Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50s Gen 3 User manual

neo 50s 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
First Edition (November 2021)
© Copyright Lenovo 2021.
LI ITED 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
iscover your Lenovo computer . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your computer . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 3
USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Get started with your
computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Get started with Ubuntu Desktop . . . . . . . . . 5
Access networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connect to the wired Ethernet . . . . . . . . 5
Connect to Wi-Fi networks (for selected
models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connect an external display . . . . . . . . . . . 6
anage cables with a smart cable clip . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 3. Explore your computer . . . 7
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Use the optical drive (for selected models) . . . 8
Use a media card (for selected models) . . . . . 8
Purchase accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 4. Secure your computer
and information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
UEFI BIOS passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Computrace Agent software embedded in
firmware (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . 11
Use BIOS security solutions . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wipe the storage drive data . . . . . . . . 11
Cover presence switch . . . . . . . . . . 11
Intel BIOS guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Smart USB Protection . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . 13
What is UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enter the BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Navigate in the BIOS interface . . . . . . . . . 13
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS . . . . 13
Set the system date and time . . . . . . . . . 14
Change the boot priority order . . . . . . . . . 14
Enable or disable the configuration change
detection feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Enable or disable the automatic power-on
feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Enable or disable the smart power-on feature (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Enable or disable the ErP LPS compliance mode . . 15
Change the ITS performance mode . . . . . . . 16
Change BIOS settings before installing a new
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Update UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Recover from a BIOS update failure . . . . . . . 17
Clear C OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting,
diagnostics, and recovery . . . . . . . 19
Basic procedure for resolving computer
problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Startup problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Performance problems . . . . . . . . . . 21
Storage drive problems . . . . . . . . . . 21
CD or DVD problems . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Serial connector problems . . . . . . . . . 23
USB device problems . . . . . . . . . . 23
Software problems. . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lenovo diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 7. CRU replacement . . . . . 25
CRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Remove or replace a CRU . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Vertical stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Computer cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Optical drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
emory module . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
.2 solid-state drive . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Coin-cell battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heat-sink-and-fan assembly . . . . . . . . 37
PCI-Express connector cable . . . . . . . 39
PCI-Express card . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power supply assembly . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 8. Help and support . . . . . 43
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 44
© Copyright Lenovo 2021 i

Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 44
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 45
Appendix A. Supplemental
information about the Ubuntu operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Appendix B. Compliance
information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix C. Notices and
trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ii neo 50s Gen 3 User Guide

iscover your Lenovo computer
Thank you for choosing a Lenovo computer! 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 2021 iii

iv neo 50s Gen 3 User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your computer
Front
1. ThinkCentre® LED 2. Optical drive eject button*
3. Optical drive activity indicator* 4. Power button with power indicator
5. Storage drive activity indicator 6. icrophone connector
7. Headset connector 8. SD-card slot*
9. USB-C® (3.2 Gen 1) connector 10. USB 3.2 connectors Gen 1
11. Internal speaker*
* for selected models
Power indicator
Show the system status of your computer.
• On: The computer is starting up or working.
• Off: The computer is off or in hibernation mode.
• Blinking: The computer is in sleep mode.
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Rear
1. Audio line-out connector 2. HD I™ out connector
3. DisplayPort™ out connector 4. VGA-out connector
5. USB 2.0 connectors 6. USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 (with smart power-on
feature)
7. USB 3.2 connector Gen 1 8. PCI-Express card area
9. Power cord connector 10. Padlock loop
11. Security-lock slot 12. Serial connector*
13. Ethernet connector 14. Smart cable clip slots
15. Serial connector*
* for selected models
Serial connector
Connect an external modem, a serial printer, or other devices that use a serial connector.
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Features and specifications
For detailed specifications of your computer, go to https://psref.lenovo.com.
imensions
• Width: 100.0 mm (3.9 inches)
• Height: 274.8 mm (10.8 inches)
• Depth: 308.0 mm (12.1 inches)
Weight (without packaging) aximum configuration as shipped: 4.5 kg (9.9 lb)
Hardware configuration 1. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
2. Click About.
Power supply • 180-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 260-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
click About.
Memory
Up to two double data rate 4 (DDR4) non-error correction code (non-ECC)
unbuffered dual in-line memory modules (UDI s)
aximum memory capacity: 64 GB
Storage device
• Hard disk drive*
• .2 solid-state drive*
To view the storage drive capacity of your computer, use the isks application.
Note: The storage drive capacity indicated by the system is less than the nominal
capacity.
Video features
• The integrated graphics card supports the following:
– DisplayPort out connector
– HD I out connector
– VGA-out connector
• The optional discrete graphics card provides an enhanced video experience
and extended capabilities.
Expansion
• Card reader*
• emory slots
• .2 solid-state drive slot
• Optical drive*
• PCI Express slots
• Storage drive bay
Network features
• Bluetooth*
• Ethernet LAN
• Wireless LAN*
Chapter 1.eet your computer 3

