Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User manual

ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3
ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3
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
Second Edition (April 2023)
© Copyright Lenovo 2023.
LIMITED 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
Discover your Lenovo co puter . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your co puter . . . . . 1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 3
USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Get started with your
co puter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Get started with Ubuntu Desktop . . . . . . . . . 7
Adjust the computer stand (for selected models) . . . 7
Access networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connect to the wired Ethernet . . . . . . . . 9
Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected
models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connect an external display . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3. Explore your co puter . . 11
Night light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Use the optical drive (for selected models) . . 12
Use a media card (for selected models) . . . . 12
Purchase accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 4. Secure your co puter
and infor ation . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
UEFI BIOS passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Use BIOS security solutions . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cover presence switch . . . . . . . . . . 16
Intel BIOS guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Change the ITS performance mode . . . . . . . 19
Change BIOS settings before installing a new
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Update UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Recover from a BIOS update failure . . . . . . . 20
Clear CMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . 17
What is UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Enter the BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Navigate in the BIOS interface . . . . . . . . . 17
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS . . . . 17
Change the display mode of UEFI BIOS (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Set the system date and time . . . . . . . . . 18
Change the boot priority order . . . . . . . . . 18
Enable or disable the automatic power-on
feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Enable or disable the ErP LPS compliance mode . . 19
21
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting,
diagnostics, and recovery . . . . . . . 23
Basic procedure for resolving computer
problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Screen problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Performance problems . . . . . . . . . . 26
Storage drive problems . . . . . . . . . . 26
CD or DVD problems . . . . . . . . . . . 27
USB device problems . . . . . . . . . . 28
Software problems. . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lenovo diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Chapter 7. CRU replace ent . . . . . 29
CRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Remove or replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Power cord and ac power adapter. . . . . . 29
Smart cable clip (for selected models) . . . . 30
Hinge cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Computer stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 8. Help and support . . . . . 33
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 34
Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 34
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix A. Supple ental
infor ation about the Ubuntu operating
syste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix B. Co pliance
infor ation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix C. Notices and
trade arks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 i

ii ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Discover your Lenovo co puter
Thank you for choosing a Lenovo co puter! We are dedicated 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 Lenovo 2023 iii

iv ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your co puter
Overview
1. Air vents 2. Camera*
4.
3. Screen Combo audio jack
* for selected models
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 1

Rear
1. Power button/Power button indicator 2. Power connector
3. HDMI™ out connector 4. USB 3.2 connectors
5. Ethernet connector 6. USB 2.0 connectors
7. Optical drive eject button*
* for selected models
Related topics
• “USB specifications” on page 4.
Power indicator
Show the system status of your computer.
• Blinking for three ti es: The computer is initially connected to power.
• On: The computer is on.
• Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.
• Blinking rapidly: The computer is entering sleep or hibernation mode.
• Blinking slowly: The computer is in sleep mode.
2ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Features and specifications
For detailed specifications of your computer, go to https //psref.lenovo.com.
Di ensions
• ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3
– Width 490.3 mm (19.3 inches)
– Height 294.1 mm (11.6 inches)
– Depth 53.8 mm (2.1 inches)
• ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3
– Width 541.0 mm (21.3 inches)
– Height 322.7 mm (12.7 inches)
– Depth 53.8 mm (2.1 inches)
Weight (without packaging)
Maximum configuration as shipped
• ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 5.7 kg (12.6 lb)
• ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 6.7 kg (14.8 lb)
Hardware configuration 1. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
2. Click About.
Power supply 90-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
Electrical input • Input voltage From 100 V ac to 240 V ac
• Input frequency 50/60 Hz
Microprocessor To view the microprocessor information of your computer, enter Settings and
then click About.
Me ory Up to two double data rate 4 (DDR4) small outline dual in-line memory modules
(SODIMMs)
Storage device
• 2.5-inch form factor, 7-mm (0.28-inch) height 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.
Video features
• Color display with In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology
• Display size
– ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 546.1 mm (21.5 inches)
– ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 604.52 mm (23.8 inches)
• Display resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
• The integrated graphics card supports the following
– HDMI out connector
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 3

Expansion
• Memory slots
• M.2 solid-state drive slots
• Optical drive*
• Storage drive bay
Network features
• Bluetooth
• Ethernet LAN
• Wireless LAN
* for selected models
USB specifications
Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on your computer.
Connector na e Description
• USB 2.0 connector
• 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 1) connector
• USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) connector
• USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) connector
• USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) connector
• Charge USB-C compatible devices with the output
voltage and current of 5 V and 3 A.
• Connect to an external display
– USB-C to VGA 1900 x 1200 pixels, 60 Hz
– USB-C to DP 3840 x 2160 pixels, 60 Hz
• Connect to USB-C accessories to help expand your
computer functionality. To purchase USB-C
accessories, go to https //www.lenovo.com/accessories.
State ent 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
4ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

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 device 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 40
Thunderbolt 4 40
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 5

6ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 2. Get started with your co puter
Get started with Ubuntu Desktop
Learn 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/.
Launch 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 Applications button on the lower left, and select the application you want to launch.
Launch settings
Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
Adjust the co puter stand (for selected odels)
Type 1
• Adjust the vertical position
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 7

• Adjusting the left or the right angle
Type 2 (for selected 24-inch odels only)
• Adjust the vertical position
• Adjust the height
• Adjusting the left or the right angle
8ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Access networks
This section helps you access networks through connecting to a wired or wireless network.
Connect to the wired Ethernet
Connect your computer to a local network through the Ethernet connector on your computer with an
Ethernet cable.
Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected odels)
If your computer includes a wireless LAN 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 Select Network. A list of available wireless networks is displayed.
3. Select a network available for connection. Provide required information, if needed.
Connect an external display
Connect a projector or a monitor to your computer to give presentations or expand your workspace.
Change display settings
Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select Display settings. Then, you can change display settings
as you prefer.
Chapter 2.Get started with your computer 9

10 ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 3. Explore your co puter
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 Lenovo 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 10 minutes
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.
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for selected odels)
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.
• put the computer to sleep After 10 minutes
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 11
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.

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 Devices list.
3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Use the optical drive (for selected odels)
If your computer has an optical drive, read the following information.
Install or re ove a disc
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.
Record a disc
1. Insert a recordable disc into the optical drive that supports recording.
2. In the Blank CD/DVD-R Disc notification that pops up at the bottom of the screen, select Open with
CD/DVD Creator.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Use a edia card (for selected odels)
If your computer has an SD-card slot, read the following information.
Install a edia card
1. Locate 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.
12 ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide

Re ove a edia card
Attention: Before removing a media card, unmount the card from the operating system first. Otherwise, data
on the card might get corrupted or lost.
1. Launch the Files application.
2. Select the unmount icon next to the card and unmount the card from the operating system.
3. Press the card and remove it from your computer. Store the card safely for future use.
Purchase accessories
Lenovo has a number of hardware accessories and upgrades to help expand the capabilities of your
computer. Options include memory modules, storage devices, network cards, power adapters, keyboards,
mice, and more.
To shop at Lenovo, go to https //www.lenovo.com/accessories.
Chapter 3.Explore your computer 13

14 ThinkCentre neo 30a 22 Gen 3 ThinkCentre neo 30a 24 Gen 3 User Guide