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The day has finally arrived, Linux hardware vendor System76 has officially revealed their new custom-built desktop the Thelio.

Manufactured and built by System76 in their new facility in the US, they told us their final goal is to take "the next leap" with a fully open source computer although no one is quite there just yet (according to them). They're chipping away at the proprietary parts and will continue to do so until it's "100% open source". To do so, they're using a daughter board called the Thelio Io. Using "open firmware" along with the hardware of the Thelio Io being "OSHWA certified" (Open Source Hardware Association) it also provides controls for LED settings and power.

The Thelio desktop unit comes in 3 sizes:

  • Thelio - Up to 32GB RAM, 24TB storage
    • Case size - Height × Width × Depth: 12.75" × 8" × 11.5" / 324mm × 207mm × 209mm
  • Thelio Major - Up to 128GB RAM, 46TB storage and space for 4 GPUs
    • Case size - Height × Width × Depth: 18.19" × 10.32" × 16.06" / 462mm × 262mm × 408mm
  • Thelio Massive - Up to 768GB of ECC Memory, 86TB storage
    • Case size - Height × Width × Depth: 19.37″ × 10.32" × 20.75″ / 492mm × 262mm × 527mm

All three variants offer either Pop!_OS 18.10 (Pop is System76's Ubuntu-based distribution) or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS/18.10 (64-bit).

On top of that, they're now offering both AMD and Intel CPU options for the Thelio and Thelio Major (the Massive is Intel only) which I am sure will please many AMD fans and possibly even net them some more sales. All three versions allow either an NVIDIA or AMD GPU too. To be honest, I would be wary of any company not offering the choice for desktops so it's nice to see.

Images provided to us by System76 (click to enlarge):

My first thought, is that it looks quite bulky. Personally though, I really like the homely style to it. Wouldn't mind having a case like that myself. As a reminder, you can make it since the design of it will be open too if that's your thing.

They also shared this short teaser video with us:

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The fact that a Linux hardware vendor has enough funding from people purchasing their units, to have their own facility and expand like this is an incredible sign in my book. Really pleased to see them be able to move forward, it's a positive sign for Linux for sure.

The only downside, is that right now it's not available to purchase outside of North America. Eventually, it would be nice if they could expand into Europe so we could get some better prices outside the US. Who knows, maybe they will one day.

Find out more on the System76 website.

Pricing was not in the details provided.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Hardware
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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38 comments
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NeoTheFox Nov 1, 2018
Wow, talk about stepping up your game! Way to go, System76, I want one already!
Kithop Nov 1, 2018
Wood grain finish?!

Someone get LGR on the horn, ASAP! :p
RussianNeuroMancer Nov 1, 2018
Not sure why they didn't put Threadripper into Massive.
tmtvl Nov 1, 2018
I mean, it's ugly as sin, so if I bought one I'd have to buy a proper case as well...

...but I so want a Sys76 with an AMD GPU.
Liam Dawe Nov 1, 2018
If I had that case, my rabbit would get very confused and probably attempt to chew the crap out of it :D

My poor hoody.
GustyGhost Nov 1, 2018
I really thought they were going with something other than x86.
Blauer_Hunger Nov 1, 2018
I don't understand why they didn't put Epyc into Massive
Purple Library Guy Nov 1, 2018
Quoting: tmtvlI mean, it's ugly as sin, so if I bought one I'd have to buy a proper case as well...

...but I so want a Sys76 with an AMD GPU.
Most computer cases are ugly as sin. Just wondering--are you saying it's ugly because of the woodgrain or despite it? Personally, I really think it's past time design in computers got over the whole "We're so hypermodern and futuristic" thing, so the woodgrain is kind of welcome.
razing32 Nov 1, 2018
Quoting: liamdaweIf I had that case, my rabbit would get very confused and probably attempt to chew the crap out of it :D

My poor hoody.

How many pets do you and Sin have ?
Didn;t you have rats at one point also ? Think i saw a cage in one of her livestreams.
Liam Dawe Nov 1, 2018
Quoting: razing32
Quoting: liamdaweIf I had that case, my rabbit would get very confused and probably attempt to chew the crap out of it :D

My poor hoody.

How many pets do you and Sin have ?
Didn;t you have rats at one point also ? Think i saw a cage in one of her livestreams.
Four rats, a rabbit and the hamster went to a better place recently.
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