The folks at Kubuntu Focus are back with the third generation of their pint-sized powerhouse, the NX GEN 3. Don’t let the size fool you, though. This Linux machine is built to handle serious workloads while taking up barely any space on your desk. It runs Kubuntu 24.04 LTS, and it’s been fine-tuned for users who want reliability, speed, and a seamless out-of-the-box experience.
Under the hood, things have changed quite a bit from previous models. You now have a choice between two Intel Core Ultra chips. The Ultra 5 225H is the entry point, while the Ultra 7 255H offers extra muscle. Kubuntu Focus says you can expect around 22 percent better single-core speeds and roughly 50 percent faster multi-core performance compared to the last version. That kind of leap means faster compiling, better multitasking, and smoother media handling.
Graphics have gotten a serious upgrade too. The Ultra 7 model includes Intel’s Arc 140T GPU, and the Ultra 5 packs the Arc 130T. These integrated graphics can easily run three 4K displays and handle modern games at 1080p. If you’re not into gaming, you’ll still appreciate the snappy visuals and fluid video playback. Both options bring serious GPU performance without the bulk and noise of a traditional graphics card.
There’s also a dedicated NPU on board, part of Intel’s AI Boost tech. It’s rated at 13 TOPS, which means it can help out with certain AI-enhanced tasks like voice recognition, photo editing, and even video rendering. That may not matter to everyone, but it’s nice to have some headroom as more software leans into local AI acceleration.
Storage is where things really start to get wild. You can outfit this tiny system with a 4TB PCIe Gen5 SSD capable of 14,800 MB/s read speeds. On top of that, there’s room for a second drive, such as a 2TB system SSD running at 5,100 MB/s. Whether you’re editing 4K video, working with huge datasets, or just want lightning fast app launches, this kind of performance will benefit you.
Memory also gets a bump. The NX GEN 3 supports up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5600 MHz. Kubuntu Focus ships only dual-channel memory to make sure you get the best performance from the integrated graphics, which is especially important when you’re pushing multiple monitors or playing back high-res media.
Even though the hardware has gotten faster, the system itself has gotten smaller. The new chassis shrinks things down a bit while expanding connectivity. Ports include two Thunderbolt 4/DisplayPort 2.1 USB-C, another USB-C 3.2, a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB-A 3.2, one USB-A 2.0, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a Kensington Lock slot. That’s a serious selection, and it’s more than most mid-sized towers offer.
One of the things that sets Kubuntu Focus apart is how tightly integrated the software is with the hardware. You’re not just getting a random Linux box. The operating system is tweaked and tested specifically for this setup. The company promises three years of curated updates for the kernel, drivers, and its Focus Tools software. This isn’t some slapped-together DIY machine, folks, it’s curated to run smoothly and stay stable for the long haul.
Michael Mikowski, who manages products at Kubuntu Focus, put it like this: “Compared to a mid-range tower from just a few years ago, the NX GEN 3 uses 1/20th of the space and usually just a fraction of the power. Disk speeds have doubled, the integrated GPU is approaching the performance of an entry-level discrete GPU, and the CPU out-performs many mid-range desktop CPUs from 2023.”
Mikowski also pointed out the level of polish in their support tools. “When you open the Focus Power and Fan tool on the NX GEN 3, it shows exactly how to set the fan curve in the BIOS for that model. It’s that kind of attention to detail that permeates the products and that our customers really appreciate.”
Every unit is built to order. You choose the CPU, RAM, storage, and whether you want disk encryption, a YubiKey, or an extended warranty. Shipping is free in the continental US and Canada, which is a nice touch.
The starting price is $895. That’s not cheap, but for a fully tuned Linux desktop with this much performance packed into a small and quiet case, it’s hard to argue with the value. You can check it out and order one at kfocus.org.
