Framework’s modular, upgradeable laptops have made it a darling of PC followers, making a few of the finest components of desktops transportable. So, why would Framework design a desktop PC? To discover out, PCWorld’s Mark Hachman went to the corporate’s reveal occasion in San Francisco, the place he acquired his fingers everywhere in the new Framework Desktop and the new 2-in-1 Laptop 12.
The Framework Desktop appears lots like a kind of mini PCs which might be gaining in reputation, which use laptop computer processors and a few upgradeable components to remain tiny. Framework’s boxy design is certainly utilizing laptop computer components, however at 4.5 liters in quantity it’s additionally fairly massive in that house. Here’s why: It’s packing an extremely highly effective Ryzen AI system, based mostly on AMD’s Strix Halo structure revealed at CES. This is the form of {hardware} that sometimes goes into “workstation” class laptops and which we’ve additionally seen in a mini PC design from HP.
Framework Desktop
Framework’s desktop distinguishes itself by sticking to the corporate’s upgradeable weapons. The AI Max mainboard is all on an ordinary Mini-ITX-sized motherboard with ATX energy headers, so you’ll be able to pull it out and stick in a daily desktop if you’d like. (I suppose you could possibly additionally use this tiny case to construct a model new Mini-ITX system, too — I’m wondering if Framework will promote the case by itself?) Even the cooling is standardized, a single 120mm fan with alternate options obtainable from Cooler Master and Noctua.
The case itself has lots going for it. On the entrance you get a modular panel with a patchwork of squares that may be swapped out for various ornamental tiles, above two of Framework’s swappable ports as seen on the Laptop 13. These could be hot-swapped for any port you want, together with USB-C, USB-A, SD card reader, HDMI, et cetera. The remainder of the case appears like a tiny, shrunken-down ATX enclosure, with thumbscrews releasing magnetically connected aspect panels in steel or glass. You may even put a prime deal with on this factor for a “LAN party box” really feel.
Speaking of gaming, Framework was fast to extoll the AI Max’s gaming potential, because it’s AI-focused structure shares an enormous pool of reminiscence between the CPU and built-in GPU. It’s mainly an APU on steroids. With AMD’s FSR upscaling tech enabled they claimed 80 frames per second on Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, 198 DPS for Black Ops 6, and 215 for Cyberpunk.
That’s at 1080p on excessive settings, although, so this factor isn’t going to compete with a full gaming desktop or laptop computer any time quickly. And no, that little case can’t match a discrete GPU of any dimension. You may have the ability to use an exterior GPU setup, however at that time you’re dropping all the level of a tiny desktop PC.
You’ve acquired loads of storage choices with full-sized 2280 M.2 drives at PCIe Gen4, maxing out at 16 terabytes. But RAM may be a disappointment for some. Because of the extremely built-in reminiscence of the Ryzen AI Max design, it has to be soldered to the mainboard — no upgradeable reminiscence like Framework’s laptops.
Mark Hachman / Foundry
But you do get loads of choices. The $1,100 base mannequin with a Max 386 8-core processor comes with 32GB of DDR5 reminiscence, whereas the top-end 16-core Max+ 395 has a whopping 128GB. If you need a couple of — say, for constructing your individual pint-sized AI datacenter — you’ll be able to take away the mainboard, set up them on a rack, and run them in parallel. You can get your fingers on them beginning within the third quarter of 2025, however the first batches are already sold out.
Framework Laptop 12
The second new design the corporate confirmed off was the Laptop 12. This is the third full laptop computer design for Framework, and it’s aimed squarely on the price range market, providing an upgradeable different to a budget “craptops” which might be typically aimed toward youngsters, college students, and anybody who simply can’t drop 4 figures on a pc. It’s a 12-inch design with a 2-in-1 kind issue and touchscreen with stylus help, the corporate’s first.
Mark Hachman / Foundry
The Laptop 12 appears distinctive, form of a mixture of the corporate’s low-branding Laptop 13 and a typical price range Chromebook. The exterior is a mixture of chunky ABS plastic and TPU, that spongy form of plastic you typically see on protecting cellphone circumstances. The later is coloured in six completely different choices, giving it a shiny and playful look. The design is unquestionably chunky for a smaller laptop computer, however aesthetically all of it works.
And sure, it’s upgradeable. The Laptop 12 is launching with Intel 13th-gen Intel processors, now over two years previous, however once more this can be a price range design. Just like the larger laptops you’ll be able to take away the keyboard to get entry to the center, with upgradeable RAM, storage, and battery. It additionally has the identical 4 swappable ports (two on all sides) because the Laptop 13.
Mark Hachman / Foundry
There’s one massive query left for the funky-looking little laptop computer: How a lot will it value? If Framework is taking goal at what it considers to be the failings of extra reasonably priced laptops, then the worth level will likely be essential as to if it might accomplish its targets. We’ll discover out in April when pre-orders open, with supply estimated for “mid-year.”
Framework Laptop 13 updates
The Framework laptop computer 13 is generally unchanged from the present design — that’s the purpose of straightforward upgrades, in spite of everything. But there are just a few notable new choices for the corporate’s bread-and-butter, beginning with new Ryzen AI 300-series motherboards. These will nonetheless have the standard upgradeable RAM and storage choices, with a refreshed cooling system that includes a 10mm cooling pipe.
I’m extra excited in regards to the new beauty choices, which embrace throwback clear plastic bezels in orange and purple for the display bezel and enlargement ports. (Framework even known as it “atomic purple,” Nintendo’s title for it within the N64 and Game Boy Color period.) The keyboard will get an improve too, with an optimized format that may include a Copilot+ key (applause) and an unbranded, non-Microsoft key (larger applause).
The refreshed Laptop 13 is up for pre-order now beginning at $900 for build-it-yourself choices. The earlier mannequin with Ryzen 7000-series laptop computer processors is on sale beginning at $750. For extra on the newest in PC information, make sure to subscribe to PCWorld on YouTube, and take a look at our weekly podcast The Full Nerd.