Framework Laptop

[Csupati]

On 6/12/2023 at 2:11 PM, Aaron44126 said:

 

Framework Laptop 16 will feature swappable rear modules.  It's not really MXM, they are using a customized DGFF connector, but it will allow for either a discrete GPU or extra battery to be installed.  They have not yet given details for what types of modules will be available at launch.  (We can assume that dGPU will be there, but anything else is up in the air.)

 

...I am sort of thinking that swapping them won't be as easy as just pulling one module out and snapping in another.  They use a DGFF connector on the motherboard side, so you'll probably have to snap out the keyboard and remove a couple of screws on the motherboard side holding the DGFF connector in place before a module can actually be removed.

If i remember correctly , one of the videos mentioned that the dgff connector is same as the Alienware area 51m gpu  connector. 

[Aaron44126]

3 hours ago, Csupati said:

If i remember correctly , one of the videos mentioned that the dgff connector is same as the Alienware area 51m gpu  connector. 

 

The physical connector is the same but the pinout is not the same.  Framework is using a custom pinout.  It is not expected that any Dell DGFF GPUs will work in this thing.

[Eban]

 

Nice teardown

[Aaron44126]

New post on the Framework Laptop 16 chassis design & manufacturing process.

https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-16-deep-dive---enclosure

[Aaron44126]

Storage details are out.

https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-16-deep-dive---memory-and-storage
 

Framework Laptop 16 has two NVMe slots, one 2280 and one 2230. You can add two more 2280 slots with a rear expansion module (…in place of a dGPU). Two SODIMM slots for RAM, and they are starting to offer Framework-branded memory modules made by ADATA. In the article, they detail the specific NVMe drive and memory modules on offer.

[Sandy Bridge]

Hmm, so the max storage is:

 

8 TB from the internal 2280

2 TB from the internal 2230

6 TB from the maximum of six 1 TB expansion cards

16 TB from the dual 2280 expansion module

 

= 32 TB.  Which is actually quite a bit of storage.

 

 

They say they attempted to fit two 2280's, so it's a bit odd that they wound up with a 2230 instead of a 2242 or a 2260.  But then, I'm not sure that many companies are releasing those intermediary sizes, the last I looked at 2242 options a few months ago, there weren't a ton of recent drives.

 

 

 

[IamTechknow]

Interesting that the blog post mentioned they "ran out of space" but they're referring to the mainboard. I'm curious to see the battery information whether they're just going for a big battery, a small one, or even both (Framework 13 has 55 Wh and 61 Wh options.), and how it affects parts options.

[IamTechknow]

Battery and speaker details are out now!

 

https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-16-deep-dive---battery-and-speakers

 

It seems like there is going to be a single battery size (at launch at least), 4-cell for 85Wh, and it is an integrated connector instead of a cable connector.

[Aaron44126]

Just saw this.  The Verge got their hands on a Framework Laptop 16.

https://www.theverge.com/22665800/framework-laptop-16-hands-on-preview-modular-gaming-laptop

 

[Edit]

Framework 16 preorders are open, so we can finally see specs!!

...If the site wasn't broken from heavy load, anyway.

 

Can for now confirm that it only has options for AMD CPUs and GPUs, no Intel or NVIDIA.

(Interestingly, the AMD guy that they are working with was actually previously at Dell and involved with the Alienware Area-51m "upgradeable laptop that flopped".)

It looks like the CPU options are Ryzen 7 7840HS and Ryzen 9 7940HS, and the optional dGPU is a Radeon RX 7700S.

The Verge article mentions support for up to 96GB of RAMM (two DIMMs), and also that there is liquid metal under the CPU heatspreader?

 

Very interesting development even if this isn't a laptop that I would actually want (lacking a full 4K display and NVIDIA dGPU).  Definitely watching to see how things go forward, though.  I hope that this thing is successful and that they are able to offer even more options in the next few years.

 

The Verge also has a video.

 

[Edit 2]

Framework post.

https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-16-pre-orders-are-now-open

[solidus1983]

I can't wait to see what the Framework 16" can do gaming wise as i am looking for another laptop for when i go on Holidays and Working abroad.

 

I like where Framework is going so more then likely will be throwing my wallet at them soon enough.

[saturnotaku]

I like what Framework is doing but can't justify $2100 to get the 16-inch in the configuration I would want, at least not with a GPU that, at best, offers RTX 3060 levels of performance. At the same time, I begrudge no one who is willing to pay the early adopter tax as strong interest should allow more and/or cheaper options to become available later down the road.

[IamTechknow]

The AMD and Framework collab/partnership is awesome! The specs for the price, well...

 

The Radeon RX 7700S appears to have a TDP of 100W, which is about 20W less than the 7600 XT flagship. Framework already published that the 16 can support up to 240W, with this config I don't think it will max out a 180W USB-C charger. I would assume a more powerful GPU is coming, in a year or so lol

Also pre-ordering now means the 16 inch laptop will ship as early as Q4 2023 which is 4-6 months away...

