Lenovo · 2018 · end of life
Lenovo ThinkPad P52
Mobile Workstation
A 2.45 kg 15-inch workstation people still buy used for the Quadro and the four RAM slots, around 450 dollars refurbished.
from $450 last seen 2026-05-20
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- Best for programming AI and data work creative work
- Linux: minor fixes
Scorecard
Mean of six category scores, 0 to 10. Compiled from public sources. How we rate.
Strongest on keyboard and build, weakest on display.
- Battery 5/10
- Display 4/10
- Build 7/10
- Keyboard 8/10
- Speed 6/10
- Value 7/10
Worth knowing
Stands out
- RAM is user-upgradeable
Watch for
- Discontinued, sold from remaining stock
- NVIDIA needs the proprietary driver on Linux
- Heavy at 2.45 kg for daily carry
Linux
Works · Best on ubuntu LTS. Confidence: medium · How we score
Linux compatibility, per distro
- Ubuntu LTS Minor setup
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : needs tweak
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : needs tweak
04 or newer and a current nvidia driver. The well-known issue is resume from suspend on the Quadro: nouveau leaves a black screen, and the proprietary driver needs nvidia-suspend, nvidia-resume and nvidia-hibernate services enabled or it hangs.
ServeTheHome: ThinkPad P52 review →Show full report
dia-suspend, nvidia-resume and nvidia-hibernate services enabled or it hangs. Four SO-DIMM slots take RAM to 128 GB, two M.2 plus a 2.5 inch bay covers storage. Real S3 sleep is available in BIOS, which helps once the dGPU suspend is wired up.
- Fedora Minor setup
- Wi-Fi : works
- Bluetooth : works
- Fingerprint : needs tweak
- Webcam : works
- Audio : works
- Suspend : needs tweak
Fedora plus RPM Fusion akmod-nvidia is the path most users report. Same Quadro suspend caveat.
Show full report
The 300 nit FHD panel is the floor on this chassis, the 4K UHD option exists but eats battery. The Power Bridge external battery is gone on this generation, so the 90 Wh internal is what you get.
See the broader picture in the Linux compatibility hub, the full compatibility matrix, and the buying guides.
Specs
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8850H / Xeon E-2186M |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA Quadro P2000 (4 GB) |
| RAM | 32 GB (upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| Screen | 15.6" 1920x1080 @ 60Hz, 300 nitsfine indoors, dim in direct sun |
| Weight | 2.45 kgheavy for daily carry |
| Battery | 90 Wh, around 5 h real-world |
Common questions
- Does the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 (Mobile Workstation) work with Linux?
- Mostly: it runs after one or two known fixes (checked on Ubuntu LTS, Fedora). Lenovo published a 16.04 install guide with kernel 4.15, but in 2026 take 22.04 or newer and a current nvidia driver.
- What does the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 (Mobile Workstation) cost?
- Last seen around 450 USD (2026-05-20). It is discontinued, so prices vary with remaining stock.
- Is the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 (Mobile Workstation) good for programming?
- For programming we score it 7/10 on value and 6/10 on performance.
- How heavy is the Lenovo ThinkPad P52 (Mobile Workstation)?
- 2.45 kg (5.40 lb). That's heavy for a daily commute.
- What's the battery life like?
- A 90 Wh pack, around 5 hours real-world mixed use. We score battery 5/10.
- Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
- RAM is on SODIMM slots, so you can swap it later. Storage starts at 512 GB on this configuration.
The Lenovo ThinkPad P52 (Mobile Workstation) is discontinued
The price below is the last we saw, kept for reference. See the current alternatives further down.
from $450 last seen 2026-05-20
Find remaining Lenovo stockAs an Amazon Associate (US, NL, DE, UK programs), qualifying purchases via this link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Other markets not yet enrolled. How we make money. Verified 2026-05-20.
