The Framework Laptop 16 is a game-changer in the world of notebooks. It offers a level of modularity and upgradability that we have never seen before. With this laptop, you can swap out practically every component, including the GPU, which is a feature that has long been desired by gamers and power users alike.
Nirav Patel, the CEO of Framework, describes the Laptop 16 in biblical terms, saying that many have tried to capture the “holy grail” of upgradable GPUs and failed. But he believes that Framework will be the exception to this rule. As I insert an AMD Radeon RX 7700S graphics card into the back of the laptop and fire up a demanding game like Elden Ring, I can’t help but agree with Patel’s sentiment. I have been waiting for a laptop like this for over 20 years, and it feels like my prayers have finally been answered.
The Framework Laptop 16, available for preorder starting at $1,699, is not just a regular gaming laptop. It is a modular computer that takes customization to a whole new level. You can replace not only memory and storage but also each and every individual port, the motherboard, the battery, the speakers, and even the keyboard deck. The laptop’s keyboard deck is made up of Lego-like modular parts that snap and slide into place, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred configuration. Whether you want your keyboard and touchpad aligned to the right, left, or center, or if you want to add a numpad or a matrix of dazzling LEDs, the Framework 16’s modular slats make it all possible.
But the real game-changer is Framework’s Expansion Bay, which allows you to slot in an entire discrete mobile GPU. This means that you can upgrade your laptop’s graphics capabilities as new GPUs become available in the future. Framework also plans to release an expansion bay that will support extra SSDs, giving you even more storage options.
Framework has big-name partners, such as AMD and Compal, who are working closely with the company to ensure that the Laptop 16 delivers on its promises. AMD’s engineers are involved in the development process, and TUL, the company behind Powercolor, is responsible for manufacturing the discrete GPU. Unlike other companies that have made promises about modularity but failed to deliver, Framework has a track record of actually following through.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed to be different from other laptops on the market. Framework’s laptops have always allowed users to choose their ports by using “Expansion Cards.” The Laptop 16 takes this concept a step further by offering six expansion slots instead of the typical four. This gives users even more flexibility in customizing their laptop to their specific needs.
When Framework was first founded, the company had to make a choice between creating a modular gaming laptop with upgradable graphics or focusing on building a high-quality product. They chose the latter, which led to the release of the compact and versatile Framework Laptop 13. While some reviewers were initially skeptical about the laptop’s future support, Framework proved them wrong by delivering on its promises and continuing to release CPU upgrades and improving battery life. Framework has already shown that they are committed to their modular concept, and the Laptop 16 is a testament to their dedication.
The modular design of the Laptop 16 makes it easy to disassemble and reassemble. With just a screwdriver, you can take apart the laptop and swap out components with your own hands. The keyboard deck can be easily removed by sliding two levers, and you can access the keyboard, touchpad, and optional numpad underneath. The midplate can be removed to access the laptop’s primary components, or you can quickly access the Expansion Bay by flipping up a little hatch.
It’s important to note that the laptop I tested was a prototype, so some aspects may change in the final product. However, the core design and functionality will remain the same. The Expansion Bay currently uses a flex cable, but it will be replaced with a more robust connector and screws in the final version. One thing that won’t change is the need to power down the system to change Expansion Bays. They are not hot-swappable.
The highlight of the Expansion Bay is the ability to add a discrete GPU, specifically the Radeon RX 7700S. Framework partnered with AMD for this feature, and Frank Azor, who previously worked on the Alienware Area-51m, personally championed the concept. The GPU is accompanied by Cooler Master fans that not only cool the GPU but also the entire laptop. The laptop comes with an Expansion Shell that contains two blower fans, but when the GPU is added, thicker fans are used to cool both the GPU and the surrounding components.
While I couldn’t test the cooling performance of the laptop due to a broken fan, I can say that the design is impressive. The addition of a discrete GPU and the accompanying cooling system shows that Framework has learned from the mistakes of other companies and is determined to provide a reliable and efficient solution.
In conclusion, the Framework Laptop 16 is a game-changer in the world of notebooks. Its modular design allows for unprecedented customization and upgradability, making it a dream come true for gamers and power users. With its impressive range of modular components and the ability to swap out the GPU, Framework has proven that it is committed to delivering on its promises. The Laptop 16 is a testament to Framework’s mission of providing users with a truly customizable and future-proof laptop.
