Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra Workstation review

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra is a compact, high-performing workstation with impressive power and versatility -- though it's not for everyone.

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra
(Image: © Collin Probst // Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra is a high-performing, compact workstation ideal for professionals who don't need a tower, though the port offering is wonky.

Pros

  • +

    Compact and powerful design

  • +

    Strong performance for complex workloads

  • +

    Quiet operation

Cons

  • -

    No HDMI, only DP out

  • -

    Thunderbolt is only on the front

  • -

    Premium pricing

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Lenovo is a well-known brand in the world of professional business computing. They make phenomenal computers of all shapes, sizes, budgets, and performance. The ThinkStation P3 Ultra targets design, engineering, and video editing professionals who need high-powered machines capable of some serious computing power.

The ThinkStation P3 Ultra is on the higher end of Lenovo Workstations, and can be spec'd up to a 14th Gen i9, Windows 11 Pro for Business, NVIDIA RTX A5500, up to 128 GB RAM, up to 4TB of storage, and even an M.2 RAID. This can be a pretty hefty computer with a pretty hefty price tag. But how does it compare to the best workstations we've reviewed? We put the ThinkStation P3 Ultra to the test. 

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra: Price and Availability

Since there are so many upgrades available to the ThinkStation P3 Ultra, there are even more possible price tags thanks to the different possible combinations of these upgrades. However, what is easy to state is that the starting price for all base features is $934.45 at the time of writing this article, and the price, of course, climbs from there. The highest-end model can reach nearly $5,000. Compared to similar PCs, there is some competitive pricing for some of the features.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra is available in multiple regions, such as the US and the UK. For more information on whether this computer is available for you, the best place to start looking is on Lenovo's website. However, it is available on multiple other retailers as well.

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra: Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra was about like unboxing any other Lenovo computer. The box is simple and contains the workstation, a power cable, an adapter for Wi-Fi, and setup guides. Right away, I could tell this machine meant power, partly due to the abundance of DisplayPorts in the back and partially because it looked beefy, like every square millimeter of space packed with power on the inside. The compact nature was immediately noticeable, yet it does not feel compact when using it; instead, it feels quite expansive, powerful, and like a supercar at the start of an open highway.

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra: Design and Build Quality

As expected for a high-end workstation, the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra has excellent build quality. It seems durable -- though I don't feel any desire to push this to the limit due to the cost of this machine -- it feels like it cools pretty easily, the machine is relatively quiet even when under heavy loads, and it has easy to access ports, without any being hidden, or in dumb spots, as some compact units choose to do to save space. However, one thing that I did notice that I did not love was the absence of Thunderbolt ports at the back of the unit. There are two in the front, which is helpful, especially for large file transfers, but none in the back. 

As someone who loves and gets to utilize some of the best Thunderbolt Docks on the market, I am pretty bummed none of mine will reach full potential unless the Thunderbolt cable is plugged into the front of the unit. Additionally, if I had a Thunderbolt or even a USB-C display I wanted to use, I would have to also run a DisplayPort cable up to my monitor of choice. But, especially with the newest Apple Computers releasing Thunderbolt 5, having the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the front of the machine will help with data transfer, and that's probably why they are there in the first place.

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra: In use

Specs

CPU: Intel 13th-gen Core (up to i9) or Xeon
GPU: NVIDIA RTX A2000 to A5000 options
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 ECC memory
Storage: Up to 4TB SSD
Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt
OS: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra is not the computer you would get to run a few Chrome (or any other browser) Tabs. It's different from one you would use for essential business or admin work. This is the kind of machine you get when you have advanced 3D rendering jobs, CAD projects, or even video editing that need to be done. During my testing, I pushed the RAM and GPU by exporting four lines of 4k footage through DaVinci Resolve, and it sliced through it like butter. I also used this to finish some CAD projects I had started for some 3D printing projects I am working on (for more, see our round-up of the best 3D printers). I found the workstation was able to render incredibly fast, and it sliced the .stl so I could send it to my 3D printer super quick, too.

I will be the first to admit I am a heavy and intense computer user, but at the same time, I am nowhere near the most powerful user there is. I wouldn't need this kind of power in my day-to-day, but it is very nice to have. This powerhouse would be helpful for professional video editors, those who use CAD for 3D renderings, and even some intense coders or programmers.

For the raw power that this computer can output, even when under heavy load, it remains pretty quiet. And, when it's not maxing out its cores, it's pretty quiet and could sit out on your desk without needing to be tucked away due to loud fans.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
AttributesNotesRating
DesignModern, compact design⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Material qualityhigh quality materials⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEasy to use for most⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PracticalityOnly needed for the heavy users⭐⭐⭐⭐
PricePremium price, premium build⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Ultra: Final verdict

Overall, The ThinkStation P3 Ultra from Lenovo is an excellent choice for those who prioritize power and want a compact form factor. Granted, there are some limitations in ports when it comes to Thunderbolt placement and lack of HDMI, but even with that being the case, this computer is still highly versatile and incredibly powerful for those who need a powerful compact desktop.


For portable powerhouses, we tested the best mobile workstations and the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops

TOPICS
Collin Probst

Former TechRadar Pro B2B Hardware Editor, Collin has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.

Read more
Lenovo | ThinkPad P16 Gen 2
I reviewed the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 and the only thing bigger than its impressive capabilities is the cost
Scan 3XS GWP TR Ada main image
I tested the Scan 3XS GWP TR Ada - see what I thought of this incredibly powerful workstation
Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2
Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2 mobile workstation review
Mac Studio on a desk
Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra): the ultimate creative workstation
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7
Best mobile workstations of 2025: Top picks for power, productivity, and portability
GEEKOM A8 Max review
Geekom A8 Max Mini PC AMD Ryzen 9 8845HS review
Latest in Pro
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 next to a TechRadar badge that reads Big Savings
I found the best printer deal you won't see in the Amazon Spring Sale and it's got a massive $150 saving
Microsoft Copiot Studio deep reasoning and agent flows
Microsoft reveals OpenAI-powered Copilot AI agents to bosot your work research and data analysis
Group of people meeting
Inflexible work policies are pushing tech workers to quit
Data leak
Top home hardware firm data leak could see millions of customers affected
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
Third-party security issues could be the biggest threat facing your business
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
Why multi-CDNs are going to shake up 2025
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used