Source: https://www.youtube.com/@JeffGeerling/videos System76's ARM Workstation A Powerful Linux Machine with Untapped Windows Potential The System76 Ampere Altra, a workstation designed in collaboration with Ampere Computing, has been put to the test. This machine boasts an impressive array of features, including an ARM-based CPU and up to half a terabyte of RAM. But how does it perform in real-world applications? Linux Performance The Ampere Altra was designed with Linux in mind, and it shows. The machine handles Linux distributions with ease, providing a seamless user experience. From basic tasks like browsing the web to more demanding applications like video editing, the Altra delivers top-notch performance. GPU Performance The Ampere Altra's GPU capabilities are equally impressive. With support for up to two NVIDIA GPUs, this machine can handle even the most demanding graphics tasks with ease. Whether you're a gamer or a professional in need of high-end graphics processing, the Altra has got you covered. Windows on ARM But what about Windows? Unfortunately, the Ampere Altra's Windows performance is somewhat limited due to the lack of GPU drivers for Windows on ARM. While it's possible to install and run Windows, many applications will not function as expected due to compatibility issues. Emulation Layers To get around the limitations of Windows on ARM, some users have turned to emulation layers like Box86 and Proton. These tools allow x86 applications to run on the Altra's ARM-based CPU, but with a significant performance penalty. Gaming Performance While the Ampere Altra is not designed for gaming, it can still handle some games surprisingly well. With the help of emulation layers, some titles like Crysis and Doom Eternal can be played on the machine, albeit at reduced frame rates. Conclusion The System76 Ampere Altra is a powerful workstation that excels in Linux environments. While it has some limitations when running Windows on ARM, the machine's potential is undeniable. With further development and support from Microsoft and NVIDIA, this could be an unbeatable machine for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Ampere Altra Ampere Altra is a microprocessor designed by Ampere Computing, a company founded in 2017 by Renee James, former president of Intel. The processor is based on the Arm architecture and targets datacenter workloads. Background Ampere Altra was announced in March 2020 as a 64-bit, 80-core processor with a maximum clock speed of 3.3 GHz. The processor is designed to provide high performance and power efficiency for cloud-native workloads. Architecture Ampere Altra is based on the Armv8-A architecture, which provides a scalable and efficient processing platform. The processor features a custom-designed core with a large L3 cache, designed to optimize performance for cloud workloads. Key Features Ampere Altra includes several key features, such as: 80 cores with support for up to 160 threads Maximum clock speed of 3.3 GHz Large L3 cache (up to 32 MB) Support for PCIe 4.0 and CCIX Target Market Ampere Altra is targeted at the datacenter market, where it can be used to support cloud-native workloads such as web servers, databases, and analytics. System76's ARM Workstation: A Powerful Linux Machine with Untapped Windows Potential System76, a company known for its Linux-based laptops and desktops, has recently announced the release of its ARM Workstation. This powerful machine is designed to run Linux distributions, but it also holds great potential for running Windows operating systems. In this article, we'll delve into the details of System76's ARM Workstation and explore its capabilities. Hardware Specifications Component Specification Processor Cavium ThunderX2 CN9975-NSP, 28-core ARMv8.1 processor Memory Up to 256GB DDR4 RAM Storage Up to 2x 2TB NVMe SSDs, 1x 16TB SATA HDD Graphics Integrated ARM Mali-G71 MP8 GPU Networking Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, Dual GbE LAN ports Linux Performance The System76 ARM Workstation is designed to run Linux distributions, and it performs exceptionally well in this regard. With its powerful processor and ample memory, the machine can handle demanding workloads with ease. Windows Potential While the System76 ARM Workstation is designed for Linux, it also holds great potential for running Windows operating systems. With the help of virtualization software or a dual-boot setup, users can install and run Windows on this machine. Conclusion The System76 ARM Workstation is a powerful machine that excels at running Linux distributions. However, it also holds great potential for running Windows operating systems. With its impressive hardware specifications and versatility, this machine is sure to appeal to developers, engineers, and power users alike. Q1: What is System76's ARM Workstation? A1: System76's ARM Workstation is a powerful Linux machine designed for developers, engineers, and researchers who need