
Lenovo
Lenovo Thinkpad P50 Mobile Workstation i7-6700HQ Laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad P50 delivers ISV-certified workstation performance with Quadro graphics and a legendary keyboard in a portable 15.6" chassis.
View price on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.
Notice a mistake? Let Us Know
Overview
Mobile Workstation Power for Professionals On-the-Go
Introducing the Lenovo ThinkPad P50 Mobile Workstation, a powerful and reliable laptop designed for demanding professional applications. With its Intel Core i7 processor, dedicated NVIDIA Quadro graphics, and robust build quality, the ThinkPad P50 delivers exceptional performance and durability for creative and technical professionals.
- Brand: Lenovo
- Model: Thinkpad P50
- Operating System: Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7-6700HQ (up to 3.5 GHz)
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 500GB HDD (7200RPM)
- Display: 15.6" FHD IPS (1920x1080) Anti-Glare
- Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro M1000M 2GB VRAM
- Connectivity: AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
- Security: Fingerprint Reader
- Keyboard: Backlit, Spill-Resistant with Full Number Pad
- Ports: 4x USB 3.0, HDMI, mini-DisplayPort, Ethernet (RJ-45), USB Type-C / Thunderbolt 3, Headphone/Mic Combo, 4-in-1 card Reader, Dock Connector
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- NVIDIA Quadro M1000M provides ISV-certified graphics for professional CAD, 3D modeling, and creative applications
- Highly upgradeable with four RAM slots supporting up to 64GB and multiple storage bays for NVMe and SATA drives
- Comprehensive port selection including Thunderbolt 3, four USB 3.0, HDMI, mini-DisplayPort, and Ethernet without needing dongles
- Renowned ThinkPad keyboard with full number pad and TrackPoint, ideal for extended typing sessions
👎 Cons
- Ships with only 8GB RAM and a 500GB HDD, requiring immediate upgrades for serious workstation use
- At roughly 5.6 lbs, the P50 is noticeably heavier than modern ultrabook-class workstations
- The 6th-gen i7-6700HQ processor is several generations old, limiting performance in heavily multithreaded modern workflows
- Ships with Windows 8.1 Pro rather than Windows 10 or 11, requiring a manual OS upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPU does the ThinkPad P50 use, and is it suitable for CAD work?
The P50 features an NVIDIA Quadro M1000M with 2GB VRAM, which is ISV-certified for professional applications like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and similar CAD/CAM software.
Can the RAM and storage be upgraded on the ThinkPad P50?
Yes. The P50 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across four SO-DIMM slots, and it has multiple storage bays including M.2 NVMe and a 2.5" SATA bay, making upgrades straightforward.
Does this ThinkPad P50 listing include Windows 10 or only Windows 8.1?
This configuration ships with Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit. However, the P50 is fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the free upgrade path from 8.1 Pro may still be available.
Does the P50 have Thunderbolt connectivity?
Yes, it includes a Thunderbolt 3 port via USB Type-C, allowing high-speed data transfer and the ability to connect external GPUs or docking stations.
How is the keyboard and trackpoint on the P50?
The P50 features Lenovo's acclaimed backlit, spill-resistant keyboard with full number pad and the classic TrackPoint pointing stick, widely regarded as one of the best laptop keyboards available.