Kubuntu Focus Intros the Sixth-Generation M2 Laptop

[Nomad76]

Today Kubuntu Focus announces the availability of the Sixth-Generation M2. This model includes substantial upgrades in CPU, GPU, display, and NVMe. The Focus Team claims the M2 GEN 6 laptop is a superb choice for anyone looking for the best out-of-the-box Linux experience with optimized and validated hardware. Focus systems are used by developers, DevOps, ML researchers, creators, and others who value their time and the unmatched Linux-first support.

Improvements from the prior generation include:

• Faster, cooler, and quieter CPU performance with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. With 24 cores, it gains 5-15% performance yet is up to 40% more efficient.
• Between 30-44% faster graphics benchmark performance and 50% more VRAM with the NVIDIA GeForce Blackwell 5070 Ti GPU. This features 12 GB GDDR7 VRAM and fourth-gen ray tracing and fifth-gen tensor cores.
• A larger and taller 525-nit 16.0" display with WQXGA LCD, 2560×1600 resolution, G-Sync, and a 16:10 aspect ratio.

• A primary disk with nearly double the disk performance, up to 14,800 MB/s over PCIe 5.0. Two additional PCIe 4.0 slots at 7,450 MB/s allow for up to 12 TB of total storage.
• A sleeker chassis, reducing weight from 5.29 to 4.96 lb, and thickness from 0.98 to 0.78".

Ports include two USB-C 3.2 with Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and power-in; two USB-A 3.2; HDMI 2.1b; 2.5 Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet; 2-in-1 Audio for headphone and microphone; microSD card reader; and Kensington lock.

The base model now offers 32 GB of 5600 MHz dual-channel RAM and a 1 TB 990 Pro NVMe disk. Customers can increase these to a maximum of 96 GB RAM and 12 TB of disk with high-quality, brand name components. A pre-configured Yubikey is also available for additional security. Full-disk encryption is a no-cost option, and shipping is free in the US and Canada.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[lexluthermiester]

Nice! Solid offering!

I think my only quibble would be the microSD card slot. I prefer full SD card slots. Minor point though.

Everything else seems to hit the spot!

 

[Nomad76]

I think my only quibble would be the microSD card slot. I prefer full SD card slots. Minor point though.

Can't have it all however, it does looks solid. Also having the Power, LAN and HDMI ports on the back is nice.

 

[Frick]

Who makes the laptops? I assume it's a rebrand or something.

 

[OolongGoat]

That looks like a Clevo to me.

 

[A&P211]

The post forgot to say to this laptop starts at $2,895.00. Very high for only a 5070ti. I can get a overpriced and over-hyped Razer 16 for $2999.99

 

[lexluthermiester]

Also having the Power, LAN and HDMI ports on the back is nice.

Yes, fully agree!

That looks like a Clevo to me.

Maybe.

 

[_roman_]

I love to hear linux with notebooks. My software is not executeable with those mixed core processor. I would not optimise for the bad E-cores or disable them. Especially when using the linux kernel with the gnu userspace.

this is not really a linux hardware, especially with this intel processor and samsung nvme storage.

I would also avoid Samsung data storage. I doubt SAMSUNG has any software for gnu linux. Too many issues in past years with Samsung and WD drives. Security wise, working wise and hardware wise.

Samsung - windows - macos - android? gnu linux - nope

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

semiconductor.samsung.com

Nasty hacks - no thanks

Updating Samsung 980/990 (PRO) NVMe using Linux CLI | Dannys blog

Get the latest firmware for your NVMe: https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/support/tools/ Download it to your serverwget -O /root/samsungFirmware.iso https://download.semiconductor.samsung.com/resources/software-resources/Samsung_SSD_990_PRO_4B2QJXD7.iso Make sure all the required...

www.dannynieuwenhuis.nl

--> https://github.com/chrivers/samsung-firmware-magic

INTEL WLAN chip with unknown ethernet chip.

My intel AX210 wlan card, formfactor for notebooks, in the vertical m2 slot, has issues with the linux kernel and the mainboard power saving feature. I do not care if it is intel related, intel closed source wlan related or asus closed source mainboard related or amd closed source x670 related or ryzen 7600x related. Intel is not unproblematic with WLAN with the linux kernel. I regret paying more for a rather useless wlan module.

First thing someone wants to know because it is important. Which cpu, wich dram, which storage, which screen, which graphic card, hybrid graphics or not, which wlan chip, with ethernet chip, which sound chip.

