCs, and Lenovo’s IdeaCentre Mini x is precisely that – a mini-desktop designed for those seeking a compact yet capable office machine. With dimensions of just 7.68 x 7.52 x 1.68 inches, this device offers an efficient use of space, making it ideal for environments where desk space is limited. It’s akin to a Chromebox, but with the added benefit of Snapdragon power for everyday tasks.
The IdeaCentre Mini x is powered by either a Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X chip, though Lenovo has not disclosed which specific variant it will feature or its performance details. Inside, users can opt for up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage, making this compact machine a powerhouse for office productivity. With just a 150W power supply, it remains an energy-efficient device.
In terms of connectivity, the IdeaCentre Mini x provides HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a ports for connecting external displays, along with Wi-Fi 7 for fast internet speeds. Additionally, it features three USB-A ports, with two of them supporting 10Gbps data transfer speeds. While this desktop isn’t designed for gaming, it’s a perfect fit for those looking for a quiet, space-saving machine for everyday work.
