Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User manual

ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4
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 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
Dis over your Lenovo omputer . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your omputer . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 3
USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Vantage app . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Get started with your
omputer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connect an external display . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Access networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Troubleshooting and FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3. Advan ed
onfigurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Intel Turbo Boost Technology . . . . . . . . . 11
Use software security solutions. . . . . . . . . 11
Use BIOS security solutions . . . . . . . . . . 11
UEFI BIOS passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
What is UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Enter the BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Navigate in the BIOS interface . . . . . . . . . 14
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS . . . . 14
Set the system date and time . . . . . . . . . 14
Change the boot priority order . . . . . . . . . 15
Enable or disable the configuration change
detection feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Enable or disable the automatic power-on
feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Enable or disable the smart power-on feature (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Enable or disable the ErP LPS compliance mode . . 16
Change the ITS performance mode . . . . . . . 17
Change BIOS settings before installing a new
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Update UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Customize BIOS Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Recover from a BIOS update failure . . . . . . . 18
Clear CMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 4. CRU repla ement . . . . . 21
CRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power adapter and power cord (without bracket) . . 22
Vertical stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power adapter and power cord (with bracket) . . . 23
VESA mount bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
External Wi-Fi antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Top cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Hard disk drive and hard disk drive bracket . . . . 30
Coin-cell battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
M.2 solid-state drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Internal speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
System fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Memory module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chapter 5. Help and support . . . . . 37
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Certification-related information . . . . . . . . 39
Compliance information . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Purchase accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix A. Noti es and
trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 i

ii ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 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 Lenovo 2023 iii

iv ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your omputer
Front
Item Des ription Item Des ription
1ThinkCentre® LED 2 Power button with power indicator
3Storage drive activity indicator 4Always On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector
5USB-C® (3.2 Gen 2) connector 6 Headset connector
* for selected models
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 5
3.2 Gen 2 10
3.2 Gen 2 × 2 20
Thunderbolt 3 40
Thunderbolt 4 40
Power indi ator
Show the system status of your computer.
• On: The computer is starting up or working.
• Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.
• Breathing: The computer is in sleep mode.
Always On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 onne tor
With the Always On USB feature enabled, the Always On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector can charge a USB-A
compatible device when the computer is on, off, in sleep mode, or in hibernation mode.
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 1

Related topi s
• “USB specifications” on page 3.
Rear
Item Des ription Item Des ription
1. Security-lock slot 2. Optional connector*
3. Wi-Fi® antenna slot 4. Ethernet connector
5. USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector 6. USB-A 2.0 connector
7. USB-A 2.0 connector (with smart power-on
feature) 8. HDMI™ out connector
9. USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector 10. DisplayPort™ connector
11. Power adapter connector
* for selected models
Optional onne tor
Depending on the computer model, the connector might be a DisplayPort out connector, a VGA connector,
or a serial connector.
Related topi s
• “Lock the computer” on page 7.
• “Connect an external display” on page 7.
• “USB specifications” on page 3.
• “Enable or disable the smart power-on feature (for selected models)” on page 16.
2ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Features and spe ifi ations
Spe ifi ation Des ription
Dimensions
• Width 179 mm (7 inches)
• Height 34.5 mm (1.4 inches)
• Depth 182.9 mm (7.2 inches)
Weight (without pa kaging) Maximum configuration as shipped 1.3 kg (2.8 lb)
Hardware onfiguration Type Device Manager in the Windows search box and then press Enter. Type the
administrator password or provide confirmation, if prompted.
Power supply
• 65-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 90-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 135-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
Memory
Up to two double data rate 4 (DDR4) small outline dual in-line memory module
(SODIMM)
Maximum memory capacity 32 GB
Storage devi e
• 2.5-inch hard disk drive*
• M.2 solid-state drive*
To view the storage drive capacity of your computer, type Disk Management in the
Windows search box and then press Enter.
Note: The storage drive capacity indicated by the system is less than the nominal
capacity.
Expansion
• Hard disk drive cage*
• M.2 solid-state drive slot
• Memory slots
Network features
• Bluetooth*
• Ethernet LAN
• Wireless LAN*
* for selected models
USB spe ifi ations
Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on your computer.
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 3

https //www.lenovo.com/accessories.
Conne tor name Des ription
• USB-A 2.0 connector
• USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 connector
• USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector
Connect USB-A compatible devices, such as a USB-A
keyboard, USB-A mouse, USB-A storage device, or USB-
A 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 0.9 A.
• Connect to an external display
– USB-C to VGA 1920 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
The Vantage app
The preinstalled Vantage app is a customized one-stop solution to help you maintain your computer with
automated updates and fixes, configure hardware settings, and get personalized support.
To access the Vantage app, type Vantage in the Windows search box.
Key features
The Vantage app enables you to
• Know the device status easily and customize device settings.
• Download and install UEFI BIOS, firmware and driver updates to keep your computer up-to-date.
• Monitor your computer health, and secure your computer against outside threats.
• Scan your computer hardware and diagnose hardware problems.
• Look up warranty status (online).
• Access User Guide and helpful articles.
Notes:
• The available features vary depending on the computer model.
4ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

