Framework passes the second by announcing important developments on its first laptop, including the possibility of choosing an Intel or AMD CPU. The very young PC manufacturer is also announcing the Laptop 16 which goes even further in modularity.
As a reminder, the Framework Laptop is surprisingly easy to put together and fun to customize. This PC is meant to be upgradeable and durable at the same time, allowing you to buy and replace almost any individual component if one stops working properly, or if you want to upgrade certain parts. After unboxing and assembling the Framework Laptop, then testing the machine, we even upgraded its CPU to a 12th generation Intel Core CPU.
Although Framework’s modular laptops are not yet widely encountered, they have generated great interest in the industry. The company continues its development by regularly offering updates to improve its offer. Today, Framework announces several novelties.
Improvements for the Laptop 13
First novelty, Framework announced the integration of processors 13th Gen Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors (Ryzen 7040 in Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7) in its Laptop 13. Users will be able to choose between the two brands, which responds to one of the criticisms of the first users. Even though Framework promises similar pricing between Intel and AMD, the port configuration will be different. This is because Intel cards universally support Thunderbolt 4, while the AMD model offers two USB 4.0 ports, one USB 3.2 with DisplayPort, and one regular USB 3.2 port.
If you want to switch from Intel to AMD, you will have to buy the motherboard package with CPU. But that’s far from all: it will also require new RAM (DDR5-5600 rather than DDR4) and a new Wi-Fi card. However, these AMD chips combine a Zen 4 CPU and an integrated GPU with the latest generation RDNA 3 architecture, which should give the Framework Laptop 13 a noticeable boost in graphics performance.
The American manufacturer also presented a new battery with a capacity of 61 Wh (only on Core i7 and Ryzen 7 versions), accompanied by firmware updates, which should increase the autonomy of its laptops by 20 to 30% . Framework meets the demands of its customers by offering a matte screen rather than a glossy one. In addition, the speakers will now be more powerful, for a total of 80 dB, with better audio quality according to Framework.
Framework takes the opportunity to offer official support for two new GNU/Linux distributions, Fedora 38 and Ubuntu 22.04. As a reminder, there is also a Framework equipped with Chrome OS.
Moreover, you can buy (45 euros) a Cooler Master box to give a second life to your old motherboard with CPU. Previously, you had to 3D print a compatible box. This box is compact (297 mm x 133 mm x 14.9 mm), you can obviously use the extension cards on the USB4.
A 16-inch format that goes even further in customization
The Framework Laptop 16 is a laptop that is added to the range of products offered. As the name suggests, it has a 16-inch screen, thus providing users with a larger display area. Just like its predecessor, the Framework Laptop 13, the Framework Laptop 16 stands out for its modularity and its sustainable approach.
The Framework Laptop 16 is built around three key elements: an input module system, an expansion bay system, and the Framework expansion card system.
The Laptop 16 has a user-replaceable modular keyboard, made up of different modules of different sizes (Small, Medium and Large) developed by Framework. Small modules are designed for specific functions, such as color customization or haptic systems. Medium modules can include number pads or even a secondary screen. Large modules can be full keyboards, adding RGB keys to the machine (for those who like that).
These modules are all hot-swappable and work with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. Framework has announced its goal of opening up microcontroller firmware to allow developers to create their own modules. As long as it stays within the height limit of 3.7 mm, you can therefore create the module of your choice. Everything is possible.
Perhaps the highlight of the Framework Laptop 16 is its expansion bay system. It is a configurable PCIe x8 interface that can accommodate various expansion cards. Framework gave several examples, such as a dual M.2 SSD offering up to 16TB of additional storage, video capture cards, and dedicated graphics cards. This last point is very interesting. Other companies, like Alienware, tried to build a laptop with an upgradeable GPU, but it always failed. There were even MXM graphics cards, but it remained very confidential.
Finally, there is still the system that allows users to insert small cards into the USB4 ports located on the sides (3 on each side, so 6 in total). Which is equivalent to what Framework 13 offers.
Pricing and availability for the Framework Laptop 16 have yet to be announced, although Framework has hinted at the second half of 2023 for first shipments.
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