Framework Laptop 16 Packs AMD CPUs and GPUs, Preorders Now Live
The highly upgradeable Framework Laptop 16 is an AMD Advantage machine.
We first brought you news about Framework’s 16-inch laptop in March, but the company was silent on pricing and component partners. Now, the preorder phase has finally arrived for customers in the US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, and Australia. The company has also revealed that the Framework Laptop 16 is powered by the latest-generation AMD Ryzen and Radeon GPUs. Not only is the Framework Laptop 16 highly customizable, but it’s also upgradeable to a level that isn’t possible with most off-the-shelf laptop designs.
Base systems come with a Ryzen 7 7840HS processor that can boost up to 5.1GHz, while top-spec machines opt for the Ryzen 9 7940HS (5.2 GHz boost). As we expect from Zen 4-based laptop CPUs, a Radeon 780M is onboard to handle graphics duties. But for those that need more graphics muscle, Framework will give customers the option to purchase a Graphics Module that slots into the Laptop 16’s expansion bay. The company says that the first Graphics Module available will be the Radeon RX 7700S with 8GB of GDDR6 and a max TGP of 100 watts. At this time, Framework is being mum on what other Graphics Module upgrades will be available in the future.
The Laptop 16 is constructed of magnesium alloy and aluminum, which results in a chassis that weighs just 5.3 pounds. That’s quite an achievement for a laptop that includes so many customization options, including the ability to easily replace the motherboard in the future (either due to damage or for generational upgrades). There’s also the support for up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory and dual M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
Other features include a 16-inch QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate, 1,500:1 contrast ratio, and 500 nits brightness rating. Four speakers handle audio duties, while an 85 WHr battery is included to power all the hardware (it’s paired with a 180W GAN charger). You’ll also find USB 4 support, USB 3.2 ports, and DisplayPort connectivity along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Preorders start at $1,399 for the DIY Edition, and climb to $1,699 for the preconfigured Ryzen 7 7840HS. If you want to add the Radeon RX 7700S Graphics Module, prices start at $1,799 for the DIY Edition. You can preorder the Framework Laptop 16 here, though note that you’ll need to put down a fully refundable $100 deposit.
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Brandon Hill is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware. He has written about PC and Mac tech since the late 1990s with bylines at AnandTech, DailyTech, and Hot Hardware. When he is not consuming copious amounts of tech news, he can be found enjoying the NC mountains or the beach with his wife and two sons.
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RichardtST This looks pretty awesome. It would be so nice to have everyone with interchangeable parts so I can easily swap them and debug problems. Right now everyone has different laptops and there's nothing to do except send them back to the factory for repairs.Reply -
salgado18
Not just repairs, often the chassis, display, speakers and so on are still fine but the processor and gpu are outdated. With this, we can keep teh same chassis between upgrades, which eeduces cost and waste. It should be mandatory to sell them like this.RichardtST said:This looks pretty awesome. It would be so nice to have everyone with interchangeable parts so I can easily swap them and debug problems. Right now everyone has different laptops and there's nothing to do except send them back to the factory for repairs. -
hotaru.hino And given you can print a case for the 13 inch model (they provide the files), I'm sure one for the 16 inch model will be available as well. So you can turn the guts of the old laptop into another computer.Reply -
Alvar "Miles" Udell Overkill -- AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS | 32GB (2x16GB) Memory | 1TB Storage | Windows 11 Pro
Honestly, it's hard to call that "overkill". 8 core processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD should be standard fare for anything not in the "budget" category given DRAM module and SSD sizes in 2023.
OVERKILL would be a 20-24 core processor, 128-256GB RAM, and 2x4TB NVMe SSD, for anything not a workstation that is. -
2Be_or_Not2Be Would be nice if they could get the weight down or just have a secondary ultraportable option - say 3.5lbs or less.Reply -
thestryker It'll be interesting to see how this ends up working out as replaceable video cards have largely not worked out.Reply
Looks like most 16" laptops are 4lb+ so I'd bet lowering the weight would have required tradeoffs they couldn't afford. There's also something to be said for limiting SKUs when it comes to manufacturing.2Be_or_Not2Be said:Would be nice if they could get the weight down or just have a secondary ultraportable option - say 3.5lbs or less. -
hotaru.hino
Even if we compared it to say the LG Gram 16 at 2.6 pounds, is another 2 pounds really that much of a problem for you?2Be_or_Not2Be said:Would be nice if they could get the weight down or just have a secondary ultraportable option - say 3.5lbs or less. -
salgado18
I have an LG Gram and a Dell G7. The later is 2 pounds heavier. I can tell you, the Gram is so light it's ridiculous, while the G7 takes some strength and good grip to carry with one hand. Don't forget, that's almost double the weight from one to the other.hotaru.hino said:Even if we compared it to say the LG Gram 16 at 2.6 pounds, is another 2 pounds really that much of a problem for you?
That said, the Framework of 16 inches is not meant to be light. I'd expect a 13" or 14" version to be, possibly without a dGPU. -
hotaru.hino
But "double the weight" is only 2 pounds. I would understand if you have some physical impairment with your hands or fingers, but I have no trouble manipulating my Lenovo Legion 5, which is ~5.7 pounds, with one hand. I'm not the picture of perfect health either.salgado18 said:I have an LG Gram and a Dell G7. The later is 2 pounds heavier. I can tell you, the Gram is so light it's ridiculous, while the G7 takes some strength and good grip to carry with one hand. Don't forget, that's almost double the weight from one to the other.