System76 has refreshed its Adder WS workstation laptop, and Linux users looking for serious portable horsepower will want to take notice. With updated CPU and GPU options, this powerhouse is aimed at creators, developers, and pretty much anyone tired of desktop constraints.
This year’s Adder WS lineup now includes Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, offering about 25 percent better performance than the older i9-14900HX. That is a major leap for anyone compiling large codebases, editing 4K video, or crunching AI models. On the graphics side, System76 has jumped to NVIDIA’s new 50 Series GPUs. The 15-inch model can be configured with either an RTX 5050 or 5060, while the 17-inch version offers an RTX 5060 or 5070.
This is not just a GPU bump either. Users can pack the Adder WS with up to 96GB of RAM and a massive 12TB of storage. That kind of spec sheet would be overkill on most consumer laptops, but here it makes perfect sense. Look, folks, System76 is not building Chromebooks for email. It is building hardcore portable workstations that run Linux out of the box.
In keeping with its utility-focused design, the Adder WS includes a wide range of ports including HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, a headset jack, and Gigabit Ethernet. No dongles required. The 1080p matte display runs at 144Hz, keeping things responsive for gaming and smooth enough for animation or video editing workflows.
Pop!_OS, the company’s Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, comes preinstalled and includes zero data tracking. Users who care about privacy and control will appreciate that it is open source and focused on transparency. The 17-inch model even includes a physical webcam shutter for those who do not trust tape.
For those interested, System76 is knocking $100 off the Adder WS until July 15. Pricing starts at $1,999. Orders placed during July will also include a free Unleash Your Potential water bottle and a notebook (the paper kind).
If you are looking to escape Windows 11, ditch your dongles, or run Blender and VS Code at the same time without hearing fans scream, the Adder WS should be worth a close look.
