Framework Computer - Wikiwand
Framework Computer, Inc. is an American laptop computer manufacturer.[3][4][5][6] The company positions itself as a proponent of the right-to-repair movement,[7][8][1] and their laptops are designed to be easy to disassemble, with replaceable parts.[3][4]
Quick Facts Company type, Industry ...
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | January 2020; 5 years ago[1] |
| Founder | Nirav Patel |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan[2] |
Key people | Nirav Patel (founder, CEO) |
| Products | Desktop computers, Laptops |
| Website | frame.work |
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In January 2020, the company was founded by Nirav Patel, who was the original Head of Hardware at Oculus.[1][8][9] In the first half of 2021, Framework was funded with a $9 million seed round.[10][11] YouTuber Linus Sebastian invested $225,000 in the company in September, 2021[12][13] after having previously commended the 11th Gen Intel Framework Laptop 13.[14]
In January 2022, the company raised an additional $18 million of financing in a series A round, led by Spark Capital.[15][16][10]
In April 2024, the company raised an additional $17 million of financing in a series A-1 round, led by Spark Capital, with Buckley Ventures, Anzu Partners, Cooler Master, and Pathbreaker Ventures. In addition to the $17 million, the company is opening up $1 million to equity crowdfunding through $10,000 investments. The company announced its expansion into other areas of consumer electronics with this round.[17][18][19]
Framework works with an original design manufacturing (ODM) partner Compal Electronics to build its products.[20][21]
Framework Laptop 13
Framework Laptop displaying a web page
The internals of a Framework Laptop 13 can be accessed in less than a minute with a single screwdriver.
In July 2021, Framework began fulfillment of their first product, the Framework Laptop (retroactively the Framework Laptop 13), with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chip to the US and Canada.[22] In December 2021, Framework opened pre-orders to the UK, Germany and France.[23] In February 2022, pre-ordering became available for Ireland, Austria and The Netherlands.[24] The Framework Laptop received a 10 out of 10 in iFixit's repairability score.[25][26] The standard Framework Laptop ships as a fully assembled laptop, while the Framework Laptop DIY Edition ships with the RAM, storage, operating system, and in 11th Gen, the WiFi module uninstalled. All of these modules can be ordered with the DIY edition for an additional fee, or left out and purchased separately.
In May 2022, the company launched their second-generation Framework Laptop with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 chip that ships with an upgraded back panel, alongside their 12 Gen Upgrade Kit, to allow 11th Gen users to upgrade their laptops. In September 2022, pre-ordering became available for Australia.[27]
In September 2022, the company launched a Chromebook edition based on their 12th Gen Intel model for $999. Unlike the standard laptop, the Chromebook's specification is fixed to an i5-1240P, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, but it retains the same upgradability as the standard laptop. Framework claims that the Chromebook edition has upgraded speakers and batteries compared to the standard laptop, but the speakers were described as "muffled" by ZDnet and the battery life was rated as quite poor for a Chromebook by ZDnet, Engadget, and PCMag. The Chromebook was also criticized for its price.[28][29][30][31][32]
In March 2023, the company announced their third-generation Framework Laptop featuring 13th Gen Intel Core and AMD Ryzen 7040 processors. The designation of Framework Laptop 13 was adopted to distinguish it from the concurrently announced Framework Laptop 16.[33][34] During this same event, Framework announced a higher capacity 61 Wh battery, a matte display option, and a Cooler Master case to house Framework motherboards.[35] The initial shipments of the AMD-based Framework laptops were delayed due to electrical and firmware related issues.[36]
In May 2024, the company announced their fourth-generation Framework Laptop 13 featuring an Intel Core Ultra Series 1 processor.[37][38]
In February 2025, the company announced their fifth-generation Framework Laptop 13 featuring AMD Ryzen AI 300 series as well as adding the improvements introduced with the Intel model.[39] The upgraded model supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 memory and has a 2.8K 120 Hz display. The design retains Framework's emphasis on modularity, ensuring that most parts are compatible with earlier releases. Pricing for the DIY edition starts at $899, pre-built systems start at $1,099.[40]
Motherboard
In April 2022, the company partly open-sourced their motherboard with CAD and electrical documentation[41][42][43][44] being available in their marketplace, giving away 100 motherboards to makers and developers.[45][46]
There is an issue with the first-generation motherboards with 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs, that requires complete removal and reconnection of both the main battery and the RTC coin cell battery, if the laptop is not charged for a relatively short period of time.[47][48] The company said that this issue is caused by the 11th Gen Intel Core silicon bug, and that they would work to swap out a replacement RTC coin cell battery or 11th Gen motherboard for the people facing the issue.[49][50]
Firmware
Framework Laptop 13 uses proprietary UEFI firmware, InsydeH2O by Insyde Software,[51][52] and an open-source embedded controller (EC) firmware based on CrOS EC[53] by Framework. In April 2021, the company mentioned that open-source firmware was well-aligned to their mission.[54] In January 2022, the company open-sourced their EC firmware.[55][56] The company modifies the UEFI source code they bought from Insyde Software to meet their specific firmware needs. The company supports Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS) to update the firmware. Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition uses an open source firmware, coreboot.[57]
In April 2024, it was described that the company has struggled with the other side of computing longevity and sustainability: providing up-to-date software.[52] After that, the company published a blog article about software longevity, saying, "We recognize that we have fallen short of where we need to be on software updates, and we are making the needed investments to resolve this."[58]
More information Motherboard, UEFI product ...
| Motherboard | UEFI product | Upstream UEFI vendor | Initial UEFI version | Latest UEFI version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th Gen Intel Core | InsydeH2O UEFI Firmware | Insyde Software | 3.02 | 3.20[59] |
| 12th Gen Intel Core | InsydeH2O UEFI Firmware | Insyde Software | 3.04 | 3.08[60] |
| 13th Gen Intel Core | InsydeH2O UEFI Firmware | Insyde Software | 3.03 | 3.07[61] |
| Intel Core Ultra Series 1 | InsydeH2O UEFI Firmware | Insyde Software | 3.0N | 3.04[62] |
| AMD Ryzen 7040 | InsydeH2O UEFI Firmware | Insyde Software | 3.02 | 3.07[63] |
| 12th Gen Intel Core Chromebook Edition | coreboot[57] |
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Battery life
The initial 55 Wh battery in the original Intel 11th Gen CPU Model has been described as middling.[5][64] This feedback was addressed with the release of a 61 Wh battery, available as an option in the 2023 edition of the laptop.[33] An Ars Technica review found that the battery life of the 13th Gen Intel motherboard was significantly improved over prior designs, gaining a 40% uplift in PCMark's battery test but remaining mostly the same when running Handbrake, despite the reviewer testing battery life with the 55 Wh battery from their previous machine; with an upgrade to the 61 Wh battery, the runtime improved by another 13%.[65]
The AMD Ryzen 7040U series option also showed additional battery life, better performance, less heat, and lower fan noise when idle, leading some to suggest that it rendered Intel models obsolete.[66]
The battery drains even in a complete shut down state within UEFI version 3.07 or earlier with the 11th Intel Core motherboard,[67] later fixed in UEFI unofficial version 3.08.[68][69]
Technical specifications
As most components in Framework products are designed to be reconfigurable, this table lists stock specifications available at the time of purchase.
More information Model, Chromebook ...
| Model | Framework Laptop 13[70] | Chromebook | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel 11th Gen | Intel 12th Gen | Intel 13th Gen | Intel Core Ultra Series 1[71] | AMD Ryzen 7040 | |||
Timeline |
Announced | February 2021 | May 2022 | March 2023 | May 2024 | March 2023 | September 2022 |
| Released | July 2021 | August 2022 | May 2023 | August 2024 | October 2023 | November 2022 | |
| Discontinued | Active | Active | Active | Active[72] | Active | Active | |
Motherboard |
CPU | i5-1135G7 | i5-1240P | i5-1340P | Ultra 5 125H | 7640U | i5-1240P |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics | Intel Arc integrated graphics (7 Xe-cores on Ultra 5, 8 Xe-cores on Ultra 7) | RDNA3 integrated graphics | Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics | |||
| Memory type | DDR4-3200, 2 slots | DDR5-5600, 2 slots | DDR4-3200, 2 slots | ||||
| Memory capacity | Up to 2×32 GB at time of purchase | Up to 2x48 GB at time of purchase | 1x8 GB | ||||
| Storage | 1x M.2 2280, Up to 4 TB WD SN850X at time of purchase | 256 GB NVMe | |||||
| Cooling | 28 W rated dissipation, 2×5 mm heatpipe and 65 mm fan | 30 W rated dissipation, 1x10 mm heatpipe and 65mm fan | 28 W rated dissipation, 2×5 mm heatpipe and 65 mm fan | ||||
Display |
Size | 285 mm × 190 mm, 13.5 inches diagonal | |||||
| Resolution | 2256×1504, 2880x1920 (3:2) | ||||||
| Surface | >400 nit, 100% sRGB color gamut, glossy or matte | ||||||
| Hinges | 3.3 kg or 4.0 kg; 3.5 kg (2nd gen.) | 3.5 kg (2nd gen.) | 3.3 kg or 4.0 kg; 3.5 kg (2nd gen.) | ||||
Input/Output |
Ports | 4× configurable Expansion Card slots
3.5 mm TRRS audio connector | |||||
| Input devices | Backlit 78-key Lite-On keyboard, 1.5 mm travel[73]
115 mm × 76.6 mm touchpad with 4 mm cell size[74] Fingerprint reader on power button | ||||||
| Video and audio | 1920×1080 webcam, 1/6" OmniVision OV2740 and RealTek RTS5853 controller, f/2 4-element lens, 80° field of view[75]
Dual MEMS microphones For privacy: camera power LED and hardware power switches | ||||||
| Wireless | Intel AX201
DIY edition: Intel AX210 |
Intel AX211 | Intel AX210 | Intel AX210 | AMD RZ616 | ||
| Speakers | Stereo 2 W speakers (original or 80 dB) | ||||||
Power |
Battery | 55 Wh | 55 Wh or 61 Wh | 61 Wh[71] | 55 Wh or 61 Wh | 55 Wh | |
| 80% after 1000 charge-discharge cycles | |||||||
| Included adapter | 60 W gallium nitride switch, USB-C | ||||||
| Dimensions | 297 mm × 229 mm × 15.9 mm, 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) | ||||||
| Operating system | Windows pre-installed | ChromeOS |
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Framework Laptop 16
Framework Laptop 16 is a larger laptop unveiled at the promotional Next Level keynote in March 2023. It has been dubbed the "holy grail" of upgradeable laptops for engineers and gamers due to the new expansion bay that can attach PCIe components, such as a dedicated GPU, as well as adapt the laptop's cooling system.[33]
Firmware
Framework Laptop 16 uses proprietary UEFI firmware by Insyde Software.
More information Motherboard, UEFI product ...
| Motherboard | UEFI product | Upstream UEFI vendor | Initial UEFI version | Latest UEFI version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7040 | Insyde Software | 3.02 | 3.05[76] |
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Technical specifications
As most components in Framework products are designed to be reconfigurable, this table lists stock specifications available at the time of purchase.
More information Timeline, Announced ...
Timeline |
Announced | March 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Released | Was planned to ship in Q4 2023, delayed to January/February 2024. Started shipping early February 2024 | |
| Discontinued | Active | |
Motherboard |
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS |
| Graphics | RDNA3 integrated graphics or Radeon RX 7700S GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory in a Detachable Expansion Bay (PCIe x8)
Internal MUX Switch (for configurations with a graphics card in the Expansion Bay)[77] with AMD Smart Access Graphics support.[78] | |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600, 2 slots | |
| Memory capacity | Up to 2×48 GB at time of purchase | |
| Storage | 2 × onboard M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 (1x 2280, 1x 2230) + 6 × additional SSDs in expansion cards + 2 × SSDs in expansion bay[79] | |
| Cooling | ||
Display |
Size | 16" diagonal |
| Resolution | 2560×1600 (16:10), 165 Hz, 9 ms rise+fall time[80] | |
| Surface | 500 nit, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, matte | |
| Hinges | ||
Input/Output |
Ports | 6× Expansion Card slots
USB-C 2.0 port with DisplayPort Alt Mode routed to the dGPU (when a dGPU module is attached) |
| Input devices | 16× Input Module slots
Fingerprint reader on power button | |
| Video and audio | 1920×1080 webcam, 1/6" OmniVision OV2740 and RealTek RTS5853 controller, f/2 4-element lens, 80° field of view[75]
Dual MEMS microphones For privacy: camera power LED and hardware power switches | |
| Wireless | AMD RZ616 | |
| Speakers | 1 W tweeters and large 2 W woofers[81] | |
Power |
Battery | 85 Wh (80% after 1000 charge-discharge cycles)[81] |
| Supports up to 240 W over USB-C PD 3.1 | ||
| Included adapter | 180 W gallium nitride switch, USB-C[82] | |
| Dimensions | 18 mm thick without the GPU extension or 21 mm thick with one[83] | |
| Operating system | Windows pre-installed |
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Framework Laptop 12
The Framework Laptop 12 is a 2-in-1 laptop announced in February 2025 as part of the company's keynote. The convertible is designated as a smaller, lower-cost model compared to the 13-inch and 16-inch laptops previously offered and features a 12-inch WUXGA touchscreen.[84]
Framework Desktop
The Framework Desktop is a Mini-ITX workstation announced in February 2025, containing an AMD Strix Halo APU. The desktop is designed to be modular, containing two front-side expansion card slots as seen in its laptop models. The computer's front-side panel also has slots for 21 interchangeable tiles, allowing for users to customize the appearance of the machine.[85]
Expansion cards
A core feature of the Framework laptop is the expansion card system that provides the primary input/output for the laptop. In its base form, the laptop is equipped with recessed slots containing USB-C ports that can be used directly. These slots can be attached with an assortment of interchangeable cards that add features such as USB-C (passthrough), USB-A, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, MicroSD, 2.5-gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5 mm headphone jack, as well as form-fitting solid state storage (up to 1 TB per slot).[86] The Framework Laptop 13 can accommodate four expansion cards, and the larger Framework Laptop 16 accommodates six. The company launched the Expansion Card Developer Program to open card development to the public, releasing documentation, CAD templates, and reference designs for expansion cards—all under open source licenses.[87]
USB-C
The capabilities of the USB-C expansion card are contingent on the mainboard, as it "passes through the supported protocols on the processor directly."[88] On Intel platforms, the expansion card enables Thunderbolt 4/USB 4, 20 V/5 A charging, and DisplayPort Alt Mode. On AMD Ryzen platforms, the capabilities vary depending on the slot the USB-C expansion card occupies:
Framework Laptop 13 (with AMD Ryzen 7040U)
- Two USB4 ports supporting data, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and USB-C PD 3.1 (back two ports).
- One USB-C 3.2 port supporting data, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and USB-C PD 3.1 (front left port, with laptop upside down).
- One USB-C 3.2 port supporting data and USB-C PD 3.1 (front right port, with laptop upside down).
Framework Laptop 16 (with AMD Ryzen 7040HS)
- Two USB4 ports supporting data, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and USB-C PD 3.1. (Back two ports)
- One USB-C 3.2 port supporting data, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and USB-C PD 3.1 (middle left port).
- One USB-C 3.2 port supporting data and USB-C PD 3.1 (middle right port).
- Two USB-C 3.2 ports supporting data only (front two ports).
The Framework Marketplace is an online store service hosted on the Framework website that primarily sells parts and tools that can be used to upgrade and repair the Framework Laptop. These include, but are not limited to, replacement motherboards, batteries, entire screen assemblies, RAM, and storage drives. The Marketplace also sells customization parts, including screen bezels, keyboard layouts, and expansion cards. In addition to computer-related items, the Marketplace also includes merchandise.[89]
Framework works with a logistics partner Dimerco to distribute its products. A logistics staffer mentioned Dimerco managing a complex e-commerce fulfillment process of Framework's highly customizable products from Taiwan.[90]
As a result of the company's efforts to accommodate hackers and computing enthusiasts, both third-party companies and individuals have built various products using Framework's hardware, which includes but is not limited to:[91][92][93][94]
Decoration
Parts management
Expansion card
- Magnetic charger expansion card[103][92]
- Scroll wheels expansion card[104]
- UART expansion card[105]
- Solokeys[106] Solo V2 expansion card[107][102]
- DongleHider+, an expansion card that includes a USB hub to hide a bare dongle inside.[108][109]
- Brick system expansion card[110][111]
Hardware using expansion card
Motherboard
- DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard, a RISC-V CPU architecture motherboard[114][115][116]
Motherboard-based
- CJ64, a cyberdeck-like keyboard PC that repurposes the Framework Laptop's motherboard[117][118][119][120][92]
- Mainboard Terminal, a retro-style round display PC that uses the Framework Laptop's motherboard[121][122]
- Framedeck, a Framework-motherboard-based cyberdeck with clear acrylic and brass, influenced by TRS-80 Model 100.[123][124]
- A tablet that uses Framework parts including the motherboard[125]
- Framework-Tablet, a 3D printable tablet case[126][127][128]
- FrameStation, a modern game console case for the Framework motherboard[129]
- Framework Desktop Case Adapter, a 3D-printable mount to adapt a Framework motherboard to ATX and MicroATX motherboards and cases[130]
- Framework Test Bench, a test and development bench for Framework motherboard[131]
- An aluminum 3D-printed motherboard case[132][102]
- Framework-AIO, a 3D-printable case that converts Framework Laptop into an all-in-one-style desktop computer.[133][134]
- DIY Triple Screen Laptop, a portable ergonomics computer with three screens (one panel, and two iPad Retina displays).[135][136]
- Cooler Master Motherboard Case[137][138]
- Beth Deck, a portable gaming handheld case[139][140]
Display
Firmware
Software
- Embedded Controller Modifications, an EC tool that changes the colors of LEDs and the keyboard layout on the firmware level, plus a suite of tools for talking to and manipulating the EC[144][145][146][147]
- Fw-fanctrl, a service that controls Framework Laptop's fan(s) according to a configurable speed/temperature curve[148]
Others
The company provides knowledge base articles, a community forum, QR codes on the products and parts, and an inquiry form.[151][3] The company's customer support is controversial. It has both positive reviews that they are transparent, honest, and customer-focused[64][50] and negative reviews that they close the door.[152][68]
Supported countries and regions
Framework Laptop is currently available for order in the United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia and Taiwan.[2]
In December 2021, the company announced that they chose the additional supported countries UK, Germany, and France based on both the number of people who registered interest through the region selection page and on logistical complexity.[23] In February 2022, pre-ordering became available for Ireland, Austria, and the Netherlands.[24] Pre-orders also opened in Australia in September 2022, with shipments arriving from October.[153]
Framework does not support customers outside its supported regions, and does not endorse or support imported products.[154]
Linux
In December 2021, the company released a statement asking users who are not using Ubuntu 21.04.3+ or Fedora 35 to troubleshoot with Framework's Linux community[155] instead of contacting Framework support as no other Linux distribution has been verified by the company for hardware compatibility, mentioning that the company could troubleshoot general product usage issues on a supported OS, but could not troubleshoot OS-related issues not related to the product functionality.[156] In April 2022, the company announced their Linux compatibility page.[157][45] In a July 2024 interview, a Linux support staffer mentioned, "My job is to identify the most likely distributions that we want to focus on providing support for efficiently and also then looking to outreach with community-based support as well ... and actually beginning to build those bridges."[158]
The Ryzen-based Framework laptop had some initial issues with Linux support, but were later fixed with a firmware update delivered through LVFS.[159][160]
BSD operating systems
In June 2022, the FreeBSD Foundation announced their work to ensure that the experience running FreeBSD on the Framework Laptop matches the stability that FreeBSD users expect.[161][162] In February 2025, the foundation reported their ongoing activities for testing and working on support for the Framework Laptop.[163]
Philosophy and recognition
Electronics right-to-repair movement
In June 2021, a venture capitalist investing in the company said "The conventional wisdom in the industry is that making products repairable makes them thicker, heavier, uglier, less robust, and more expensive. We're here to prove that wrong and fix consumer electronics, one category at a time".[11] In October 2021 interviews, the company said "The core problem is the idea that consumer electronics are disposable,"[164] and "Right to repair is incredibly important. It is actually a core part of what we are doing. Because increasingly products are not designed to be repaired."[8]
Framework Laptop was on display as part of the Waste Age: What can Design Do? exhibition[165] displayed at the Design Museum[166] in London from October 2021 to February 2022.[167]
The company's founder Nirav Patel appeared as a former employee of Apple in the Netflix original film Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy featuring shopping and waste, which was released in November 2024 ahead of Black Friday by Grain Media. He stated, "As soon as your business model starts to revolve around that replacement cycle, the object being replaced in a while instead of being something that can last longer, it becomes extremely difficult to reverse and go back".[168][169]
Reception
In November 2021, Time magazine listed the Framework Laptop on their list of the 100 Best Inventions of 2021.[170] In March 2022, Fast Company listed the Framework Laptop on their list of the Most Innovative Companies of 2022.[171] In October 2023, Time magazine listed the Framework Laptop 16 on their list of the 200 Best Inventions of 2023.[172]