Framework Previews 16-inch Laptop With Upgradeable Graphics, Adds Ryzen Mainboards

Framework Laptop 16
(Image credit: Framework)

Framework massively expanded its lineup of repairable laptops at an event in San Francisco today, updating its existing Framework Laptop to 13th Gen Core Intel, adding an AMD Ryzen option with 7040 series chips, and previewed a new 16-inch laptop with modular dedicated graphics.

Framework Laptop 16

The Framework Laptop 16 only got a preview at the event, but it made the biggest splash, with far more customization options and repairable features than the existing 13-inch laptop. Beyond the existing expansion cards, there are two new systems that Framework is playing with: "Input Modules" and the "Expansion Bay" (all these expansion systems are going to get very confusing very quickly!). For me, the Expansion Bay is the most exciting update. This is Framework's attempt to add upgradeable graphics to a laptop. (Framework states that this is delivering on a dream that many have given up on," which feels like a shot at Dell, which was sued over limited upgradeability on the Alienware Area-51m).

Framework hasn't said who it's partnering with on graphics, but we know that the graphics modules will include fans and connect over a PCIe x8 interface (Framework tells me the interface should support PCIe 4.0 "at a minimum") at the back of the laptop that Framework will open source, and that these modules can allow the laptop to expand to accommodate thermal and mechanical needs. You won't have to open the notebook to get the GPU out. Framework says it's working on other non-graphics-focused Expansion Bay cards, like a dual M.2 SSD card that can add 16TB of storage for those who can get by on integrated graphics. Notably, Framework seems to be fairly deliberate in not calling this a gaming laptop or a workstation, but rather pushing it as meeting whatever needs you want to use it for.

The Framework Laptop 16 is also getting a new "input module" system, which lets you hot swap between configurations of touchpads, keyboard and numpads. They come in different sizes (small and medium for numpads, large for keyboards), so you can customize what aspects you want on your keyboard deck. Framework says that it is working on keyboards in many languages and with RGB backlighting, and that "in addition to numpads, secondary displays and macro pads are workable." Many of the input modules use the open source QMK firmware running on a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. You can still use the same Expansion Card system from the Framework Laptop 13. With the bigger laptop, you can use three ports on each side, rather than two per side on the smaller notebook.

We don't yet know the price or specs for the Framework Laptop 16 — those will come when pre-orders open later this spring — but the significantly increased number of swappable parts has me cautiously optimistic. The laptops are set to ship in "late 2023," but Framework is open sourcing design documentation to let others get started on making their own modules.

Framework Laptop 13 - Intel and AMD

The regular Framework Laptop is now called the Framework Laptop 13. Intel is updating it to 13th Gen Intel Core P-series processors or, for the first time, AMD Ryzen 7040 series chips. (Existing Framework laptop owners can even buy new mainboards with these chips to install into their existing Framework Laptops).

(Image credit: Framework)

The 13th Gen Core lineup includes the Core i5-1350P, Core i7-1360P and Core i7-1370P with vPro, all using DDR4-3200 RAM and a louder 80 decibel speaker kit that was first seen in last year's Framework Chromebook. The Core i5 will stick to the 55 WHr battery, while the i7 models are set to use a larger 61 WHr cell. Both the AMD Ryzen kits will use the existing speaker kit, but offer faster DDR5-5600 RAM. The Ryzen 7 model will get the bigger battery. All of the new laptops have a new matte display (with the same resolution and performance) and new upgraded hinges designed to be easier to open. (The new batteries and displays will be purchasable on the Framework Marketplace for use with existing laptops.)

There will be port differences between Intel and AMD. While they'll use all the same modules, the Intel version has four Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Ryzen options will have two USB 4 ports, one USB 3.2 port with DisplayPort, and one single USB 3.2 port, so they're not all functionally the same.

Framework has already had multiple bezel options, but you had to buy them separately. The company now says that it is working on new bezel colors and that you'll be able to pick the bezel and keyboard colors on the DIY edition when you order later this year. These new Framework Laptops are available for pre-order today with a $100 deposit and are set to ship in May. Prebuilt options will start at $1,049 with Windows 11 preinstalled, while a DIY Edition will launch at $849 so you can add your own RAM, storage and OS. That's a slight increase over previous DIY editions, which I'm told is due to the cost of materials. Framework says the Fedora 38 and Ubuntu 22.04 will be fully supported on both the new Intel and AMD options, with further testing for Manjaro and Mint in progress.

Cooler Master Case

We've seen plenty of projects using Framework Laptop mainboards outside of clamshell designs, and Framework already has a case you can 3D print. In the spring, Cooler Master is going to release the Mainboard Case, a $39 chassis designed to turn the laptop mainboards into desktops when you upgrade the PC.

Andrew E. Freedman is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming. He also keeps up with the latest news. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Kotaku, PCMag and Complex, among others. Follow him on Threads @FreedmanAE and Mastodon @FreedmanAE.mastodon.social.

  • cyrusfox
    Custom PCIE Dock for GPU or storage. Nice. Although Next Gen Thunderbolt provides nearly the same throughput (it is able to change IO lanes to do 80-120 gbps out and 40-80 gbps inanandtech article]).
    So next gen Thunderbolt will still a bit slower than gen 4 x8 lanes which does I/O 128 gbps but for graphics output only 8gbps different when flexed to full output bandwidth.

    Although this is creating another proprietary connector...
    I like having the option, and likely TB4/5 whatever they call it is too far out and will be Intel only initially so I get going the custom route but I wish it could be kept under the USB C connector standard (TB3/TB4/USB3.2/USB4....).
    I bet they are doing this to get better performance now with less engineering required by utilizing a new custom dock connector, Nice that it is being open sourced but so far they are the only users of it so I won't hold my breath for widespread adoption.

    Also great to hear about foreign language keyboards, got some elderly folks that this will be just the thing for them.
    Reply
  • sygreenblum
    I should have waited another year to buy a framework. I like it, but a 16inch screen would better suit my needs.
    Reply
  • bit_user
    You won't have to open the notebook to get the GPU out.
    That's just going to make it more bulky, clunky, heavy, and expensive. Seriously, having to open it up and plug/unplug cards isn't a problem. Swapping graphics cards isn't something even most power users do multiple times/day. It doesn't need to be as simple as swapping SD Cards.

    The concept of removable compute modules reminds me a lot of Intel's "NUC Elements".
    Reply
  • cyrusfox
    bit_user said:
    That's just going to make it more bulky, clunky, heavy, and expensive. Seriously, having to open it up and plug/unplug cards isn't a problem. Swapping graphics cards isn't something even most power users do multiple times/day. It doesn't need to be as simple as swapping SD Cards.

    The concept of removable compute modules reminds me a lot of Intel's "NUC Elements".
    It always made more sense to me to have a bulky GPU in a docking station to drive higher resolution and add GPU compute power, Eliminating the power draw and added weight while mobile as you don't need as much GPU output. Its too bad gpu docking stations is mostly relegated to displaylink which is serviceable for office work but too puny for about anything else.

    I have a TB3 GPU dock (GTX 1050 - Lenovo) and it was great making 8th through 11th gen Intel Laptops much more capable and I think it is the ideal package, but it is to immature. I have to disable GPU every time before I disconnect and make sure it enables correctly when reconnecting otherwise I usually end up with a hard freeze requires a hard reboot. I was really hoping for an external dock type solution to take off but with the limited adoption and the effort one has to use to get it to work reliably as well as the limiting bandwidth from 4x pcie gen 3 TB3/4 (Some TB3 only give 2x lanes), looks like it will be a niche solution superseded by other attempts.
    Reply