Framework Previews 16-inch Laptop With Upgradeable Graphics, Adds Ryzen Mainboards
At an event in San Francisco today, Framework significantly expanded its repairable laptop lineup, updating existing Framework laptops to 13th Gen Core Intel and AMD Ryzen with 7040-series chips. We previewed a new 16-inch laptop with added options and modular dedicated graphics.
framework laptop 16
The Framework Laptop 16 was only previewed at the event, but it got the most attention with far more customization options and repairable features than existing 13-inch laptops. Besides the existing expansion cards, there are two new systems used by the Framework. They are “input modules” and “expansion bays” (all of these expansion systems can quickly become very confusing!). For me, the expansion bay is the most exciting update. This is Framework’s attempt to add upgradeable graphics to laptops. (Framework says this is fulfilling a dream many gave up. This feels like an attack on Dell, which was sued over the Alienware Area-51m’s limited upgradeability.) available).
The framework has not disclosed who it is partnering with regarding graphics, but we do know that the graphics module contains a fan and is connected via a PCIe x8 interface (the framework says that the interface must “at least” support PCIe 4.0). It shows that the framework is open source and that these modules allow you to extend your laptop to meet your thermal and mechanical needs. No need to open the notebook to eject the GPU. The framework says it’s working on other non-graphics-focused expansion bay cards, such as dual M.2 SSD cards that can add 16TB of storage for those who can get away with integrated graphics. , rather than calling it a gaming laptop or workstation, Framework seems to be pretty careful about pushing it as something that satisfies every need users want to use.
Framework Laptop 16 also features a new “input module” system that allows you to hot-swap touchpad, keyboard and numeric keypad configurations. It comes in a variety of sizes (small and medium for numpad, large for keyboard) so you can customize any aspect of your keyboard deck you want. The framework is working on keyboards and RGB backlighting for many languages, and says it “features a secondary display and macro pad, in addition to the numeric keypad.” Many of the input modules use his open source QMK firmware that runs on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. You can still use the same expansion card system as the Framework Laptop 13. Larger laptops can have 3 ports per side instead of 2 per side for smaller notebooks.
We don’t yet know the price or specs of the Framework Laptop 16, but it’s been announced that pre-orders will open later this spring, and I’m cautiously optimistic given the vastly increased number of replaceable parts. The laptop is expected to ship “late 2023,” but Framework has open-sourced its design documentation to allow others to start creating their own modules.
Framework Laptop 13 – Intel and AMD
Regular Framework Laptop is now called Framework Laptop 13. Intel is updating this with 13th Generation Intel Core P-series processors, or AMD Ryzen 7040 series chips for the first time. (Owners of existing Framework laptops can also purchase new mainboards with these chips and install them in their existing Framework laptops.)
The 13th Gen Core lineup includes the Core i5-1350P, Core i7-1360P, and Core i7-1370P with vPro, all with DDR4-3200 RAM and more power, first seen on last year’s Framework Chromebook. I have a large 80 decibel speaker kit. The Core i5 sticks with a 55 WHr battery, while the i7 model is set to use a larger 61 WHr cell. Both AMD Ryzen kits use the existing speaker kit but offer faster DDR5-5600 RAM. The Ryzen 7 model will have a larger battery. All new laptops come with new matte displays (same resolution and performance) and new upgraded hinges designed to open more easily. (New batteries and displays can be purchased on the Framework Marketplace for use with existing laptops.)
There is a port difference between Intel and AMD. They all use the same module, but the Intel version has 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports and the Ryzen option has 2 USB 4 ports, 1 USB 3.2 port with DisplayPort, and 1 USB 3.2 port, so all not. functionally the same.
The framework already had multiple bezel options, but had to be purchased separately. The company is currently working on new bezel colors and says that when ordering later this year, you’ll be able to choose a DIY version of the bezel and keyboard colors. These new Framework laptops are available for pre-order today with a $100 deposit and are expected to ship in May. Pre-built options start at $1,049 with Windows 11 pre-installed, while the DIY edition lets you add your own RAM, storage, and OS for $849. This is a slight increase over his previous DIY version, but this is said to be due to the cost of materials. According to the framework, Fedora 38 and Ubuntu 22.04 are fully supported on both the new Intel and AMD options, with further Manjaro and Mint testing underway.
cooler master case
While there are many projects that use the Framework laptop mainboard outside of the clamshell design, there are already cases where the Framework can be 3D printed. In spring, Cooler Master will release the mainboard case. This is a $39 chassis designed to turn your laptop mainboard into a desktop when upgrading your PC.