Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a Gen 3 User manual

M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2
User Guide

Read this first
Before using this documentation and the product it supports, ensure that you read and understand the
following:
• Safety and Warranty Guide
• Generic Safety and Compliance Notices
• Setup Guide
First Edition (April 2021)
© Copyright Lenovo 2021.
IMITED AND RESTRICTED RIGHTS NOTICE: If data or software is delivered pursuant to a General Services
Administration “GSA” contract, use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. GS-
35F-05925.

Contents
Dis over your Lenovo omputer . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your omputer . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 5
USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2. Get started with your
omputer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Get started with Ubuntu Desktop . . . . . . . . . 9
Adjust the computer stand (for selected models) . . . 9
Access networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connect to the wired Ethernet . . . . . . . 11
Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected
models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Use the touch screen (for selected models) . . . . 11
Connect an external display . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 3. Explore your omputer . . 13
Night light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Use the optical drive (for selected models) . . 14
Use a media card (for selected models) . . . . 14
Purchase accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 4. Se ure your omputer
and information . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
UEFI BIOS passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Computrace Agent software embedded in
firmware (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . 18
Use BIOS security solutions . . . . . . . . . . 18
Wipe the storage drive data . . . . . . . . 18
Erase all storage drive data . . . . . . . . 19
Cover presence switch . . . . . . . . . . 19
Intel BIOS guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Smart USB Protection . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . 21
What is UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Enter the BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Navigate in the BIOS interface . . . . . . . . . 21
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS . . . . 21
Change the display mode of UEFI BIOS (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Set the system date and time . . . . . . . . . 22
Change the boot priority order . . . . . . . . . 22
Enable or disable the configuration change
detection feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Enable or disable the automatic power-on
feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Enable or disable the smart power-on feature (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Enable or disable the ErP PS compliance mode . . 23
Change the ITS performance mode . . . . . . . 24
Change BIOS settings before installing a new
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Update UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Recover from a BIOS update failure . . . . . . . 25
Clear CMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting,
diagnosti s, and re overy . . . . . . . 29
Basic procedure for resolving computer
problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Startup problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Screen problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Performance problems . . . . . . . . . . 32
Storage drive problems . . . . . . . . . . 32
CD or DVD problems . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Serial connector problems . . . . . . . . . 34
USB device problems . . . . . . . . . . 34
Software problems. . . . . . . . . . . . 34
enovo diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Chapter 7. CRU repla ement . . . . . 37
CRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Remove or replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Computer stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Optical drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Optical drive holder . . . . . . . . . . . 44
System board shield . . . . . . . . . . . 45
VESA mount bracket cover . . . . . . . . 47
VESA mount bracket . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Hard disk drive and bracket . . . . . . . . 51
M.2 solid-state drive . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Memory module . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
© Copyright enovo 2021 i

Chapter 8. Help and support . . . . . 63
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Call enovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Before you contact enovo . . . . . . . . 64
enovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 64
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 65
Appendix A. A essibility and
ergonomi information . . . . . . . . 67
Appendix B. Supplemental information
about the Ubuntu operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Appendix C. Complian e
information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Appendix D. Noti es and
trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
ii M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Dis over your Lenovo omputer
Thank you for hoosing a Lenovo omputer! We are dedi ated to delivering the best solution to you.
Before starting your tour, please read the following information:
• Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your product.
• Depending on the model, some optional accessories, features, software programs, and user interface
instructions might not be applicable to your computer.
• Documentation content is subject to change without notice. To get the latest documentation, go to https://
pcsupport.lenovo.com.
© Copyright enovo 2021 iii

iv M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your omputer
Front
M70a Gen 2
M90a Gen 2
© Copyright enovo 2021 1

1. Integrated camera activity indicator* 2. Microphones*
3. Integrated camera or Infrared (IR) camera shield* 4. Integrated camera or Infrared (IR) camera*
5. Multi-touch screen* 6. System status indicator
7. Storage drive activity indicator 8. Microphone mute/unmute indicator*
9. E-Privacy button* 10. Microphone mute/unmute control
11. USB-C® (3.2 Gen 2) connector 12. USB 3.2 connector Gen 2
13. USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 (M70a Gen 2)
13. USB 3.2 connector Gen 2 (M90a Gen 2)
14. Headset connector
15. Optical drive eject button* 16. Optical drive activity indicator*
17. SD-card slot* 18. Power button
* for selected models
* for selected models
System status indi ator
Show the system status of your computer.
• Blinking for three times: The computer is initially connected to power.
• On: The computer is starting up or working.
• Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.
• Blinking rapidly: The computer is entering hibernation mode.
• Breathing (blinking slowly): The computer is in sleep or modern standby mode.
E-Priva y button*
Press the button to enable the E-Privacy mode. In this mode, your screen prevents visual hackers from
stealing sideways glances at your screen, while providing a crisp, clear view for intended users. To exit from
the mode, press the button again.
2M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Rear
M70a Gen 2
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 3

