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 (January 2021)
© 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
iscover your Lenovo computer . . . . iii
Chapter 1. Meet your computer . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 3
USB specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connect an external display . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Manage cables with a smart cable clip . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 3. Explore your computer . . . 7
Night light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Set the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Transfer data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled device (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Use the optical drive (for selected models) . . . 8
Use a media card (for selected models) . . . . . 8
Purchase accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 4. Secure your computer
and information . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Lock the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
UEFI BIOS passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Certificate-based BIOS management . . . . . . 12
Computrace Agent software embedded in
firmware (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . 13
Use BIOS security solutions . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wipe the storage drive data . . . . . . . . 13
Cover presence switch . . . . . . . . . . 14
Intel BIOS guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Smart USB Protection . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 5. UEFI BIOS . . . . . . . . . 15
What is UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Enter the BIOS menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Navigate in the BIOS interface . . . . . . . . . 15
Change the display language of UEFI BIOS . . . . 15
Change the display mode of UEFI BIOS (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Set the system date and time . . . . . . . . . 16
Change the boot priority order . . . . . . . . . 16
Enable or disable the configuration change
detection feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Enable or disable the automatic power-on
feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Enable or disable the smart power-on feature (for
selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Enable or disable the ErP LPS compliance mode . . 17
Change the ITS performance mode . . . . . . . 18
Change BIOS settings before installing a new
operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Update UEFI BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Customize BIOS Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Recover from a BIOS update failure . . . . . . . 19
Clear CMOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 6. CRU replacement . . . . . 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 7. Help and support . . . . . 37
Self-help resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lenovo diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Call Lenovo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Before you contact Lenovo . . . . . . . . 38
Lenovo Customer Support Center . . . . . . 39
Purchase additional services. . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix A. Supplemental
information about the Ubuntu operating
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix B. Compliance
information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 i

ii ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 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 2023 iii

iv ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Chapter 1. Meet your computer
Front
Item escription Item escription
1 ThinkCentre® 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 device ata 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 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.
• Breathing: The computer is in sleep mode.
Always On USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 connector
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 topics
• “USB specifications” on page 3.
Rear
Item escription Item escription
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 connector
Depending on the computer model, the connector might be a DisplayPort out connector, a VGA connector,
or a serial connector.
Related topics
• “Lock the computer” on page 11.
• “Connect an external display” on page 6.
• “USB specifications” on page 3.
• “Enable or disable the ErP LPS compliance mode” on page 17.
2ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Features and specifications
Specification escription
imensions
• Width 179 mm (7 inches)
• Height 34.5 mm (1.4 inches)
• Depth 182.9 mm (7.2 inches)
Weight (without packaging) Maximum configuration as shipped 1.3 kg (2.8 lb)
Hardware configuration 1. Open the system menu from the top-right corner and click Settings.
2. Click About.
Power supply
• 65-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 90-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
• 135-watt automatic voltage-sensing power supply
Electrical 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 device
• 2.5-inch hard disk drive*
• M.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.
Expansion
• Hard disk drive cage*
• M.2 solid-state drive slot
• Memory slots
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.
Chapter 1.Meet your computer 3

Connector name escription
• 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 https //www.lenovo.com/accessories.
4ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

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.
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 5

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.
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.
6ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

Chapter 3. Explore your computer
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 ➙ isplays ➙ 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
For Ubuntu operating system
• 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.
For IGEL® operating system
• Turn off the display After 10 minutes
• Put the computer to sleep After 20 minutes
To awaken the computer from Sleep mode, press the power button.
To reset the power plan to achieve the best balance between performance and power saving
1. Open the system menu from the button-left corner and click Settings.
2. Click Power Options.
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.
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 7

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.
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.
8ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

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.
Chapter 3.Explore your computer 9

10 ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

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.
Kensington-style cable lock
Lock your computer to a desk, table, or other fixtures through a Kensington-style cable lock.
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.
© Copyright Lenovo 2023 11

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.
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.
Certificate-based BIOS management
Certificate-based BIOS authentication (also called the password-less management mode) provides more
secure UEFI BIOS management with password-free solution. It is used to replace the supervisor password /
system management password for authentication if you have set one.
Note: Supervisor password / system management password are disabled automatically when certificate
mode is enabled. But the power-on password / hard disk password still can be used normally in certificate
mode if you have set one.
For certificate enrollment, see Certificate Enrollment Guide at https //support.lenovo.com/docs/certificate_
enrollment_guide
Enter the BIOS menu with certificate
Once you have enrolled the certificate, you can enter the BIOS menu with the certificate.
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1 to enter the BIOS menu.
12 ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide

2. The QR code is displayed. Scan the QR code to save the request data and send the request data to IT
admin by e-mail or phone.
Note: If you choose to authenticate without the QR code, save the request data in a USB key and send
the request data to IT admin by e-mail or phone.
3. Enter the unlock code provided by IT admin and click OK.
Notes:
• The unlock encode is a one-time password and is valid only during logon prompt (in one power-on cycle)
for up to two hours.
• If you click Skip, you can enter the BIOS setup menu without BIOS management authority. But certificate
reset is allowed.
Reset certificate
The enrolled certificate cannot be disabled. You can reset or remove it
1. Restart the computer. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.
2. Enter the BIOS menu with the certificate or skip the certification authentication process.
3. Select Security ➙ Certificate-based BIOS Authentication ➙ Reset Certificate.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the reset code provided by IT admin.
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.
Chapter 4.Secure your computer and information 13

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.
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.
14 ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4 User Guide