Here they do not even reveal which ethernet chip they use on a soldered laptop mainboard. Ethernet chips are usually soldered for over 20 years in notebook mainboards.

No network means no means to install an operating system. A very big hurdle for many who want to install the linux kernel with gnu userspace or any other operating system.

--

I also miss the list for lsmod for example with the corresponding kernel.org kernel version.

--

A true linux hardware comes with libreboot and no intel management engine. And full sensor readout and everything well documented.

A true linux hardware comes with an amd graphics card.

I assume this is the product of this topic. I see nvidia graphic cards

Kubuntu Focus Validated Linux Systems: M2 GEN 6 Laptop

Explore the Kubuntu Focus M2 GEN 6 Validated Linux System. Display: 2560x1600 100% sRGB 240 Hz; CPU: Ultra 9 275HX; iGPU: Arrow Lake Intel 4 Xe Cores @ 1.9 GHz; dGPU: RTX 5070 Ti with 12 GB VRAM; Memory: Up to 96 GB DDR5 at 5600 MHz; Storage (Disks): Up to 12 TB dual (3 x 4 TB NVMe). Thin...

kfocus.org

2023 i did test again a nvidia graphic cards. I had to recompile on every kernel uprade the nivdia binary drivers. And some binary driver version did not work with the linux kernel, although the card was in the supported nivida card range. Nvidia had barely any support for older nviida 660m GTX from my previous ASUS G75 VW noteobook, or the nvidia graphic card from my ASUS g70sg notebook.

This is more a windows hardware for guys who want to use their existing windows license.

--

Kubuntu Focus: Validated Linux Systems

Get the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus Validated Linux Systems. With a minimum of 3 years of hardware validation support after the sale, these systems are perfect for low-I.T. and no-I.T. environments. Call 844-536-2871 or write TellMeMore@kfocus.org to learn more...

kfocus.org

This is in my point of view as a long term laptop user just false statement.

Higher kernel versions needs to be hard masked as the binary nvidia graphic driver is incompatible. I doubt that has changed from 2023 to 2025.

...

Don’t waste time being your own I.T. department! Step up to the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus systems. We extensively validate updates of kernels, GPU drivers, desktops, and core apps on all models so your system works reliably for years after your purchase.

 

[Frick]

The post forgot to say to this laptop starts at $2,895.00. Very high for only a 5070ti. I can get a overpriced and over-hyped Razer 16 for $2999.99

This is closer to a workstation though, add to this the entire thing is actually runs Lubuntu out of the box. Hardware support for Linux is ... pretty much universal, but also very much not so because there are so many edge cases where there will be issues with stuff, even if those things might be minor. A plug and play Linux laptop demands a premium all on its own.

Don’t waste time being your own I.T. department! Step up to the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus systems. We extensively validate updates of kernels, GPU drivers, desktops, and core apps on all models so your system works reliably for years after your purchase.

Was going to respond to only parts of your post but it seems you found the marketing bit that said what I was gonna say. The only way to fully test this is of course to buy it, or find someone who really knows their stuff review it. They do promise three years of support or validation or what they call it which seems ... low to me, for a workstation class computer. In any case they've done Nvidia GPUs from the start (3080) so they should be familiar with the problems you pose.

Here they do not even reveal which ethernet chip they use on a soldered laptop mainboard. Ethernet chips are usually soldered for over 20 years in notebook mainboards.

No network means no means to install an operating system. A very big hurdle for many who want to install the linux kernel with gnu userspace or any other operating system.

"Intel Killer" 2.5, which makes it an E3100. As for the second part, this is a laptop that comes with like a cool special version of Kubuntu installed. I know you want to rant whenever Linux comes up, but it might be worth noting the entire point of this system is that it is all tested and verified.

That looks like a Clevo to me.

A guy on the Kubuntu reddit works at Kubuntu Focus and yeah it's a Clevo.

 

[jabbadap]

Haven't used Kubuntu for years now(kde3 -> kde4 transition was a disaster, which made me to switch some other distribution), so I'm not familiar of versioning now-a-days. But that plasma is quite old, kde neon uses same base LTS ubuntu, but with the newest kde(as it being kde's developers distribution). Nonetheless quite powerful machine with pre-installed linux OS, nothing to hate about that(Seems to be using same Clevo chassis as xmg pro 16).

