Framework, a startup laptop company that launched it’s first product in 2021, announced a plethora of products at it’s Next Level event this morning. The basic premise behind the company is that it wants to reduce e-waste by making upgradeable laptops so you only replace the parts you need/want. They also offer a level of customization through their unique USB-C expansion cards and also their standardized components shared across all generations of the laptop.
Starting off the presentation, Framework announced the unsurprising and expected Intel 13th gen Raptor Lake mainboards. Unfortunately, prices increased by nearly $100 for the DIY version over previous 12th gen systems (and $170 over the 11th gen), but the good news is DDR4 memory is still the standard so those upgrading will only need a new board and nothing else. If you are only buying the board only (either for upgrades or other projects), prices start at $449 for the i5 1340p and top out at pricy $1,049 for the i7 1370p. Bigger news however, was the hotly demanded announcement of AMD Ryzen 7000 series. Starting today you can preorder a R5 or R7 7040 series (Zen 4, RDNA3, 35-45W) for $449 or $699 respectively. These are AMD boards only support DDR5 so those upgrading from an Intel mainboard will need to include the price of new RAM. Framework expects they will ship in Q3 of this year.
Now while we are tech enthusiasts, we focus on SFF PC’s so you might be wondering why we are covering a laptop. The answer to that is, well they can also be desktops. Previously, Framework offered a 3D printed file that allows you to take a Framework mainboard and use it as a desktop. You’ll also find lots of independent projects that found creative uses for old Framework mainboards. Cooler Master however is now offering a case that you don’t need to print yourself, so for $39 plus the cost of your choice of Framework mainboard (plus RAM, SSD, USB-C PD charger) you can build your own mini PC with any Framework mainboard, ranging from Intel 11th, 12th, 13th gen mobile processors, and starting Q3 of this year also AMD Phoenix 7000 series mobile chips.
Framework had more awesome announcements at the event today, but mostly related to laptop upgrades, however I encourage you to check out their Youtube presentation or announcement on their website. Additional announcements include a future 16inch laptop with an upgradeable and modular GPU expansion dock, as well as larger expansion modules for customizable keyboard decks, an enclosure for an old Framework battery to reuse as a Type C power bank, a matte display screen for the 13inch laptop, as well as various other customization items and updates to the 13inch laptop.
