Why the Thelio remains my favorite desktop of all time (and it's not even close)
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The System76 Thelio r3 comes in three configurations, starting at $1,499.
- It’s sleek, beautiful, powerful, and can handle anything you throw at it.
- Some might find it pricey, but the longevity, performance, and attention to detail are worth every penny.
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I’ve been a big fan of System76 for years. They’ve championed Linux machines for a long time, and every time I get a chance to work with one of their new computers, they never fail to impress me on every level that counts.
I purchased my first system from the company (a Leopard Extreme) back in 2013. That machine served me for six years, at which point I upgraded to their latest offering, the Thelio in 2019. It performed like a champ until recently, when the power button stopped working and one of the HDMI ports ceased to send a signal.
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Although the second machine didn’t last as long as the first, I reminded myself that I bought the first Thelio as soon as it was released – a first‑generation model. Since then, System76 has made serious changes to the Thelio line‑up and improved each machine all around.
When my original Thelio hinted that it was on its last legs, I had to act fast. I spend a lot of time working at my desk, and that machine is essential to my day‑to‑day. So I started configuring my new PC and decided to do something I’d never done before: shrug off Intel and go the AMD route with a Ryzen 9 7900X (12 cores/24 threads). The rest of the custom specs look like this:
- RAM: 32 GB DDR5 4800 MHz (1 × 32 GB)
- Internal storage: 500 GB PCIe 4 M.2 SSD
- GPU: 8 GB AMD Radeon RX 7600
- Top ports: 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type‑C), 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type‑A), Mic, Headphone
- Rear ports: 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type‑A), 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type‑A), 1 × 2.5 Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (Type‑C)
- Rear audio: Mic, Line‑out, Line‑in
- Networking: 2.5 GbE, built‑in Wi‑Fi 6E (a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with Bluetooth 5.2
- Dimensions: 12.87″ × 8.15″ × 11.46″ (327 × 207 × 291 mm)
- OS: Pop!_OS Linux
- Price: As configured, just over $2 k
My original Thelio included an Intel i9 CPU and 32 GB of RAM but relied on integrated Intel graphics. That machine was a beast and didn’t blink at anything I tossed its way—virtual machines, containers, video rendering, you name it.
Saying goodbye to that r1 Thelio was tough, but I knew its time had come. When its replacement arrived, those concerns vanished. Pulling the computer out of the box, I was immediately struck by how the machine had evolved from the first iteration. Yes, there were plenty of similarities, but the differences made this an entirely new experience.
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First impressions
- Top‑mount ports are a welcome improvement. I often switch peripherals (card readers, external drives, etc.) and hated having to pull the case out, grab a flashlight, and swap them. Now I can do that with ease.
- I opted for the etched panel (instead of the wood insert) and I’m glad I did. This gives the case just enough flair to stand out.
- The flare doesn’t stop there. Opening the case reveals artistry such as small rocket‑ships carved into the chassis—System76 never fails to go above and beyond, and the new Thelio proves it.
Could this machine take me to the moon and back? Maybe. — Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Performance
So far, I’m seriously impressed. The AMD CPU is outperforming the Intel i9. Of course, the Radeon RX 7600 adds extra horsepower, making it hard to isolate the CPU’s contribution, but the overall effect is that the r3 Thelio is a big improvement over the r1—and that says a lot.
When you’ve been working with a brilliant piece of hardware for years, swapping it out can feel like a crapshoot. But with a company like System76, you know the level of effort they put into improving their machines, and they did not disappoint with the latest Thelio incarnation.
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This machine is exactly what I wanted and needed. Should serve me well for years to come. Although I’ve not really stressed it with any heavy workloads to speak of, I’ve spun up a number of virtual machines and gone through my usual workday for about a week now, and I have been impressed at every turn. The System76 Thelio is all upside and doesn’t suffer from a single issue.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Of all the computers I’ve ever used, the System76 Thelio is, far and away, the best—hands down. End of story. If you need an upgrade to the hardware you’re currently using, you cannot go wrong with one of these beasts.
If you’re looking to replace your current desktop computer, you’d be hard‑pressed to find a machine that is equal parts power and beauty like the Thelio. Trust me when I tell you that you won’t regret the purchase.