I love to hear linux with notebooks. My software is not executeable with those mixed core processor. I would not optimise for the bad E-cores or disable them. Especially when using the linux kernel with the gnu userspace.

this is not really a linux hardware, especially with this intel processor and samsung nvme storage.

I would also avoid Samsung data storage. I doubt SAMSUNG has any software for gnu linux. Too many issues in past years with Samsung and WD drives. Security wise, working wise and hardware wise.

Samsung - windows - macos - android? gnu linux - nope

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

semiconductor.samsung.com

Nasty hacks - no thanks

Updating Samsung 980/990 (PRO) NVMe using Linux CLI | Dannys blog

Get the latest firmware for your NVMe: https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/support/tools/ Download it to your serverwget -O /root/samsungFirmware.iso https://download.semiconductor.samsung.com/resources/software-resources/Samsung_SSD_990_PRO_4B2QJXD7.iso Make sure all the required...

www.dannynieuwenhuis.nl

--> https://github.com/chrivers/samsung-firmware-magic

INTEL WLAN chip with unknown ethernet chip.

My intel AX210 wlan card, formfactor for notebooks, in the vertical m2 slot, has issues with the linux kernel and the mainboard power saving feature. I do not care if it is intel related, intel closed source wlan related or asus closed source mainboard related or amd closed source x670 related or ryzen 7600x related. Intel is not unproblematic with WLAN with the linux kernel. I regret paying more for a rather useless wlan module.

First thing someone wants to know because it is important. Which cpu, wich dram, which storage, which screen, which graphic card, hybrid graphics or not, which wlan chip, with ethernet chip, which sound chip.

Here they do not even reveal which ethernet chip they use on a soldered laptop mainboard. Ethernet chips are usually soldered for over 20 years in notebook mainboards.

No network means no means to install an operating system. A very big hurdle for many who want to install the linux kernel with gnu userspace or any other operating system.

--

I also miss the list for lsmod for example with the corresponding kernel.org kernel version.

--

A true linux hardware comes with libreboot and no intel management engine. And full sensor readout and everything well documented.

A true linux hardware comes with an amd graphics card.

I assume this is the product of this topic. I see nvidia graphic cards

Kubuntu Focus Validated Linux Systems: M2 GEN 6 Laptop

Explore the Kubuntu Focus M2 GEN 6 Validated Linux System. Display: 2560x1600 100% sRGB 240 Hz; CPU: Ultra 9 275HX; iGPU: Arrow Lake Intel 4 Xe Cores @ 1.9 GHz; dGPU: RTX 5070 Ti with 12 GB VRAM; Memory: Up to 96 GB DDR5 at 5600 MHz; Storage (Disks): Up to 12 TB dual (3 x 4 TB NVMe). Thin...

kfocus.org

2023 i did test again a nvidia graphic cards. I had to recompile on every kernel uprade the nivdia binary drivers. And some binary driver version did not work with the linux kernel, although the card was in the supported nivida card range. Nvidia had barely any support for older nviida 660m GTX from my previous ASUS G75 VW noteobook, or the nvidia graphic card from my ASUS g70sg notebook.

This is more a windows hardware for guys who want to use their existing windows license.

--

Kubuntu Focus: Validated Linux Systems

Get the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus Validated Linux Systems. With a minimum of 3 years of hardware validation support after the sale, these systems are perfect for low-I.T. and no-I.T. environments. Call 844-536-2871 or write TellMeMore@kfocus.org to learn more...

kfocus.org

This is in my point of view as a long term laptop user just false statement.

Higher kernel versions needs to be hard masked as the binary nvidia graphic driver is incompatible. I doubt that has changed from 2023 to 2025.

...

Don’t waste time being your own I.T. department! Step up to the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus systems. We extensively validate updates of kernels, GPU drivers, desktops, and core apps on all models so your system works reliably for years after your purchase.

Well there's KDE slimbook for more open hardware, not as near powerful as this but with more up-to-date software stack.

 

[lexluthermiester]

(kde3 -> kde4 transition was a disaster, which made me to switch some other distribution)

Man, that was 17 years ago. Are you kidding? They recovered from that. Kubuntu is excellent these days. Give it a look when you have some spare time.

 

[jabbadap]

Man, that was 17 years ago. Are you kidding? They recovered from that. Kubuntu is excellent these days. Give it a look when you have some spare time.

