ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The System76 Thelio r3 is available in three configurations, beginning at $1,499.
- It is modern, stunning, highly effective, and may deal with something you throw at it.
- Some may discover it dear, however the longevity, efficiency, and a focus to element is value each penny.
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I have been an enormous fan of System76 for years. They have been champions of Linux machines for a very long time and each time I get an opportunity to work with one in every of their new computer systems, they by no means fail to impress me on each degree that counts.
I bought my first system from the corporate (a Leopard Excessive) again in 2013. That machine served me for six years, at which level I upgraded to their newest providing, the Thelio. That was again in 2019, and it carried out like a champ till only recently, when the On/Off button stopped working and one of many HDMI ports ceased to ship a sign.
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Though the second machine did not final practically so long as the primary, I needed to remind myself that I bought that first Thelio as quickly as they had been launched, which means it was a primary iteration. Since then, the corporate has made critical modifications to the Thelio line-up and improved every machine throughout.
When my unique Thelio hinted that it was on its final legs, I needed to act quick. I spend loads of time working at my desk, and that machine is important to my day-to-day. So, I began configuring my new PC and rapidly determined I used to be going to do one thing I would by no means performed: shrug off Intel. That is proper, I went the AMD route with a Ryzen 9 7900X (12 cores/24 threads). The remainder of the customized specs seem like this:
- RAM – 32 GB DDR5 4800 MHz (1×32)
- Inside storage – 500 GB PCIe4 M.2 SSD
- GPU – 8 GB AMD Radeon RX 7600
- High ports – 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Sort-C), 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 (Sort A), Mic, Headphone
- Rear Ports – 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Sort-A), 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Sort-A), 1x 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (Sort-C)
- Rear Audio – Mic, Line out, Line in
- Networking – 2.5GbE, built-in Wifi 6E (a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with Bluetooth 5.2
- Dimensions – 12.87″ × 8.15″ × 11.46″ (327 × 207 × 291mm)
- OS – Pop!_OS Linux
- Worth – As configured, simply over $2k.
My unique Thelio included an Intel i9 CPU and 32 GB of RAM, however trusted the built-in Intel graphics card. That machine was a beast and did not blink at something I tossed its manner, from digital machines, containers, video rendering, and absolutely anything I required.
Having to say goodbye to that r1 Thelio was powerful, however I knew its time had come. When its substitute arrived, nevertheless these issues had been instantly assuaged. Upon pulling the pc out of the field, I used to be instantly struck by how the machine had advanced from the primary iteration. Sure, there have been loads of similarities, however the variations made this a completely new expertise.
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First off, having ports on the highest of the case is a welcome enchancment. I usually have to change out totally different peripherals (similar to card readers, exterior drives, and so on.) and hated having to drag the case out, seize a flashlight, and swap ’em out. Now, I can do this with ease.
Additionally, I opted to go along with the etched panel (as an alternative of the wooden insert) and I am glad I did. This addition provides the case simply sufficient flare to make it stand out.
However the flare would not cease there. Open the case and you will find all kinds of artistry on show, such because the small rocketships carved out of the chassis. I’ve at all times felt that System76 by no means did not go above and past and this new Thelio proves it.
Might this machine take me to the moon and again? Perhaps.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
However what about efficiency?
To this point, I am significantly impressed. The AMD CPU is outperforming the Intel i9. In fact, the facility may very well be bolstered by the Radeon RX 7600, so it is arduous to inform. However the general impact is that the r3 Thelio is an enormous enchancment over the r1…and that is saying one thing.
Whenever you’ve been working with a superb piece of {hardware} for years, swapping that out for one thing else could be a crapshoot. However while you’re coping with an organization like System76, the form of effort they put into bettering their machines and they didn’t disappoint with their newest Thelio incarnation.
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This machine is precisely what I needed and wanted and will serve me effectively for years to come back. Though I’ve probably not careworn it with any heavy workloads to talk of, I’ve spun up quite a few digital machines, and gone by way of my traditional workday for a few week now and have been impressed at each flip. The System76 Thelio is all upside and would not undergo from a single challenge.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Of all of the computer systems I’ve ever used, the System76 Thelio is, far and away, the very best. Fingers down. Finish of story. In case you want an improve to the {hardware} you are at present utilizing, you can not go improper with one in every of these beasts.
In case you’re seeking to substitute your present desktop laptop, you would be hard-pressed to discover a machine that’s equal components energy and wonder just like the Thelio. Belief me after I inform you that you simply will not remorse the acquisition.