I know I said I would order one of these but I think I'll wait for now unless my laptop breaks.

[Aaron44126]

14 minutes ago, IamTechknow said:

Framework already published that the 16 can support up to 240W, with this config I don't think it will max out a 180W USB-C charger. I would assume a more powerful GPU is coming, in a year or so lol

 

Yeah, from their post on the power supply and they explained that they were shipping the system with 180W, I took that to mean that we can expect specs that will fit within 180W.  The 240W capability is there for future-proofing.

 

They were also cagey on future GPU plans other than to say that basically "we built this thing to be modular so of course we are looking to deliver more modules in the future".  Nothing about what maximum power envelope they might be looking at, whether they would offer GPUs from anyone other than AMD, or really anything else.

 

Though, technically the specs are public / open source, so "anyone" could produce and sell a GPU module that would work.  I think that they're sort of hoping that, if it takes off somewhat, companies that normally produce desktop gaming GPUs (Inno3D, PNY, etc.) will maybe look to sell laptop (Framework) GPU modules as well.

[IamTechknow]

Although not available in a blog post just yet, Framework team did confirm the 16 laptop model has a MUX switch (in the display):

 

Quote

Yes, the Expansion Cards are routed to the CPU/iGPU. The internal display has a mux to be able to be driven by other the iGPU or the dGPU. The dGPU has a dedicated USB-C video output.

 

https://community.frame.work/t/mux-switch/33854/5

[Spiritsong]

In the next few years (actually, more like 5-7 years, if the concept still exist and the company still exist, I wouldn't mind spending more (i'm talking probably up to USD200-500 more) just to import this thing.

I'm not happy that they're not shipping to Malaysia (maybe because there are other things apart from "can we ship it there", I don't know) right now, but maybe hopefully in the future, unless I know somebody personally in the USA or wherever is the nearest distributor.

Somebody is going to make a franken-steam-deck-ish handheld out of this thing, i'm sure.

[Sandy Bridge]

PC Gamer has published a glowing review of the AMD version of the Framework 13: https://www.pcgamer.com/framework-13-amd-mainboard-review-performance/

 

If I hadn't bought a laptop last November, I'd certainly be considering pulling the trigger on the Framework 16.  With all the ports relying on the Expansion Modules, the 13 doesn't have enough ports for me, but I could probably make the 16 work, would be nice if there were some expansion modules that added, say, a headphone jack and Ethernet.  But aside from that minor quibble, it's an attractive proposition.  I'd probably even buy it without the dGPU to start with, see if the integrated 12 CUs were sufficient (which for my uses, nowadays, they probably would be), and then maybe add a dGPU in a generation or two when the 12 CUs aren't quite adequate for me anymore.  Something that would be virtually impossible with other laptops.

 

There is a bit of a price premium, but I got almost 11 years out of my desktop, with upgrades, before it was replaced as my daily driver, and if I could get close to that out of a laptop with a few upgrades, it would be a better option than buying a new one every 4 years.

 

Now Framework just needs to still be around in 2026 or so when I need a new notebook... and maybe add an input module with full-height arrow keys in the interim.

 

---

 

Edit: They've pre-announced an SD expansion card too (https://frame.work/blog/pre-announcing-the-sd-expansion-card-and-a-new-youtube-series).  Makes sense, and from the blog post it seems I wasn't the only one thinking that would be a logical addition to their expansion card portfolio.

[cylix]

I am temped aswell for one 16 but the long waiting time is to much for me. If i order one now ill get it first in Q2 2024..way to late for my taste. They should try optimize the production process.

[serpro69]

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/amd-7040-framework-laptop-mainboard-transfer-performance-test-review 

[Aaron44126]

New post on the input module and expansion module connectors for Framework Laptop 16.

https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-16-deep-dive---connectors

[saturnotaku]

While far from the most aesthetically pleasing laptop, you can't help but be impressed at the thought and ingenuity that's gone into everything under the hood.

[Aaron44126]

Framework Laptop 16's liquid metal application.

https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-16-deep-dive---liquid-metal

[IamTechknow]

It looks like the Framework laptop 16 is being sent to reviewers now. The first batch of models will ship by the end of the month (so will reviews come out as well), with all should be fulfilled by the end of June.

I'm glad I procrastinated in my order BTW, because also last week Framework reported a data breach (to those affected) due to a phishing scam. Still going to get one but without the first Graphics Module, I'll keep waiting for one that can max out power usage of the computer.

[Aaron44126]

Some reviews in for Framework Laptop 16.  No time to digest right now but I saw these in my news feed:

 

https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/framework-laptop-16-review

https://www.theverge.com/24047424/framework-laptop-16-review

 

[Edit]

Also -

 

[saturnotaku]

Another perspective on the Framework: 

 

 

The 16-inch seems very much like a "version 1.0" product that needs some tweaks/refinements before it can really be taken seriously outside of tech-head circles.

[Reciever]

Thanks for sharing I'll check this out tonight when I get bsck home