Tag: System76

  • System76 Meerkat Mini PC: Upgraded Core Ultra 7 & 96GB RAM

    System76 Meerkat Mini PC: Upgraded Core Ultra 7 & 96GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The System76 Meerkat mini PC now features the new Core Ultra 7 255H “Arrow Lake” CPU, offering 30% better multi-core and 18% better single-core performance compared to the previous model.

    2. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and allows users to upgrade memory and storage through dual SODIMM slots and two M.2 2280 slots.

    3. An affordable option with the Core 3 100U is available, but it lacks discrete graphics and has PCIe 4.0 support for the M.2 slots.

    4. The Meerkat mini PC has strong connectivity options, including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, multiple USB ports, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports, but it does not include an audio jack.

    5. Pricing starts at $599 for the Core 3 model and $1,048 for the Core Ultra 7 model, with various configuration choices available.


    Linux lovers are probably well aware of System76, a brand recognized for its Linux-based machines that generally get good feedback. One of their products, the Meerkat mini PC, has recently launched with both stronger and more budget-friendly options.

    New Processor Update

    Earlier this January, the System76 Meerkat mini PC saw an upgrade to the Core Ultra 7 155H “Meteor Lake” CPU. Now, it’s available with the new Core Ultra 7 255H “Arrow Lake” CPU. In terms of performance, the 255H boasts around 30% better multi-core performance due to its six P-cores utilizing multithreading, and about 18% enhanced single-core performance as shown by Cinebench 2024.

    Memory and Storage Options

    The Meerkat Linux mini PC can support up to an impressive 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM. Users can access and upgrade both the memory and storage, thanks to the dual SODIMM slots and two M.2 2280 slots, with one supporting PCIe 5.0. There’s also a more affordable option featuring the Core 3 100U, which has similar specs but both M.2 slots supporting PCIe 4.0. However, it lacks space for discrete graphics, relying instead on integrated GPUs. For gaming, mini PCs that have OCuLink support, like the GMKtec K11 (currently $649.99 on Amazon), might be a better choice.

    Great Connectivity Options

    The port selection is quite good, including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, a 2.5 G Ethernet port, and dual HDMI 2.1 ports. Unfortunately, the audio jack has been taken out, which is a bit of a letdown. The entry-level variant with the Core 3 starts at $599, while the Core Ultra 7 model begins at $1,048. There are many configuration choices available, and the prices seem mostly fair.

    System76, as reported by Liliputing.

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  • System76 Serval WS Linux Laptop Now Features RTX 5070 Ti GPU

    System76 Serval WS Linux Laptop Now Features RTX 5070 Ti GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. System76 offers a variety of Linux-compatible products, including laptops, desktops, mini PCs, servers, and keyboards.
    2. The upgraded Serval WS notebook features a 16-inch display with a 240 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560 × 1600.
    3. It is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores and can support up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM.
    4. Users can expand storage up to 12 TB with PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, and it includes advanced connectivity options like 2.5 GbE Ethernet, WLAN 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.
    5. The Serval WS starts at $2,999 and comes pre-installed with Pop!_OS, with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS as an additional option.


    US company System76 offers a wide range of products, including laptops, desktop computers, mini PCs, servers, and keyboards. Their devices are specifically designed to work with Linux, and they come pre-installed with System76’s own Linux distribution, Pop!_OS. The Serval WS notebook is now receiving an upgrade, featuring powerful hardware that targets scientists, gamers, engineers, and developers.

    Exciting New Features

    One of the most notable upgrades to the Serval WS notebook is its 16-inch display, which boasts a fast refresh rate of 240 Hz and a resolution of 2560 × 1600 in a 16:10 aspect ratio. To take full advantage of this high refresh rate for gaming and other uses, it includes an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU with 12 GB of DDR7 RAM, which System76 claims can achieve up to 1406 TOPS.

    Enhanced Performance

    The updated Serval WS is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, featuring a total of 24 cores split between 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores. To handle even the toughest computing tasks, this Linux laptop can be configured with as much as 96 GB DDR5 RAM running at 5600 MT/s, although it already comes with 32 GB of RAM as standard.

    Connectivity and Storage Options

    Moreover, users can add up to 12 TB of storage, utilizing both PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 technology. In terms of connectivity, the Serval WS notebook is equipped with 2.5 GbE Ethernet, WLAN 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, making it very modern. Apart from the built-in Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS, which includes full hard drive encryption, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is also an option for the operating system.

    You can find the refreshed Serval WS available for purchase on System76’s online store, starting at a price of $2,999 (not including shipping), featuring a US ANSI keyboard. The expected delivery date is set for the end of May.

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  • System76 Meerkat: Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 7 and 96GB RAM

    System76 Meerkat: Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra 7 and 96GB RAM

    Hunting for a well-equipped mini PC from a trusted brand is no longer a difficult task, given the wide range of choices in the market today. For those who love Linux, though, the options are fewer but still available. A good example of this is the updated System76 Meerkat mini PC, which has received enhancements in its internal components.

    Performance Upgrades

    The refreshed System76 Meerkat mini PC is now available with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, which can be configured with as much as 96 GB of RAM and a whopping 16 TB of SSD storage, thanks to its M.2 slot and a 2.5-inch SATA bay. The Core Ultra 7 155H features 16 cores and 22 threads, providing solid performance that closely resembles the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U seen in the Beelink SER8 (currently priced at $499 on Amazon). Due to its small form factor, the system does not include discrete graphics and relies on the integrated Intel Arc iGPU, which should handle less demanding GPU tasks well enough.

    Connectivity and Pricing

    The Meerkat Linux mini PC comes with a good selection of ports, such as Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DP 1.4a), three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, dual HDMI 2.1, and an audio jack. For wireless connections, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, while dual 2.5 G Ethernet ports manage wired networking needs. In terms of cost, the Meerkat mini PC is on the higher end of the spectrum. The starting price for the base model, which includes an Intel Core Ultra 125H, 16 GB of DDR5-5600 memory, and 500 GB of storage, is $799. Prices can rise quickly as you select higher specifications.

    Conclusion

    Overall, the System76 Meerkat mini PC is a solid choice for Linux users who are looking for a powerful and compact system. While it may not come cheap, the performance and features it offers could make it worth the investment for those who need the power in a small package.

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