Kubuntu Focus: System Support Matrix Guided Solution

Systems	Applies to Focus Hardware with Focus Tools
Verified on	26.04, 24.04
Focus Models	All

YOU'RE A FIRST CLASS CITIZEN WITH FOCUS

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Kubuntu Focus makes Validated Linux Systems that respect your autonomy, privacy, and security, yet rival the performance and ease-of-use of proprietary solutions. Here are just some of the features you get with a system designed for Linux first.

All models use compatible, quality components and are user serviceable.

Configure the features you want with the Welcome Wizard.

The 11-page Hints Widget is customized for your model.

Snapshot and restore with System Rollback Dashboard.

Save time and effort with Kubuntu Focus Tools.

FocusRx diagnoses and fixes common system issues.

CONVENIENCE • PERFORMANCE • RELIABILITY

VALIDATED SYSTEMS

Get the convenience, performance, and reliability that only deep hardware integration, constant validation, and the Focus ecosystem can provide.

Bullet-Proof KDE 6.6 is "what a real LTS looks Like."
This provides arguably the most stable, reliable and supported KDE LTS available, with ongoing security and bug fixes for the entire Kubuntu LTS support period. Kubuntu Focus is the coordinator and founding sponsor of this initiative. Learn more
Researched Hardware Selection ensures performance and reliability.
The Focus Team researches and selects only full-featured, well-supported, Linux-compatible hardware to ensure reliable performance. Examples include Intel CPUs, AX201/211 discrete WI-FI cards, iRIS Xe iGPUs, and Nvidia discrete GPUs. Learn more
Deep Hardware Integration takes full advantage of your hardware.
The engineering team does the research and deep hardware integration so you don't have to. This includes custom fan controls, keyboard drivers, GPU driver optimization, input devices, BTRFS snapshot file systems, optimal kernel options for the hardware and many others. Learn more
Validated Linux ensures only tested kernels, drivers and desktops.
All updates to kernels, GPU drivers, and major KDE updates must pass 120-150 KPCs before release, on ALL models sold within the past 3 years. If they don't, we do the work to ensure they do. Key features include sleep-resume, power management, fan control, keyboard LEDs, BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, audio over HDMI/USB/Analog, video controls, multi-display support, webcam, mic, popular apps, and many others. Learn more.
Packaged IT Support keeps up with a changing world.
Upgrade your system to adapt to changes from around the internet. For example, if a new version of VirtualBox is required to work with a new kernel, we fix and package solutions so the system and the apps work. We also update 3rd-party repository key when they are changed, and adjust wrappers for key apps to ensure they continue work as expected. Learn more
Focus Tools makes hard things easy and fun.
Choose the tools and settings that work best for you with the the Welcome Wizard. Snapshot or rollback your system disk in seconds with System Rollback. Install, test, and benchmark Python/CUDNN/TensorRT pipelines with the Anaconda GPU AI Suite. Control your system with graphical tools for fan control, CPU profiles, and keyboard colors. Learn more
Guided Solutions with HOWTOs written for your system.
Guided Solutions are highly-researched, illustrated and searchable HOWTOs that illustrate how to accomplish dozens of objectives correctly and quickly. These are written specifically for Focus systems, so they are refreshingly authoritative, succinct, and direct. Learn more
Curated Apps makes using recommended apps easy.
Click on an app icon in the Guided Solutions and the app opens. If it is not found, the system ask for your authorization and then automates all the steps to need to get it running. It will, for example, install keys, add a repository, install the software package, add the user to a group, and then launch the app. Learn more
Live Support means you're never alone.
Have an issue? Write us at support@kfocus.org, or call our toll-free number during business hours. We offer all our new customers a free, 30-minute live session with live video support. If your new to Linux or Kubuntu Focus, this is a great way to get up to speed fast. We strive to answer questions quickly and correctly the first time. In turn, this experience helps improve the software and documentation for Kubuntu and Focus owners. Learn more
An Official Ubuntu Flavor means incredibly broad support.
If you are creating and deploying software to Linux servers, you can skip all the error-prone emulators, library hacks, and separate tool chains required by proprietary systems. As an Official Ubuntu Flavor, Kubuntu enjoys the support of the industry-standard Ubuntu LTS ecosystem. For example, you can use almost all docs from KDE, Kubuntu, AskUbuntu (non-Gnome) without modification. This is in addition to the already-extensive Guided Solutions mentioned above. Learn more

