Framework has unveiled its latest next-generation solutions for both desktop and laptop enthusiasts, making waves with the power of AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 and Ryzen AI MAX chips. Out of all the new offerings, the standout is the innovative Framework Desktop.
At the heart of this desktop is the formidable Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 APU, featuring up to 16 cores crafted on the Zen 5 core architecture. Partnered with a Radeon 8060S iGPU, the system includes 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and a dazzling memory capacity of up to 128 GB. Remarkably, all this high-performance hardware is packed into a compact, 4.5-liter chassis, showcasing a sleek and traditional box shape. Inside, you’ll find a Mini-ITX motherboard with a pre-installed heatsink, complete with an array of fins and heat pipes over both the memory and APU. You can opt for three 120mm fans crafted by renowned brands Noctua and Cooler Master, ensuring optimal cooling performance.
Powering up the board utilizes standard ATX configurations, with a single 8-pin+24-pin connector interface. Connectivity is abundant, including two M.2 SSD slots, a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, and three 4-pin fan headers. Other essential interfaces feature dual USB Type-A ports, two USB4 Type-C ports, HDMI, dual DisplayPort, 5G Ethernet LAN, a 3.5mm audio jack, and cutting-edge WIFI7. The system relies on a semi-custom Flex ATX PSU designed by FSP.
In terms of performance, AMD’s Frank Azor put the Framework Desktop to the test in popular gaming scenarios at 1080P High settings, presenting impressive figures with native and FSR3 enhancements. With FSR3, frame rates can double, delivering a seamless gaming experience often exceeding 100 FPS for a variety of titles. The 1440P experience is just as breathtaking, maintaining over 100 FPS, thanks to the Radeon 8060S graphics powerhouse.
Framework has an interesting claim on its hands, placing its Desktop PC as a top-tier AI box. When compared to high-end setups like the 128 GB Mac Studio, priced around $4800, or the costly NVIDIA DIGITS 128 GB solution, Framework’s offering stands proudly at $1999 for a 128 GB configuration. To sweeten the deal, multiple Framework Desktops can be networked via 5G Ethernet and USB4 for enhanced AI performance, which could entice professionals and hobbyists alike.
The system can be acquired as a mainboard or a DIY edition. The mainboard option includes AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ APUs, while the DIY edition allows you to customize storage, fan setups, and the operating system. Amazingly, assembling the entire unit takes merely five minutes and requires just one screwdriver, conveniently included in the package. For those who value aesthetics, the fully customizable front panel tiles offer a LEGO-like opportunity for personalization.
Pre-orders for the Framework Desktop are open now, with shipping starting in Q3. Customers can choose from three different configurations. The basic model, Ryzen AI MAX 385 with 32 GB of memory, is priced at $1099. A mid-tier option, Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 with 64 GB of memory, comes for $1599, and the high-end version is available for $1999.
Turning to laptops, Framework has also introduced the Laptop 12 and Laptop 13. The updated Laptop 12 features a 12.2″ touchscreen display, boasting a resolution up to 1920×1200 with a brightness of 400 nits. It supports Intel’s 13th Gen Core i5 and Core i3 CPUs and accommodates up to 48 GB of DDR5-5200 memory while offering 2 TB of NVMe storage and Wi-Fi 6E. Interested buyers can expect pre-orders in April, with shipments slated for mid-2025.
Meanwhile, the new Framework Laptop 13, featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 APUs, introduces a fresh motherboard equipped with an active fan solution and a prominent heat pipe over the APU. The improved TIM is Honywell’s PTM7958, which is a phase-change thermal interface material. Additional features include support for up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 memory, a spacious 8 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, WIFI7 connectivity, and USB4 IO. It starts at $899 for the DIY version, $1099 for pre-built models, and the mainboard can be purchased separately starting at $449. Pre-orders for the Framework 13 Laptop are currently available.
With these groundbreaking advancements, Framework is poised to capture the attention of technology enthusiasts and professionals seeking modern, customizable computing solutions. The strategic inclusion of Ryzen’s AI capabilities and robust design further solidifies Framework’s status as a notable player in the market.