Maybe on some of my Pcs I might try one. My daily driver has been KDE neon for years now(since mint dropped kde). So not so different from Kubuntu anyway.

 

[MCJAxolotl7]

I love to hear linux with notebooks. My software is not executeable with those mixed core processor. I would not optimise for the bad E-cores or disable them. Especially when using the linux kernel with the gnu userspace.

this is not really a linux hardware, especially with this intel processor and samsung nvme storage.

I would also avoid Samsung data storage. I doubt SAMSUNG has any software for gnu linux. Too many issues in past years with Samsung and WD drives. Security wise, working wise and hardware wise.

Samsung - windows - macos - android? gnu linux - nope

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

semiconductor.samsung.com

Nasty hacks - no thanks

Updating Samsung 980/990 (PRO) NVMe using Linux CLI | Dannys blog

Get the latest firmware for your NVMe: https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/support/tools/ Download it to your serverwget -O /root/samsungFirmware.iso https://download.semiconductor.samsung.com/resources/software-resources/Samsung_SSD_990_PRO_4B2QJXD7.iso Make sure all the required...

www.dannynieuwenhuis.nl

--> https://github.com/chrivers/samsung-firmware-magic

INTEL WLAN chip with unknown ethernet chip.

My intel AX210 wlan card, formfactor for notebooks, in the vertical m2 slot, has issues with the linux kernel and the mainboard power saving feature. I do not care if it is intel related, intel closed source wlan related or asus closed source mainboard related or amd closed source x670 related or ryzen 7600x related. Intel is not unproblematic with WLAN with the linux kernel. I regret paying more for a rather useless wlan module.

First thing someone wants to know because it is important. Which cpu, wich dram, which storage, which screen, which graphic card, hybrid graphics or not, which wlan chip, with ethernet chip, which sound chip.

Here they do not even reveal which ethernet chip they use on a soldered laptop mainboard. Ethernet chips are usually soldered for over 20 years in notebook mainboards.

No network means no means to install an operating system. A very big hurdle for many who want to install the linux kernel with gnu userspace or any other operating system.

--

I also miss the list for lsmod for example with the corresponding kernel.org kernel version.

--

A true linux hardware comes with libreboot and no intel management engine. And full sensor readout and everything well documented.

A true linux hardware comes with an amd graphics card.

I assume this is the product of this topic. I see nvidia graphic cards

Kubuntu Focus Validated Linux Systems: M2 GEN 6 Laptop

Explore the Kubuntu Focus M2 GEN 6 Validated Linux System. Display: 2560x1600 100% sRGB 240 Hz; CPU: Ultra 9 275HX; iGPU: Arrow Lake Intel 4 Xe Cores @ 1.9 GHz; dGPU: RTX 5070 Ti with 12 GB VRAM; Memory: Up to 96 GB DDR5 at 5600 MHz; Storage (Disks): Up to 12 TB dual (3 x 4 TB NVMe). Thin...

kfocus.org

2023 i did test again a nvidia graphic cards. I had to recompile on every kernel uprade the nivdia binary drivers. And some binary driver version did not work with the linux kernel, although the card was in the supported nivida card range. Nvidia had barely any support for older nviida 660m GTX from my previous ASUS G75 VW noteobook, or the nvidia graphic card from my ASUS g70sg notebook.

This is more a windows hardware for guys who want to use their existing windows license.

--

Kubuntu Focus: Validated Linux Systems

Get the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus Validated Linux Systems. With a minimum of 3 years of hardware validation support after the sale, these systems are perfect for low-I.T. and no-I.T. environments. Call 844-536-2871 or write TellMeMore@kfocus.org to learn more...

kfocus.org

This is in my point of view as a long term laptop user just false statement.

Higher kernel versions needs to be hard masked as the binary nvidia graphic driver is incompatible. I doubt that has changed from 2023 to 2025.

...

Don’t waste time being your own I.T. department! Step up to the convenience, performance, and reliability of Kubuntu Focus systems. We extensively validate updates of kernels, GPU drivers, desktops, and core apps on all models so your system works reliably for years after your purchase.

There is one, only one, time that a built-in network card didn't work out of the box, out of about 50 samples, from this year to 15 years old. It was a 2008-era MacBook that had a Broadcom network card. I just plugged in ethernet and let it download the closed-source driver that it popped up, and then WiFi worked perfectly.