Framework Desktop with 192GB unified memory gets preorder date and major AI workstation boost
Framework is preparing to open preorders for its most powerful Framework Desktop configuration yet. The new compact workstation, powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 processor, will be available to preorder on Wednesday morning, September 30, Pacific Time.
This upgraded Framework Desktop is aimed at users who need serious local AI performance, high-memory workloads, software development power, and compact workstation flexibility. While pricing has not been revealed yet, the advanced hardware and massive unified memory configuration suggest it will likely sit firmly in the premium desktop category.
At the heart of the new system is AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495, a high-end chip designed for demanding AI and workstation tasks. It features a 16-core, 32-thread CPU layout and can boost up to 5.2 GHz. Graphics are handled by the integrated Radeon 8065S GPU, which includes 40 RDNA 3.5 Compute Units.
The processor also includes an NPU rated at up to 55 TOPS, while Framework lists the full desktop system as capable of reaching 131 TOPS of combined AI compute performance. That makes this configuration especially interesting for developers, creators, and researchers looking to run AI models locally without relying entirely on cloud services.
The biggest upgrade is memory. Framework is equipping this version with 192GB of LPDDR5X unified memory, offering 273GB/s of bandwidth. Even more impressive, up to 160GB can be allocated to the GPU. That is a significant jump over the existing Ryzen AI Max+ 395 version, which tops out at 128GB of unified memory and allows up to 96GB for GPU use.
For AI workloads, large datasets, creative applications, virtualization, and GPU-heavy tasks, that extra memory could make a major difference. Unified memory is particularly valuable in compact AI systems because the CPU and GPU can access the same memory pool, helping simplify performance-intensive workflows.
Framework is also making a few hardware refinements. The 192GB model will ship with a Noctua fan pre-installed, which should help improve cooling performance while keeping noise levels under control. The company will also offer a pre-built version with Fedora already installed. Framework’s Desktop platform already supports Fedora, Windows, and other Linux distributions, giving users flexibility depending on their workflow.
Another notable change is the PCIe x4 slot. It is now open-ended, which means users can physically install larger PCIe cards even though the slot remains electrically limited to x4 speeds. This opens the door to more expansion options, such as high-speed networking cards.
Framework gives one example involving 50GbE adapters installed in two systems and connected through RDMA-over-Ethernet. In that kind of setup, two machines could effectively be linked to provide access to a combined 384GB of memory across the pair, creating a compact but powerful environment for advanced computing workloads.
The new Framework Desktop appears to be built for a growing market of users who want small-form-factor systems capable of serious AI, development, and professional workloads. With 192GB of unified memory, strong integrated graphics, a powerful Ryzen AI processor, Linux support, and improved expansion flexibility, this could become one of the most interesting compact AI workstations of the year.
The biggest unanswered question remains the price. Framework has not announced how much the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 model will cost, but given the high-end processor, large unified memory pool, and workstation-focused features, buyers should not expect a budget-friendly system. Still, for users who need a compact desktop with massive memory and local AI performance, this upcoming Framework Desktop may be worth watching closely.
