Lenovo Lecoo AI Mini: a compact mini PC with a processor from the past

Lenovo has expanded its line of compact computers with the new Lecoo AI Mini model. Despite the name, which directly refers to artificial intelligence technologies, the hardware platform of the device is not designed to perform modern AI tasks locally. Instead of a specialized neuroprocessor, the manufacturer used the already familiar AMD mobile processor of the previous generation, so the novelty is more suitable for everyday work than processing neural network models.

The basis is Ryzen of the previous generation

The device is built on the basis of AMD Ryzen 5 7430U — a six-core processor with support for 12 threads, created on the Zen 3 architecture. Despite belonging to the Ryzen 7000 series, this chip is a modern solution of the Ryzen AI family.

The main limitation of the processor is the lack of a built-in neuroprocessor (NPU), which is used today to accelerate the local processing of AI tasks. That is why the name Lecoo AI Mini can give a false impression about the capabilities of the system.

The configuration includes 16 GB of DDR4 RAM in SO-DIMM format, thanks to which the memory can be replaced or increased independently. A 512 GB SSD is provided for data storage, while inside the case there is a second M.2 slot for installing an additional drive.

Such a set of characteristics is quite suitable for office programs, multimedia, home server or undemanding development. However, the capabilities of the device will not be enough to run large language models or other resource-intensive tasks related to artificial intelligence.

Compact body and wide range of interfaces

The dimensions of Lecoo AI Mini are 128×128×48 mm, thanks to which the computer takes up minimal space on the desktop. The design uses a metal frame, and the top panel has a coating that should be resistant to scratches and fingerprints.

A system with one fan and two heat pipes is responsible for cooling. Taking into account the power consumption of the processor at the level of about 15 W, this should be enough for stable operation without overheating.

Despite the compact size, the manufacturer provided a wide selection of interfaces. On the front panel there are two USB-A ports with a speed of up to 5 Gbit/s, a universal USB-C and a combined audio jack. There are two more USB-A, two RJ45 gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs, which allows you to connect several monitors at once.

Wireless capabilities already look outdated

If wired interfaces meet modern requirements, the wireless module raises questions. The computer only supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while most new mini PCs are already equipped with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, which provide higher data transfer speeds and better performance in congested networks.

Price and positioning

In China, Lenovo has priced the Lecoo AI Mini at RMB 2,999, which is roughly US$440.

For this amount, the buyer gets a compact computer with a decent set of ports, the ability to upgrade memory and drives, as well as performance sufficient for everyday work. However, the capabilities of artificial intelligence, which the device hints at, are actually limited here to running ordinary programs that use the computing resources of the processor. There is no separate hardware accelerator for AI in the system, so the AI ​​console looks more like a part of marketing positioning than a reflection of the real technical capabilities of the mini PC.