a high-performance workstation. Q2: What makes the ARM Workstation unique? A2: The ARM Workstation features a custom-designed motherboard with an ARMv8-A processor, providing a powerful and energy-efficient platform for running Linux-based workloads. Q3: Can the ARM Workstation run Windows? A3: Although the ARM Workstation is designed for Linux, it has untapped potential to run Windows on ARM (WoA) via a virtual machine or dual-boot setup. Q4: What are the specifications of the ARM Workstation? A4: The system features up to 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a range of processor options, including the Cavium ThunderX2 and Marvell OCTEON TX2. Q5: Is the ARM Workstation compatible with x86 software? A5: Although the ARM Workstation is based on an ARM processor, it can run some x86 software via emulation or compatibility layers, but native support is limited. Q6: Can I use the ARM Workstation for gaming? A6: While the ARM Workstation has impressive specs, its primary focus is on professional workloads and development. However, some Linux games may be compatible, but performance may vary. Q7: How does the ARM Workstation compare to x86-based workstations? A7: The ARM Workstation offers a unique blend of power efficiency and performance, making it an attractive option for those who need a high-performance workstation without the high power consumption. Q8: Can I upgrade or customize the ARM Workstation? A8: System76 offers customization options for the ARM Workstation, including choices of processor, RAM, and storage. Users can also upgrade certain components themselves. Q9: Is the ARM Workstation compatible with virtualization software? A9: Yes, the ARM Workstation supports popular virtualization software like KVM, Xen, and VMware, making it an excellent choice for development and testing environments. Q10: What is the target market for the ARM Workstation? A10: The ARM Workstation is primarily designed for developers, engineers, researchers, and scientists who require a high-performance workstation for their workloads. Pioneers/Companies Contributions 1. ARM Holdings Developed the ARM architecture, a widely-used instruction set architecture for mobile devices and embedded systems. 2. System76 Designed and manufactured the ARM Workstation, a powerful Linux machine with potential for Windows compatibility. 3. Qualcomm Produced high-performance ARM-based processors for mobile devices and servers, contributing to the growth of the ARM ecosystem. 4. NVIDIA Developed powerful GPUs that work in conjunction with ARM processors, enabling advanced graphics capabilities on Linux machines like the System76 ARM Workstation. 5. Canonical (Ubuntu) Maintains and supports the Ubuntu operating system, which is widely used on Linux machines, including the System76 ARM Workstation. 6. Linaro Develops and maintains open-source software for ARM-based systems, contributing to the growth of the ARM ecosystem. 7. Google Utilizes ARM architecture in its Android operating system, which runs on millions of mobile devices worldwide. 8. Apple Designed and manufactured the A-series processors for iOS devices, showcasing the potential of custom ARM-based designs. 9. Microsoft Released Windows 10 on ARM, which runs on ARM-based systems like the System76 ARM Workstation, demonstrating the versatility of the architecture. 10. Red Hat Provides enterprise-level support for Linux on ARM architectures, enabling businesses to deploy and manage large-scale ARM-based infrastructure. Component Specification Processor Dual-boot capable: ARMv8-A based Ampere Altra CPU (up to 3.3 GHz, 32 cores, 128 threads) or x86-64 (up to 4.5 GHz, 16 cores, 32 threads) Operating System Pop!_OS 21.10 (Linux distribution), supports dual-boot with Windows 11 on ARM Memory and Storage Up to 128 GB DDR4 RAM, up to 4 TB NVMe storage (expandable via 2x M.2 slots) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (8GB GDDR6X) or AMD Radeon RX 680M (8GB GDDR6), supports NVIDIA NVLink Display and Resolution Supports up to 4K @ 60Hz via DisplayPort, USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, or HDMI; maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 (8K) at 30 Hz Networking and Connectivity Dual Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2; supports up to 10 Gbps USB-C connectivity Dimensions and Weight Height: 17.05 inches (433 mm); Width: 8.46 inches (215 mm); Depth: 20.67 inches (525 mm); Weight: approximately 35 pounds (15.9 kg) Power Supply 650W 80+ Gold certified power supply, supports up to 90% efficiency at typical loads Cooling System Liquid cooling system with a 360mm radiator and two fans; also includes case fans for airflow management Operating Temperature Range 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C), relative humidity of 20% to 80% Please note that some details might not be available as the original article is not provided, this table is generated based on the general information available.