ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
The System76 Thelio r3 represents the latest iteration of the company’s renowned workstation line, available in three distinct configurations with pricing that begins at $1,499. Each build is meticulously engineered for users who demand both high-end performance and refined aesthetics. This system distinguishes itself through its sleek, minimalist design, exceptional craftsmanship, and the sheer versatility of its components, ensuring that it can effortlessly handle virtually any computing task—from complex data processing and virtualization to content creation or everyday professional workloads. While the cost might seem significant to some, the investment justifies itself through the machine’s remarkable longevity, dependable performance, and the company’s unwavering attention to the smallest design and functional details. In every sense, it’s a computer that redefines both practicality and luxury.
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I have been an avid admirer of System76 for many years. The company has earned widespread respect for championing Linux-focused computing and producing powerful, open-source-friendly hardware that caters to users who value productivity, customization, and ethical technology design. Each time I have the opportunity to work with one of their newest developments, the experience not only meets but consistently surpasses my expectations, reaffirming System76’s reputation for innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. My personal relationship with their technology began over a decade ago, when I purchased my very first machine from them—a Leopard Extreme back in 2013. That particular computer served faithfully for six productive years before I decided to move on to its successor, the first-generation Thelio, released in 2019. That system, too, proved to be an absolute powerhouse until fairly recently, when it finally showed its age: the power button failed, and one of the HDMI ports stopped transmitting a video signal.
Although the second system’s lifespan did not quite match the endurance of my first, I reminded myself that I had bought that inaugural Thelio at the very beginning of its production run—a first-generation model in its earliest form. Since then, System76 has refined its engineering approach and significantly upgraded every aspect of the Thelio family. When I realized that my original Thelio had entered its twilight phase, I had to react quickly. Because my daily work depends heavily on a dependable machine, I configured a replacement without hesitation—determined, however, to try something new. For the first time, I chose to step away from Intel and explore the AMD ecosystem. My chosen build centered on an AMD Ryzen 9 7900X processor, boasting 12 cores and 24 threads—a formidable choice that promised unmatched multi-threaded power. Complementing the CPU, I selected 32 GB of DDR5 4800 MHz RAM in a single module, a 500 GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD for internal storage, and an AMD Radeon RX 7600 GPU with 8 GB of dedicated video memory. The system’s connectivity is equally impressive, featuring an ample selection of top and rear I/O ports, including both Type-A and Type-C USB 3.2 options, mic and headphone jacks, 2.5Gbps LAN, and comprehensive wireless networking capabilities through integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The entire setup measures 12.87″ × 8.15″ × 11.46″ (327 × 207 × 291mm) and, as configured, came to just over $2,000. Naturally, it runs Pop!_OS Linux, System76’s own refined Ubuntu-based operating system optimized for both stability and performance.
My earlier Thelio r1 featured an Intel i9 CPU paired with 32 GB of RAM and relied on integrated Intel graphics. Despite lacking a discrete GPU, that machine handled even my heaviest workloads—from running multiple virtual machines and Docker containers to video rendering and compilation tasks—without hesitation. Saying farewell to that trusted workhorse was no easy matter, but I knew that its era had ended. Once the Thelio r3 arrived, my concerns evaporated almost instantly. The moment I opened the box, I was struck by how much the design had evolved while still maintaining the recognizable Thelio essence. Familiarity and innovation coexist beautifully in this latest version.
One immediately noticeable improvement is the addition of accessible ports on the top of the case. For years, I found it irritating to reach behind my desktop whenever I needed to connect different peripherals, from external drives to media readers. The top-mounted ports completely solve that issue, bringing convenience and elegance together. Another personal choice that delighted me was opting for the etched metal panel instead of the traditional wooden inlay. The result is subtle yet striking—an aesthetic upgrade that gives the tower a distinctive personality without compromising its modern simplicity. Open the chassis, and the artistry continues inside: intricate design flourishes like etched rocket ships showcase System76’s unique approach to industrial design, blending functional engineering with creativity and humor.
Could this machine figuratively take me to the moon and back? Perhaps that’s only a metaphor—but the level of ambition built into its design certainly evokes that sense of aspiration. From aesthetics to internal architecture, this computer reflects decades of refinement.
Now, as for performance: I am genuinely astonished. The Ryzen 9 7900X easily outpaces the Intel i9 from my previous system, delivering exceptional responsiveness across every task I throw at it. Some of this gain may also stem from the Radeon RX 7600 graphics card, which adds considerable horsepower for both rendering and graphical workloads. Regardless of where the precise advantage originates, the resulting experience is extraordinary. Compared to the first-generation model, the Thelio r3 represents a definitive leap forward in raw capability, design elegance, and user accessibility.
Transitioning from high-end hardware that has served so reliably over the years can often feel risky—like exchanging one trusted companion for an unknown quantity. Yet, when dealing with a company as dedicated to continuous improvement as System76, that apprehension proves unnecessary. With each new Thelio release, they clearly incorporate community feedback, technical advancements, and refined craftsmanship. The evidence of that commitment is embodied in this new machine.
After a week of intensive use—launching virtual machines, managing containers, and performing the wide array of daily workflows that define my professional life—I am convinced that the Thelio r3 is everything I hoped for and more. Even without pushing it to its maximum limits, every indicator points to long-term reliability and substantial performance overhead. It runs quietly, efficiently, and without a hint of instability.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
Out of all the desktop computers I have worked with throughout my career, the System76 Thelio stands head and shoulders above the rest. It is, quite simply, the most balanced union of power, beauty, and sustainability I have encountered. If your current system no longer meets your performance needs, you would be hard-pressed to find a better replacement. The Thelio line exemplifies how a modern desktop can be both a technical marvel and a work of art. Investing in one is not just a hardware upgrade—it is a commitment to quality computing that will continue to impress for years to come.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/system76-thelio-desktop-linux-review/
