As a part of their 2025 launch event, Framework have announced two new laptops to add to their lineup, alongside a new Mini PC powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen AI Max. Releasing their first system as a 13 inch laptop back in 2021, Framework have earned a name for themselves for putting customisation, upgradability, and repairability first when designing and selling their hardware. Since then we’ve seen a 16 inch model that notably has the option for an upgradable graphics card, as well as various drop-in motherboard replacements for those wanting to have the latest hardware without replacing their entire system.

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The first laptop announced today isn’t all too interesting on the surface, adding AMD’s Ryzan AI 300 as an option for their 13 inch lineup. On the inside the system is set to feature WiFi 7, a revamped thermal system, and a “next generation keyboard”. Keeping with their ethos the familiar shell becomes a positive factor, allowing previous Framework Laptop 13 owners to pick up the new modules and bring their system up to the latest spec.

A slightly more exotic topic was the reveal of a new laptop form factor for the company in the Framework Laptop 12, a touch-enabled convertible system. Featuring 13th Gen i3 and i5 CPUs out of the gate, the system is looking to be a more affordable option whilst not compromising on the ease of upgrade and repair they’re known for. Of note, the Framework Laptop 12 will support up to 48GB of DDR5-5200, 2TB of NVMe storage, and WiFi 6E, paired with a 1920x1200 display. Support for both Windows 11 and Linux was also confirmed.

Ending with what is probably their largest reveal, Framework closed out their livestream by showing off the Framework Desktop, a 4.5L Mini-ITX PC powered by AMD’s latest and greatest Ryzen AI Max. Having stormed onto the scene in the past few days, the AI Max is an absolute powerhouse of a CPU, probably most notable for its iGPU performance, paired with a customisable memory split between CPU and GPU. Review videos online show the AI Max’s iGPU having no issues running Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Helldivers 2 amongst others. One area of compromise to get the best performance out of the AI Max was to use soldered RAM in the system, though Framework have made a point out of making the memory pricing more reasonable than you would expect to see in other brands.

Both the Desktop and Framework Laptop 13 are available to pre-order now, with the former set to ship in April and the latter early Q3. The Framework Laptop 12 will have its pre-orders go live in April, with first shipments being mid-2025.

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[Bladexdsl]

but can it run crysis?

 

[The Catboy]

“AI”
Ew, can this shit stop?

 

[Mama Looigi]

yippee AI, i might be able to hit 60fps in notepad on this one with framegen

 

[Scarlet]

“AI”
Ew, can this shit stop?

Naming aside it does seem like a startlingly good iGPU. I’m looking forward to seeing it trickle down into more affordable systems in the coming years.

 

[SylverReZ]

Anything with "AI" attached is bound to go horribly wrong.

 

[Noctosphere]

yippee AI, i might be able to hit 60fps in notepad on this one with framegen

yippiekAI motherfucker

 

[Marusu]

I wasn’t aware of this upgradable line. But with AI as well? This is REALLY good! Whether to get the mini PC or laptop is my only question…

 

[orangy57]

the AI naming is annoying but Framework didn't even put AI in the name, that's literally just the name of the AMD CPU that's inside

Shame that the big reveal wasn't a handheld PC but I'm still excited to see the pricing of the framework 12 since I need SOMETHING competent to replace my current 2012 craptop

 

[AlamosIT]

 

[SecureBoot]

Love frameworks mission. I'm planning on getting the 16 inch sooner than later since I'm prone to break laptops. I've been waiting for a touchscreen option but I guess I'll have to wait a little longer. Also, the AI is the name of the AMD CPU, not the framework laptop so y'all can stop vomiting now

 

[CobaltMN]

Love frameworks mission. I'm planning on getting the 16 inch sooner than later since I'm prone to break laptops. I've been waiting for a touchscreen option but I guess I'll have to wait a little longer. Also, the AI is the name of the AMD CPU, not the framework laptop so y'all can stop vomiting now

Yeah, Framework actually has a real product feature to sell, they don't need to claim they're revolutionizing the industry with AI. I am glad to see a tech company try to be comfortable with the fact that they make tools, and not revolutionary new technobullshit.

 

[captainpringles]

the Framework Laptop 12 will support up to 48GB of DDR5-5200

I know some people like to run homelabs off of old laptops, but besides compiling code, what is the point of having so much memory? For most people, it seems like that would be more of a brag than a practical thing.

 

[AlexMCS]

what is the point of having so much memory?

VM and Statistics AKA "Data Science and (don't hit me).... AI":

LLM, CNN/Computer Vision, Classifiers/Clusters on Big Data etc.

 

[Jayro]

I think Ai processors (NPUs) should be offloaded to motherboard makers, or just sold as standalone chips for motherboards that you can upgrade. Maybe with a simple snap-in design like the CM5 Raspberry Pi. But including NPU hardware in CPUs and GPUs ain't it, fam... it just ain't.

 

[Jhyrachy]

I know some people like to run homelabs off of old laptops, but besides compiling code, what is the point of having so much memory? For most people, it seems like that would be more of a brag than a practical thing.

i perform segmentation of medical imaging, 16gb often is not enough for a single organ...

 

[Latiodile]

the desktop is less modular than a normal desktop lol
soldered cpu and ram, and only a pcie x4 slot? bruh that's pretty poor even for ITX

 

[linuxares]

the desktop is less modular than a normal desktop lol
soldered cpu and ram, and only a pcie x4 slot? bruh that's pretty poor even for ITX

So shall be interesting to see ifixit repairability for this then...

https://frame.work/se/en/blog/reduce-reuse-repair-recycle

 

[tech3475]

the desktop is less modular than a normal desktop lol
soldered cpu and ram, and only a pcie x4 slot? bruh that's pretty poor even for ITX

It reminds me more of 'thin clients', although the soldered RAM is pretty bad even by those standards.

So shall be interesting to see ifixit repairability for this then...

https://frame.work/se/en/blog/reduce-reuse-repair-recycle

I suspect Framework's excuse will be that they offer replacement motherboards.

Thinking about it, I wonder if they're expecting these to be bought more by corporate/professional users? Would explain some of the design choices e.g. soldered RAM and chances are most people interested in Framework can build a basic desktop.

 

[Latiodile]

It reminds me more of 'thin clients', although the soldered RAM is pretty bad even by those standards.

if i think towards that i'd put it more towards those "tiny" PCs, like the lenovo ones you see for like $100 on ebay... but even those almost always have a socketed cpu and ram
some even have MXM slots, which framework seems deathly afraid of implementing even though it'd add even more points to their modularity