question on choosing Serval

Could you tell me why you chose the Serval rather than the Oryx Pro? What are the essential differences betweeen the two systems? thank you

Sure. The biggest difference is the processor. The Oryx Pro has a mobile processor, while the Serval has a desktop processor. You can tell that an Intel processor is a mobile version if the model number has an "HK" or an "HQ" at the end of it. If the model number has no letters behind it or if it ends in just a "K", it's a desktop processor. Desktop processors usually run at a much higher clock speed, because they're designed for performance, not power conservation. System76 may market both the Oryx and the Serval as having "i7 processors," but the Serval's desktop processor is vastly superior to any laptop processor.

Another difference is graphics. The Oryx Pro only supports GTX 1060 and 1070 chips, while the Serval supports the 1080 (in addition to the 1070.)

Those are actually the only technical differences, but the desktop processor is a huge deal. The motherboard and cooling system required to include a desktop processor are the reason why my Serval is loud, thick, and heavy, while the Oryx would be quieter, thinner, and lighter. You should generally know if the things you do are CPU-intensive or not, so you'll have to decide if that's worth it to you.

Aesthetically, the Oryx has a chiclet keyboard, while the Serval has a more-or-less traditional laptop keyboard.

An even closer comparison is the Serval versus the Bonobo. In previous versions, the Serval supported "M"-class mobile graphics while the Bonobo supported full desktop graphics, but now that there's no "M" line anymore, that distinction has been removed. The Bonobo supports two graphics chips while the Serval can only support one, but many higher-end Serval configurations and lower-end Bonobo configurations are going to be identical.

Ah! thank you, just what I was looking for, and I appreciate the conciseness. thanks

jacobgkau said

Those are actually the only technical differences, but the desktop processor is a huge deal. The motherboard and cooling system required to include a desktop processor are the reason why my Serval is loud, thick, and heavy, while the Oryx would be quieter, thinner, and lighter. You should generally know if the things you do are CPU-intensive or not, so you'll have to decide if that's worth it to you.

From “Post #68”, February 7th 2017, 7:52 PM

Hi, just watch your Serval full review yesterday and I have some questions.

You write that it's loud. How loud is that? I know it's hard to describe it, but at work I sit in a room with 5 others and I don't want to disturb them with my laptop.

Does the laptop get hot? You say in your review that you don't use to have it in your lap. When I work from home I use to sit in my sofa with the laptop in my lap. Would that be possible or will it get too hot after a while? Have you tried that after your review?

Do you know if it supports full disk encryption of a SSD via the bios? That you need to enter a password before it's boot at all.

Does it have any USB port, USB-C or USB-A, that support higher voltage for faster charging?

Have you ever used Asus ROG laptops? If so, any comparison with them? except that you have to wipe windows. ;-)