Small systems can hide much more potential than they seem to have.
Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny machines are used for all kinds of projects: servers, routers, NAS, labs, embedded systems, or low‑power PCs.
The problem is that the information is scattered, incomplete, or poorly documented.
tiny-mods exists to collect, structure, and document real technical modifications for these systems, starting with the M710q / M910q platforms, with clear explanations, original photos, and technical criteria.
Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny machines are not all the same, even if they look identical from the outside.
Each model has clear limits in CPU, memory, storage, and expansion, and choosing the wrong platform can constrain a project from day one.
Below is a quick technical comparison of the most relevant models and their official specifications (which you will later find are a bit flexible).
| Model | Supported CPU | Max RAM | Storage | PCIe Expansion | Typical PSU | Ideal Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M710q / M910q | Intel 6th / 7th Gen LGA1151V1 | 64 GB* | 1× M.2 + 1× 2.5" SATA | No | 65 / 90 W | Basic mods, light homelab |
| M910x | Intel 6th / 7th Gen LGA1151V1 | 64 GB* | 2× M.2 + 1× 2.5" SATA | Yes (proprietary riser) | 90 W | Compact NAS, dense homelab |
| M720q | Intel 8th / 9th Gen LGA1151V2 | 128 GB* | 1× M.2 + 1× 2.5" SATA | Yes (proprietary riser) | 65 / 90 W | Balanced home server |
| M920q | Intel 8th / 9th Gen LGA1151V2 | 128 GB* | 1× M.2 + 1× 2.5" SATA | Yes (proprietary riser) | 65 / 90 W | Serious homelab, advanced networking |
| M920x | Intel 8th / 9th Gen LGA1151V2 | 128 GB* | 2× M.2 + SATA depending on configuration | Yes (proprietary PCIe x8) | 90 W | 10GbE NICs, advanced builds |
* The manufacturer does not officially declare these values, but they have been tested and work.
Which Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny should you choose?
Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny systems share a similar form factor, but they are not designed for the same use cases.
Differences between models are not limited to CPU generation: they directly affect expansion, storage, power draw, and thermal headroom, and determine which modifications are viable.
Choosing the right platform early avoids unnecessary compromises later, especially in projects where space, power, or cooling are critical factors.
Recommendations by project type
Basic mods / light homelab
M710q / M910q
Simple and well‑documented platforms. Suitable for RAM upgrades, compatible CPU swaps, NVMe, and SATA storage without complications.
Compact NAS / dense homelab
M910x
Allows more internal devices (dual M.2 + SATA) while keeping the 1L form factor. Ideal for storage‑focused projects, with special attention to thermal management.
Balanced home server
M720q
Good middle ground between power draw, performance, and compatibility. Supports newer CPUs and offers reasonable headroom for network and storage mods without the complexity of “x” models.
Advanced homelab / networking and virtualization
M920q
One of the most versatile platforms in the Tiny ecosystem. Supports more memory, modern CPUs, and PCIe expansion via proprietary riser, making it suitable for demanding projects with NICs or extra hardware.
Advanced builds / 10GbE NICs / PCIe expansion
M920x
The most flexible option in the 1L form factor. Enables real PCIe expansion via proprietary riser, at the cost of more critical thermal management and increased mod complexity.
Important note
There is no “perfect Tiny.” Each model is a different balance of size, power, temperature, and expansion capability.