M90a Gen 2
1. Security-lock slot 2. Cable cover eject button
3. Cable clip 4. USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 (with smart power-on
feature)
5. USB 3.2 connectors Gen 1 6. Ethernet connector
7. Serial connector* / HDMI® out connector* 8. Power adapter connector
9. DisplayPort™ out connector (M70a Gen 2)
9. DisplayPort in and out connector (M90a Gen 2)
10. VESA® threaded holes (screws: M4 x 8 mm, 4 pcs)
* for selected models
Serial onne tor
Connect an external modem, a serial printer, or other devices that use a serial connector.
4M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Features and spe ifi ations
For detailed specifications of your computer, go to https://psref.lenovo.com.
Dimensions
• M70a Gen 2:
– Width: 490.1 mm (19.3 inches)
– Height: 312.3 mm (12.3 inches)
– Depth: 55.6 mm (2.2 inches)
• M90a Gen 2:
– E-Privacy models:
– Width: 541 mm(21.3 inches)
– Height: 338.5 mm (13.3 inches)
– Depth: 49.5 mm (2.4 inches)
– Non E-Privacy models:
– Width: 541 mm(21.3 inches)
– Height: 338.5 mm (13.3 inches)
– Depth: 57.8 mm (2.3 inches)
Weight (without pa kaging)
Maximum configuration as shipped:
• M70a Gen 2: 8.1 kg (17.9 lb)
• M90a Gen 2: 9.1 kg (20.1 lb)
Hardware onfiguration 1. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
2. Click About.
Power supply
• 135-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 150-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 170-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
Ele tri al input • Input voltage: From 100 V ac to 240 V ac
• Input frequency: 50/60 Hz
Mi ropro essor To view the microprocessor information of your computer, enter Settings and
click About.
Memory
Double data rate 4 (DDR4) small outline dual in-line memory module (SODIMM)
Maximum memory capacity: 64 GB
Storage devi e
• 2.5-inch hard disk drive*
• M.2 solid-state drive*
To view the storage drive capacity of your computer, use the Disks application.
Note: The storage drive capacity indicated by the system is less than the nominal
capacity.
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 5

Video features
• Color display with White ight Emitting Diode (W ED) technology
• Color display with Full High Definition (FHD) technology
• Display size:
– M70a Gen 2: 546.1 mm (21.5 inches)
– M90a Gen 2: 604.5 mm (23.8 inches)
• Display resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Multi-touch technology*
• The integrated graphics card supports the following:
– DisplayPort connector
– HDMI out connector
• The optional discrete graphics card provides an enhanced video experience
and extended capabilities.
Expansion
• Card reader*
• Memory slots
• M.2 solid-state drive slot
• Optical drive*
• Storage drive bay
Network features
• Bluetooth*
• Ethernet AN
• Wireless AN*
* for selected models
USB spe ifi ations
Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on your computer.
6M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Conne tor name Des ription
• USB 3.2 connector Gen 1
• USB 3.2 connector Gen 2
Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB
keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB
printer.
• USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) connector
• Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output
voltage and current of 5 V and 3 A.
• Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your
computer functionality. To purchase USB-C
accessories, go to https://www.lenovo.com/accessories.
Statement on USB transfer rate
Depending on many factors such as the processing capability of the host and peripheral devices, file
attributes, and other factors related to system configuration and operating environments, the actual transfer
rate using the various USB connectors on this device will vary and will be slower than the data rate listed
below for each corresponding device.
USB devi e Data rate (Gbit/s)
3.2 Gen 1 / 3.1 Gen 1 5
3.2 Gen 2 / 3.1 Gen 2 10
3.2 Gen 2 × 2 20
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) 40
Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) 40
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 7

8M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Chapter 2. Get started with your omputer
Get started with Ubuntu Desktop
earn the basics of Ubuntu and start working with it right away. For more information about Ubuntu, see the
Ubuntu documentation site at: https://help.ubuntu.com/lts/ubuntu-help/index.html.
The Gnome desktop is installed by default and is designed to be simple and easy to use. Details on using
Gnome are available by launching the Help application or online at https://help.gnome.org/users/.
Laun h an app
• Press the Super key (with the Windows logo) or open the Activities menu on the top left and type in the
name of the application you want to launch.
• Click the Show Appli ations button on the lower left, and select the application you want to launch.
Laun h settings
Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
Adjust the omputer stand (for sele ted models)
Full-fun tion monitor stand
• Tilt the screen forward and back.
© Copyright enovo 2021 9

