Surface Laptop 3 vs System76 Lemur Pro
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Surface Laptop 3 | System76 Lemur Pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 4,000 | 12,000 | -66.7% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G7 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics | Intel Graphics | — |
| Display | 13.5" 2256x1504 | 14.1" 1920x1200 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 11 | 13 | -15.4% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.25 | 1.15 | +8.7% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 256GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 16GB / 512GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home | Pop!_OS | — |
| Price (USD) | $1,299–$2,099 | $1,599 | -18.8% |
- System76 Lemur Pro is about 67% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. System76 Lemur Pro lasts longer on battery (13h vs 11h).
- System76 Lemur Pro is the more portable at 1.15 kg.
Verdict: Surface Laptop 3 or Lemur Pro?
Surface Laptop 3 advantages
- Affordability (+19%)
System76 Lemur Pro advantages
- Multi-core performance (+67%)
- Battery life (+15%)
- Portability (+8%)
- Base memory (+75%)
- Screen size (+4%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Surface Laptop 3 if you want the best value.
- Choose the System76 Lemur Pro if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Value for money
System76 Lemur Pro delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Surface Laptop 3 vs System76 Lemur Pro: which should you choose?
Surface Laptop 3 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2020) with the Intel Core i5-1035G7 and Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 13.5-inch 2256x1504 display, 1.25 kg and about 11 h battery; from $1,299.
System76 Lemur Pro — System76 mainstream laptop (2024) with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U and Intel Graphics, 32GB RAM, a 14.1-inch 1920x1200 display, 1.15 kg and about 13 h battery; from $1,599.
Surface Laptop 3 vs System76 Lemur Pro: System76 Lemur Pro is the faster laptop. System76 Lemur Pro is about 67% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. System76 Lemur Pro lasts longer on battery (13h vs 11h). System76 Lemur Pro is the more portable at 1.15 kg.
Performance
The System76 Lemur Pro is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (12,000 vs 4,000), pairing the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U with Intel Graphics. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a ultrabook/creator versus a mainstream machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The System76 Lemur Pro is easier to carry at 1.15 kg (vs 1.25 kg), and the System76 Lemur Pro lasts longer unplugged (about 13 h vs 11 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 8 GB / 256 GB and 32 GB / 1024 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Surface Laptop 3 better than the System76 Lemur Pro?
System76 Lemur Pro takes the overall edge, though Surface Laptop 3 wins in specific areas worth weighing. System76 Lemur Pro is about 67% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. System76 Lemur Pro lasts longer on battery (13h vs 11h).
What is the main difference between the Surface Laptop 3 and the System76 Lemur Pro?
System76 Lemur Pro is about 67% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. System76 Lemur Pro lasts longer on battery (13h vs 11h). System76 Lemur Pro is the more portable at 1.15 kg.
Which is better value?
System76 Lemur Pro delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Surface Laptop 3 if you want the best value. Choose the System76 Lemur Pro if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.