• The Vantage app makes periodic updates of the features to keep improving your experience with your
computer. The description of features might be different from that on your actual user interface.
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 5

6ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Chapter 2. Get started with your omputer
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 Windows logo key + K and then select a wireless display to connect.
Change display settings
1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select display settings.
2. Select the display that you want to configure and change display settings of your preference.
Lo k the omputer
Note: Lenovo makes no comments, judgments, or warranties about the function, quality, or performance of
the locking device and security feature. You can purchase computer locks from Lenovo.
Kensington-style able lo k
Lock your computer to a desk, table, or other fixtures through a Kensington-style cable lock.
A ess networks
This section helps you access networks through connecting to a wired or wireless network.
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 7

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)
Click the network icon in the Windows® notification area, and then select a network for connection. Provide
required information, if needed.
• For models with Windows 10
• For models with Windows 11
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.
8ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

1. Type Bluetooth in the Windows search box and then press Enter.
2. Turn on Bluetooth, if it is off.
3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Diagnosti s
Use diagnostic solutions to test hardware components and report operating-system-controlled settings that
interfere with the correct operation of your computer.
Lenovo diagnosti tools
For information about Lenovo diagnostic tools, go to
https //pcsupport.lenovo.com/lenovodiagnosticsolutions
The Vantage app
The Vantage app is preinstalled on your computer. To diagnose problems with the Vantage app
1. Type Vantage in the Windows search box and press Enter.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and run a hardware scan.
If you are unable to isolate and resolve the problem after running the Vantage app, save and print the log files
created by the program. You might need the log files when you speak to a Lenovo technical support
representative.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
This section lists online access to troubleshoot your computer and to frequently asked questions in Lenovo
forums. For more information, go to https //www.lenovo.com/tips, or https //forums.lenovo.com.
Re overy
Use the following recovery options to reset or restore your computer when your computer comes with
issues.
• Use Lenovo recovery options.
Chapter 2.Get started with your computer 9

1. Go to https //support.lenovo.com/HowToCreateLenovoRecovery.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Use Windows recovery options.
1. Go to https //pcsupport.lenovo.com.
2. Detect your computer or manually select your computer model.
3. Navigate to the troubleshooting menu to diagnose the operating system for recovery instructions.
10 ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Chapter 3. Advan ed onfigurations
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
• Put the computer to sleep After 25 minutes
To awaken the computer from Sleep mode, press any key on your keyboard.
To reset the power plan
1. Type Power Option in the Windows search box and then press Enter.
2. Choose or customize a power plan of your preference.
Intel Turbo Boost Te hnology
Intel Turbo Mode capability is designed to allow the processor to assess its own thermals, current, and
power to come up with a dynamic upper limit on its frequency. This means that the processor can run at
frequency higher than the advertised base frequency, and at any frequency in the inclusive range between
maximum turbo frequency and the advertised base frequency at any time.
Use software se urity solutions
The following software solutions help secure your computer and information.
• Windows Se urity
Windows Security is a software built-in to the operating system. It continually scans for malicious
software, viruses, and other security threats. Besides, Windows updates are downloaded automatically to
help keep your computer safe. Windows Security also enables you to manage tools including firewall,
account protection, application and browser control, and so on.
• Antivirus programs
Lenovo preinstalls a full-version antivirus software on selected models of computer. It helps defend the
computer against viruses, safeguard your identity, and keep your personal information secured.
• Absolute Persisten e
Absolute Persistence technology is embedded in firmware. It detects changes that happen on the
hardware, software, or the call-in location. It keeps you always knowing what condition the computer is in.
To activate the technology, you have to purchase a subscription to Absolute.
Note: For more information about how to use these software solutions, refer to their help systems
respectively.
Use BIOS se urity solutions
This section provides BIOS solutions to secure your computer and information.
Wipe the storage drive data
It is recommended that you wipe the storage drive data before recycling the storage drive or the computer.
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 11