• Adjust the height of the screen.
UltraFlex IV Stand
• Tilt the screen forward and back.
10 M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

A ess networks
This section helps you access networks through connecting to a wired or wireless network.
Conne t to the wired Ethernet
Connect your computer to a local network through the Ethernet connector on your computer with an
Ethernet cable.
Conne t to Wi-Fi networks (for sele ted models)
If your computer includes a wireless AN module, you can connect your computer to Wi-Fi®networks.
1. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and expand the Wi-Fi section of the menu.
2. Click Sele t Network. A list of available wireless networks is displayed.
3. Select a network available for connection. Provide required information, if needed.
Use the tou h s reen (for sele ted models)
Note: Some gestures might not be applicable when you use certain apps.
Tap once to single click Tap twice quickly to double-click
Chapter 2.Get started with your computer 11

Tap and hold to right-click Slide to scroll through items
Zoom in Zoom out
Drag
Maintenan e tips
• Turn off the computer before cleaning the touch screen.
• Use a dry, soft, and lint-free cloth or a piece of absorbent cotton to remove fingerprints or dust from the
touch screen. Do not apply solvents to the cloth.
• The touch screen is a glass panel covered with a plastic film. Do not apply pressure or place any metallic
object on the screen, which might damage the touch panel or cause it to malfunction.
• Do not use fingernails, gloved fingers, or inanimate objects for input on the screen.
• Regularly calibrate the accuracy of the finger input to avoid a discrepancy.
Conne t an external display
Connect a projector or a monitor to your computer to give presentations or expand your workspace.
Conne t a wireless display
Ensure that both your computer and the wireless display support Miracast®.
Press + and then select a wireless display to connect.
Change display settings
Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select Display settings. Then, you can change display settings
as you prefer.
12 M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide

Chapter 3. Explore your omputer
Night light
Blue light is the high-energy visible light in the light spectrum. Excessive exposure to blue light might damage
your vision. Night light is a feature that reduces the blue light emitted by computer displays. When the night
light is on, your computer display shows warmer colors that help you reduce eye strain.
To turn on or turn off the night light:
• Type Night light in the search box. Click Night light. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
• Open the system menu from the top-right corner and then click Settings ➙ Displays ➙ Night Light.
Then, turn on or turn off the Night light switch.
Note: Selected enovo computers are low blue-light certified. These computers are tested with night light
turned on and color temperature set to the default value of 48.
Set the power plan
For ENERGY STAR® compliant computers, the following power plan takes effect when your computers have
been idle for a specified duration:
• turn off the display: After 5 minutes
• put the computer to sleep: After 20 minutes
To awaken the computer from Sleep mode, press any key on your keyboard.
To reset the power plan to achieve the best balance between performance and power saving:
1. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
2. Click Power.
3. Choose or customize a power plan of your preference.
Transfer data
Quickly share your files using the built-in Bluetooth technology among devices with the same features. You
also can install a disc or media card to transfer data.
Conne t to a Bluetooth-enabled devi e (for sele ted models)
You can connect all types of Bluetooth-enabled devices to your computer, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a
smartphone, or speakers. Place the device that you are attempting to connect to less than 10 meters (33
feet) from the computer.
© Copyright enovo 2021 13

1. Turn on Bluetooth on the computer.
a. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and then click Settings ➙ Bluetooth.
b. In the Bluetooth section enable Bluetooth with the toggle button at the top.
2. Any discoverable devices will be shown in the Devi es list.
3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Use the opti al drive (for sele ted models)
If your computer has an optical drive, read the following information.
Install or remove a dis
1. With the computer on, press the eject button on the optical drive. The tray slides out of the drive.
2. Insert a disc into the tray or remove a disc from the tray, and then push the tray back into the drive.
Note: If the tray does not slide out of the drive when you press the eject button, turn off the computer. Then,
insert a straightened paper clip into the emergency-eject hole adjacent to the eject button. Use the
emergency eject only in an emergency.
Re ord a dis
1. Insert a recordable disc into the optical drive that supports recording.
2. In the Blank CD/DVD-R Dis notification that pops up at the bottom of the screen, select Open with
CD/DVD Creator.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Use a media ard (for sele ted models)
If your computer has an SD-card slot, read the following information.
Install a media ard
1. ocate the SD-card slot.
2. Ensure that the metal contacts on the card are facing the ones in the SD-card slot. Insert the card firmly
into the SD-card slot until it is secured in place.
14 M70a Gen 2 and M90a Gen 2 User Guide