Short version: the ThinkCentre M700 SFF we covered runs 6th-gen Intel Core chips (Lenovo’s spec sheet dates from January 2016). Microsoft’s Windows 11 processor list starts at 8th gen, and Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so a used M700 is a poor buy for most people now. Lenovo’s current small form factor model is the ThinkCentre M70s Gen 6. On a budget, a refurbished 8th-gen ThinkCentre like the M920q Tiny meets Windows 11’s processor requirement.
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Old business desktops are tempting: sturdy, quiet and cheap. The catch in 2026 is Windows support. Here’s the comparison, based on Lenovo’s spec sheets and Microsoft’s requirements (we didn’t test these PCs hands-on).
| Spec | ThinkCentre M700 SFF | ThinkCentre M70s Gen 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 6th-gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium or Celeron | Intel Core Ultra 3/5/7 (Series 2) |
| Memory | DDR4-2133, up to 32 GB | DDR5, up to 128 GB |
| Storage | SATA hard drive, SSHD or SSD | Up to two M.2 NVMe SSDs plus a 3.5-inch drive |
| Wireless | Optional Wi-Fi 5 (11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 options |
| Windows 11 | Processor not on Microsoft’s supported list | Windows 11 Pro or Home preload |
| Case size | 9.7 L | 8.2 L |
Specs from Lenovo’s M700 SFF spec sheet, Lenovo’s M70s Gen 6 spec sheet, Microsoft’s Windows 11 Intel processor list, Microsoft’s Windows 10 end of support page. Checked October 2026.
What matters in real use
- Check the processor generation first. For Windows 11, look for 8th-gen Intel Core or newer on any refurb listing.
- New or refurb? The M70s Gen 6 is for offices that want a warranty and DDR5; a refurb is for homework and email on a budget.
- Tiny vs SFF. The M920q is a much smaller Tiny model that runs off an external power adapter (included, per the listing).
- Another refurb option: the ThinkCentre M720q Tiny with Windows 11 Pro from the same refurbisher.
- Upgrades on the M70s Gen 6 take low-profile cards only, via one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot.
Gift it to: the home-office worker, a student who needs a desk PC, or the family that wants a simple computer for homework.
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