To wipe the storage drive data
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Se urity ➙ se ure wipe ➙ Enabled.
3. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
4. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F12 or Fn+F12.
5. Select App Menu ➙ se ure wipe and press Enter.
6. Select the storage drive you will wipe and click NEXT.
7. Select the entire storage drive or partition to wipe as desired.
8. Select the method as desired and click NEXT.
9. Click Yes to confirm your option when the prompting window is displayed.
10. If you have set a hard disk password for the storage drive, enter the password. Otherwise, set a
temporary password following the on-screen instructions. Then, click NEXT. The wiping process begins.
Note: Duration of the wiping process varies depending on the storage drive capacity.
11. Click Reboot when you are prompted to reset the system, and then one of the following will happen
• If the system storage drive data is wiped, you will be prompted that no operating system is found.
• If the non-system storage drive data is wiped, the computer restarts automatically.
Cover presen e swit h
The cover presence switch prevents the computer from logging in to the operating system when the
computer cover is not properly installed or closed.
To enable the cover presence switch connector on the system board
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Se urity ➙ Cover Tamper Dete ted and press Enter.
3. Select Enabled and press Enter.
4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
If the cover presence switch is enabled and the computer cover is not correctly installed or closed, an error
message will be displayed when you turn on the computer. To bypass the error message and log in to the
operating system
1. Properly install or close the computer cover.
2. Enter the BIOS menu, save and then exit.
Intel BIOS guard
The Intel® BIOS Guard module cryptographically verifies all BIOS updates. This hardware-based security
helps prevent software and malware attacks on the computers BIOS.
Smart USB Prote tion
The Smart USB Protection function is a security function that helps prevent data from being copied from the
computer to USB storage devices connected to the computer. You can set the Smart USB Protection
function to one of the following modes
• Disabled (default setting) You can use the USB storage devices without limitation.
• Read Only You cannot copy data from the computer to the USB storage devices. However, you can
access or modify data on the USB storage devices.
• No A ess You cannot access the USB storage devices from the computer.
12 ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

To configure the Smart USB Protection function
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Se urity ➙ Smart USB Prote tion and press Enter.
3. Select the desired setting and press Enter.
4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
UEFI BIOS passwords
You can set passwords in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) to
strengthen the security of your computer.
Password types
You can set a power-on password, supervisor password, or hard disk password in UEFI BIOS to prevent
unauthorized access to your computer. However, you are not prompted to enter any UEFI BIOS password
when your computer resumes from sleep mode.
• Power-on password
When a power-on password is set, you are prompted to enter a valid password each time the computer is
turned on.
• Supervisor password
Setting a supervisor password deters unauthorized users from changing configuration settings. If you are
responsible for maintaining the configuration settings of several computers, you might want to set a
supervisor password.
When a supervisor password is set, you are prompted to enter a valid password each time you try to enter
the BIOS menu.
If both the power-on password and supervisor password are set, you can enter either password.
However, you must use your supervisor password to change any configuration settings.
• Hard disk password
Setting a hard disk password prevents unauthorized access to the data on the storage drive. When a hard
disk password is set, you are prompted to enter a valid password each time you try to access the storage
drive.
Note: After you set a hard disk password, your data on the storage drive is protected even if the storage
drive is removed from one computer and installed in another.
Set, hange, and remove a password
Before you start, print these instructions.
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Se urity.
3. Depending on the password type, select Set Supervisor Password, Set Power-On Password, or Hard
Disk Password and press Enter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set, change, or remove a password.
5. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
You should record your passwords and store them in a safe place. If you forget the passwords, contact a
Lenovo-authorized service provider to have the passwords removed.
Note: If the hard disk password is forgotten, Lenovo cannot remove the password or recover data from the
storage drive.
Chapter 3.Advanced configurations 13

What is UEFI BIOS
Note: The operating system settings might override any similar settings in UEFI BIOS.
UEFI BIOS is the first program that the computer runs when the computer is turned on. UEFI BIOS initializes
the hardware components and loads the operating system and other programs. Your computer comes with a
setup program with which you can change UEFI BIOS settings.
Enter the BIOS menu
Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1 to enter the BIOS menu.
Note: If you have set BIOS passwords, enter the correct passwords when prompted. You also can select No
or press Esc to skip the password prompt and enter the BIOS menu. However, you cannot change the
system configurations that are protected by passwords.
Navigate in the BIOS interfa e
Attention: The default configurations are already optimized for you in boldfa e. Improper change of the
configurations might cause unexpected results.
Depending on your keyboard, you can navigate in the BIOS interface by pressing the following keys, or
combinations of Fn and the following keys
Key Fun tion
F1 or Fn+F1 General Help
Esc or Fn+Esc Exit the submenu
↑↓ or Fn+↑↓ Locate an item
← → or Fn+← → Move keyboard focus
+/– or Fn++/– Change value
Enter Enter the submenu
F9 or Fn+F9 Setup Defaults
F10 or Fn+F10 Save and exit
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS
UEFI BIOS supports three or four display languages English, French, simplified Chinese, and Russian (for
selected models).
To change the display language of UEFI BIOS
1. Select Main ➙ Language and press Enter.
2. Set the display language as desired.
Set the system date and time
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Main ➙ System Time & Date and press Enter.
3. Set the system date and time as desired.
14 ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide