For the second year in a row, Framework has announced a new upgrade for its modular and repairable Framework Laptop that can be installed directly on older versions of Framework Laptop. I have two motherboards. One with a predictable upgrade from 12th Generation Intel Core CPUs to 13th Generation chips, and the other bringing AMD’s Ryzen laptop processors to his Framework Laptop for the first time.
Framework also officially renamed its first laptop design. The 13-inch model uses the “Framework Laptop 13” retronym to distinguish it from the new Framework 16 gaming laptops.
I know a little more about Intel versions of laptops. There are Core i5-1340P and Core i7-1360P versions with 12 cores (4 P cores, 8 E cores) and a higher end version with 14 cores (6 P cores, 8 E cores). Core i7-1370P. These P-series processors have been responsible for some of the mediocre battery life in modern framework laptops, but the company claims that its 13th generation CPUs are more battery efficient and have a better runtime. In addition, it says that it is doing “optimization of the firmware”. All Intel models still use DDR4-3200 memory, so if you upgrade your motherboard you’ll be able to replace the RAM along with his SSD you’re using.
AMD versions of laptops are a little more mysterious. This is also AMD’s fault. The Framework uses Ryzen 7040 series processors and AMD recently delayed these chips by a month. But thanks to AMD’s complex but specific new laptop CPU naming scheme, we do know that these chips will combine Zen 4 CPU cores with integrated graphics based on AMD’s latest generation RDNA3 architecture. – Significant graphics performance improvements never seen before. That GPU should make the AMD version a decent low-end gaming laptop, especially for games that support AMD’s FSR upscaling tech.
Both Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 motherboards use DDR5-5600 instead of DDR4. This is because Zen 4 CPUs dropped support for DDR4. The framework also says it plans to offer official support for certain Linux distributions on AMD systems, like it currently offers for Intel laptops, in addition to Windows 11.
New laptops (and new motherboards if upgrading) are available for pre-order with a $100 deposit. According to the framework, Intel models should start shipping in May. The AMD version will start shipping in “Q3”.
Other upgrades and sustainability
As always, the new motherboards are designed to fit all existing Framework 13 laptops without modification. Directly upgrade from original 11th Gen Intel motherboards to new AMD motherboards without replacing batteries, ports, keyboards, screens, etc. parts as needed. But Framework is also debuting some design upgrades that can be purchased alongside the new Framework 13 or added to older models.
First, the company is about to introduce a 61 Wh replacement battery that fits in the same space as the previous 55 Wh battery due to “advancements in lithium-ion chemistry.” That’s a relatively small 11% improvement in capacity, but the last Framework Laptop’s battery life was its Achilles heel. Combined with other optimizations for 13th Gen Intel versions of laptops, Framework says battery life should improve by 20-30% over previous generation models.
For the display and lid, Framework is releasing both a matte version of the screen and a new hinge kit designed to hold the screen more securely while allowing one-handed opening. The display uses the same 13.5 inch 2256×1504 display as before. There are no contrast, color gamut, resolution or refresh rate upgrades here. Instead of a glossy coating, it just has a glare-resistant matte coating.
Finally, for upgraders, Framework and Cooler Master are introducing an official $39 chassis that can be used to convert older Framework motherboards into tiny desktop PCs. The framework introduced an open-source 3D-printable case design last year to facilitate this sort of thing (then had to change after legal threats from Lenovo). Access to 3D printers. A stand and VESA mount option are included so you can attach it to the back of your monitor and it will be available in the spring.
According to the company’s press release, “As we release all of these great updates, we want to ensure that the upgrade behavior doesn’t contribute to the generation of e-waste.” encouraged and enabled the development of products that reuse them. ”