FEATURE COMPARISON

WHICH MODEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

MODEL Feature	Zr^GEN 2	M2^GEN 7	Ar^GEN 1	16" Xe^GEN 3	14" Xe^GEN 3	NX^GEN 3
Display (in)	18.0	16.0	16.0	16.0	14.0
Resolution	2560x1600	2560x1600	2560x1600	1920x1200	1920x1200
NumPad
Dimensions (in)	15.8 x 12.6 x 1.1	14.0 x 10.7 x 0.8	14.1 x 10.0 x 0.8	14.1 x 10.2 x 0.7	12.5 x 9.3 x 0.7	4.6 x 4.4 x 1.5
Battery (Wh)	98	80	73	73	73
Weight (lb)	8.60	4.96	3.13	3.86	3.22	1.10
CPU	Ultra 9 290HX Plus	Ultra 9 290HX Plus	Ultra X7 358H	Ultra 7 255H Ultra 5 225H	Ultra 7 255H Ultra 5 225H	Ultra 7 255H Ultra 5 225H
GPU	RTX 5090 RTX 5080	RTX 5070 Ti	Arc B390	Arc 140T Arc 130T	Arc 140T Arc 130T	Arc 140T Arc 130T
Max Disk (TB)	16.0	12.0	4.0	8.0	8.0	6.0
RAM (MHz)	5600 DDR5	5600 DDR5	7467 LPDDR5X	5600 DDR5	5600 DDR5	5600 DDR5
Max RAM (GB)	192	96	32	96	96	96
Ethernet RJ-45 Gigabit	2.5	2.5		2.5	2.5	2.5
Intel® WI-FI	7 BE200	7 BE200	7 BE211	7 BE200	7 BE200	7 BE201
Headphone Audio Jack
Built-In Microphones
HDMI	1 x 2.1	1 x 2.1b	1 x 2.0	1 x 2.0	2 x 2.0	1 x 2.1b
USB-C with DisplayPort	2 x 2.1	1 x 2.1b	1 x 2.1	1 x 2.1	1 x 2.1	2 x 2.1
Bluetooth Version	5.4 (Multi)	5.4 (Multi)	6.0 (Multi)	5.4 (Multi)	5.4 (Multi)	5.4 (Multi)
Kensington Lock Mount
USB-A	2	2	2	2	2	4
USB-C Total	2	2	2	2	2	3
USB-C with Thunderbolt 5	2	0	0	0	0	0
USB-C with Thunderbolt 4	0	2	1	1	1	2
SD Card Reader		1 x Micro SD	1 x Micro SD	1 x Micro SD	1 x Micro SD	1 x Micro SD

SYSTEM MATRIX

SUPPORTED MODELS

Model are validated for a minimum of 3 years after the last sale. This includes all updates for the OS (e.g. 24.04 to 26.04), and kernel updates. We also test all major graphics drivers updates, and major desktop updates. Click on a model name below to see the specification page.

Detail Year	Model Name	Tested Thru^†
2026	Zr^GEN 2	EST 2030
2026	M2^GEN 7	EST 2030
2026	Ar^GEN 1	EST 2030
2026	16" Xe^GEN 3	EST 2030
2026	14" Xe^GEN 3	EST 2030
2025	Zr^GEN 1	MAY 2029
2025	M2^GEN 6	MAY 2029
2025	NX^GEN 3	EST 2030
2024	i9-14900HX M2^GEN 5	JAN 2028
2024	Ir16^GEN 2	MAY 2029
2024	Ir14^GEN 2	MAY 2029
2023	i9-13900HX M2^GEN 5	MAY 2027
2023	Ir14^GEN 1	APR 2027
2023	NX^GEN 2	JUL 2028
2022	NX^GEN 1	OCT 2026
Beyond Support Date
2023	XE^GEN 2	MAR 2026
2022	M2^GEN 4	MAR 2026
2021	XE^GEN 1	JAN 2026
2021	M2^GEN 3	MAR 2025
2021	M2^GEN 2	DEC 2024
2020	M2^GEN 1	DEC 2024
2020	M1^GEN 1	DEC 2024

† The last planned validation date is shown in the Tested Thru column. As mentioned above, this is a minimum of 3 years past the last sale date for a model. We support and validate OSes per the Canonical support schedule. For example, we will validate Kubuntu 22.04 LTS until 01 May 2025, Kubuntu 24.04 LTS until 01 May 2027, and Kubuntu 26.04 LTS until 01 May 2029.