* for selected models
USB specifications
Note: Depending on the model, some USB connectors might not be available on your computer.
Connector name escription
• USB 2.0 connector
• USB 3.2 connector Gen 1
Connect USB-compatible devices, such as a USB
keyboard, USB mouse, USB storage device, or USB
printer.
• USB-C (3.2 Gen 1) 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 device ata 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
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Chapter 2. Get started with your computer
Get started with Ubuntu esktop
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.
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 models)
If your computer includes a wireless LAN module, you can connect your computer to Wi-Fi®networks.
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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 isplay settings. Then, you can change display settings
as you prefer.
Manage cables with a smart cable clip
Note: You can purchase a smart cable clip from Lenovo.
To manage cables of devices (such as the keyboard and the mouse) with a smart cable clip:
1. Pull the cables through the dents in the clip.
2. Install the clip as shown.
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Chapter 3. Explore your computer
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.
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for selected 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.
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.
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2. Any discoverable devices will be shown in the evices list.
3. Select a Bluetooth device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Use the optical drive (for selected models)
If your computer has an optical drive, read the following information.
Install or remove 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 C / V -R isc notification that pops up at the bottom of the screen, select Open with
C / V Creator.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Use a media card (for selected models)
If your computer has an SD-card slot, read the following information.
Install a media 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.
Remove a media 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.
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Chapter 4. Secure your computer and information
Lock the computer
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.
Padlock
Locking the computer cover through a padlock prevents unauthorized access to the inside of your computer.
Kensington-style cable lock
Lock your computer to a desk, table, or other fixtures through a Kensington-style cable lock.
© Copyright Lenovo 2021 9

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, system management 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.
• System management password (for selected models)
You can enable the system management password to have the same authority as the supervisor
password to control security related features. To customize the authority of the system management
password through the UEFI BIOS menu:
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Security ➙ System Management Password Access Control.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If you have set both the supervisor password and the system management password, the supervisor
password overrides the system management password.
Set, change, 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 Security.
3. Depending on the password type, select Set Supervisor Password, Set Power-On Password, Set
System Management Password, or Hard isk 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.
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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.
Computrace Agent software embedded in firmware (for selected
models)
The Computrace Agent software is an IT asset management and computer theft recovery solution. The
software detects if changes have been made on the computer, such as hardware, software, or the computer
call-in location. You might have to purchase a subscription to activate the Computrace Agent software.
Use BIOS security 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.
To wipe the storage drive data:
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Security ➙ secure 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 ➙ secure 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 presence switch
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 Security ➙ Cover Tamper etected and press Enter.
3. Select Enabled and press Enter.
4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
Chapter 4.Secure your computer and information 11

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 Protection
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:
• isabled (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 Access: You cannot access the USB storage devices from the computer.
To configure the Smart USB Protection function:
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Select Security ➙ Smart USB Protection and press Enter.
3. Select the desired setting and press Enter.
4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
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Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS
This chapter provides information about configuring and updating UEFI BIOS, and clearing C OS.
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 interface
Attention: The default configurations are already optimized for you in boldface. 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 Function
F1 or Fn+F1 General Help
Esc or Fn+Esc Exit the submenu
↑↓ or Fn+↑↓ Locate an item
← → or Fn+← → ove 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.
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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 & ate and press Enter.
3. Set the system date and time as desired.
4. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
Change the boot priority order
If the computer does not boot from a device as expected, you can change the boot priority order
permanently or select a temporary boot device.
Change the boot priority order permanently
1. Depending on the type of the storage device, do one of the following:
• If the storage device is internal, go to step 2.
• If the storage device is a disc, ensure that the computer is on or turn on the computer. Then, insert
the disc into the optical drive.
• If the storage device is an external device other than a disc, connect the storage device to the
computer.
2. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
3. Select Startup ➙ Boot Priority Order, and then follow the on-screen instructions to change the boot
priority order.
4. You can also select the first priority device group by selecting Startup ➙ First Boot evice, and then
follow the on-screen instructions to select the first boot device within this group. Your computer will
boot from the first boot device before trying the boot priority order you set in the previous step.
5. Press F10 or Fn+F10 to save the changes and exit.
Select a temporary boot device
Note: Not all discs and storage drives are bootable.
1. Depending on the type of the storage device, do one of the following:
• If the storage device is internal, go to step 2.
• If the storage device is a disc, ensure that the computer is on or turn on the computer. Then, insert
the disc into the optical drive.
• If the storage device is an external device other than a disc, connect the storage device to the
computer.
2. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F12 or Fn+F12.
3. Select the storage device as desired and press Enter.
If you want to change the boot priority order permanently, select Enter Setup on Startup Device enu and
press Enter to enter the BIOS menu.
Enable or disable the configuration change detection feature
If you enable configuration change detection, when the POST detects configuration changes of some
hardware devices (such as storage drives or memory modules), an error message will be displayed when you
turn on the computer.
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