A 4.5-liter desktop computer running Ubuntu, along with local language models like Claude Code, has been on a user’s desk for several months. This desktop, equipped with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor and 128 GB of shared memory, was chosen because it was the only option at the time to achieve such a high memory capacity without relying on Apple products. Since then, other manufacturers like Minisforum, Geekom, and GMKtec have also released similar machines. Now, Lenovo has entered the market with its own version, the ThinkCentre X Ultra. The ThinkCentre X Ultra is a compact machine, measuring 183 x 183 x 51 mm and weighing just 2 kg—slightly larger than a Mac mini. Inside, it features the Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495, also known as the "Gorgon Halo" chip, which is under embargo until September 5. This chip includes 16 Zen 5 cores, a Radeon 8065S GPU with 40 calculation units, and enhanced memory and processing capabilities. The system offers 128 GB of unified memory, with up to 96 GB available for the GPU, which is enough to run a 70 billion parameter model in 8-bit quantization without needing cloud resources. The ThinkCentre X Ultra is equipped with two M.2 slots for up to 8 TB of storage, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, 10 GbE Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 7. It is available with either Windows 11 or Linux, including an "AMD AI OS" image and Ubuntu certification. The machine is expected to launch in November with a starting price of 3,100 euros. However, due to high demand and a shortage of memory, the final price might be higher. In comparison, the Framework Desktop 128 GB, launched in February 2025 for 1,999 euros, now costs 3,889 euros in France by the end of August 2026, and lacks an SSD. Framework is also preparing a PRO 495 version with 192 GB of memory, which is expected to be expensive. In this context, Lenovo’s 3,100 euros is seen as a more affordable option. The starting price in the United States is 3,699 dollars, though it is unclear whether this includes the 128 GB model. If it does, the price is competitive. If it includes only 64 GB, the value proposition changes. Compared to Apple’s Mac Studio M5 Max, which offers 36 GB of memory for 2,999 euros, Lenovo’s machine provides more memory at a similar price. However, Apple still holds an edge in memory bandwidth, which affects processing speed. The ThinkCentre X Ultra is designed for developers and small teams who need to run local AI inference, preferably under Linux, on a quiet machine with TÜV Ultra Low Noise certification. It connects via 10 GbE and can be clustered with up to four units for a combined 512 GB of memory, similar to Apple’s Thunderbolt 5, though Lenovo hasn’t specified the exact link or software used for this setup. The machine is not aimed at gaming and features an integrated GPU with impressive performance for its class. Unlike the Framework, which allows users to upgrade components like the motherboard and case, the ThinkCentre X Ultra has soldered memory and limited upgrade options. Its memory ceiling is set at 128 GB, even though the chip can support up to 192 GB, and the system uses Gen4 SSDs despite mentioning Gen5 in some specifications.