KERNEL • GPU & ML DRIVERS • KDE DESKTOP

VALIDATION TESTING

Every supported model is tested whenever there is an upgraded to the Kernel, NVIDIA GPU and ML drivers, and KDE desktop point releases. These change must meet an extensive list of requirements before we approve and release the upgrade.

If we find an issue with an upgrade, we work with KDE, Kubuntu, Ubuntu, Linux Kernel, and other teams to help fix it. While this is under way, we will pin "known-good-version" packages until we resolve the issues and publish the upgrade.

Kernels & Devices

We run and log extensive automated and manual tests when the upstream proposes any kernel update. We test many external and internal devices, connectors, and usage scenarios.

Full System Stress Test
Hardware Configuration Subsystem
Power Management Subsystem
CPU Benchmark Performance
GPU Graphics Performance
GPU AI, ML Performance
Disk Performance
Wi-Fi Performance
Ethernet Performance
Application Performance (Steam Game)
GPU AI, CUDA, and ML Support Libraries
GPU Graphics Compatbility with Steam and Proton
GPU Switching
3 or 4 Simultaneous Displays
Audio over Analog, Bluetooth, and HDMI
Hot-Plugging Displays and Peripherals
Onboard Display Performance and Brightness Controls
Onboard Keyboard LEDs
Onboard Webcam and Mic
Suspend and Resume with Peripherals
Touchpad Performance and Controls
USB External Microphone
USB External SD Card Reader
USB External Webcam
USB, Wireless Keyboards, Mice
Wi-Fi and Wired Network Performance

Desktop & Apps

We run and log extensive automated and manual tests when the upstream proposes major update to KDE Plasma, Gear, or Frameworks.

Activities and Virtual Desktops
All Core Desktop Themes
CPU Benchmark Performance
Desktop Help Links
Extra Tests for JetBrains, Insync, Dropbox, Steam
Extra Tests for KeePassXC, BackInTime
Extra Tests for Zoom, Slack, IntelliJ
Icon Placement
Input Gestures
Keyboard Shortcuts
Kubuntu Focus Tools
Laptop Hot Keys
Launch and Basics for All Curated Apps
Power Management Subsystem
Hints Widget Content
System Tray Operations
Wallpapers
Welcome Wizard

GPU & ML Drivers

We run and log extensive automated and manual tests when the upstream proposes a major update to GPU drivers. We also coordinate the integration of CUDA, ML, and AI libraries with the official Ubuntu GPU drivers.

Support for multiple 4K monitors at 60 Hz
Sleep and Resume with External Monitors
GPU AI, CUDA, and ML Support Libraries
GPU AI, ML Test Suite Installation
GPU AI, ML Test Suite Performance
GPU Graphics Compatability with Steam and Proton
GPU Graphics Performance
GPU Switching

Validations for each model extends for a minimum of 3 years after the last model is sold.

The Focus Team performs validation testing in good faith to deliver better and more reliable software; however, this cannot change the Terms of Use of any software package. Please see the Terms and Conditions page to locate the terms for each package.

Revisions

This is a partial revision history. See the git repository for all entries.

2026-08-17 c7a55f6a Update for 26.04 LTS
2026-04-22 fb90e777 Add applicability table
2025-12-02 37c4212c Review and add links to Kubuntu LTS with KFS
2025-06-04 fbfac979 Clarify Kubuntu 24.04 LTS with KFS
2025-04-19 274c0ff1 Update grammar and content per audit
2025-01-15 288a584a Updates post-holiday
2024-09-06 e60c8c90 Fix stray bold end tags
2024-09-05 14887652 Major Lightbox updates
2024-08-24 9ff0a260 Updates to close out web ticket
2024-08-19 57a2389d Add white theme
2024-07-30 893c4c29 Add brand, copy, and images
2024-07-28 ee7b4601 Update metadata content, collapsable sections, lightbox
2024-07-26 7814a97d Sync primary images between guided solutions slideshow and articles
2024-07-24 339b6f55 Lightbox and image updates
2024-07-22 729996c3 Updates for Noble
2024-07-09 d783e6d9 Add Lightbox content
2024-06-09 ffdaa93e Add feature presentation gallery
2024-06-08 429c1ed1 Fix minor grammar issues
2024-06-05 18d26348 First publication

Disclaimer

We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.

THIS SOLUTION IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOLUTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

OS, Components, and Duration

System Support

Supported OSes

Transitioning 24.04 to 26.04