Today, Framework announced the addition of two new systems to its lineup: the convertible Framework 12 and a gaming-focused mini ITX Framework Desktop PC. Despite these new releases, the company continues to focus on its flagship product, the Framework Laptop 13. This upgrade-friendly, repairable laptop is receiving another motherboard update featuring AMD's latest Ryzen AI 300-series processors. This marks Framework's second AMD Ryzen-based board following the late 2023 Ryzen 7040-based refresh.
The newly updated boards are now available for preorder and will begin shipping in April. New buyers can purchase a pre-built system starting at $1,099, which includes an OS, storage, and RAM, or opt for a build-it-yourself kit priced at $899. This kit allows users to add their own components. Existing Framework Laptop owners, dating back to the original 11th-generation Intel version, have the option to upgrade with a bare board starting at $449.
Framework will offer six- and eight-core Ryzen AI 300 processors in lower-end configurations, likely the Ryzen AI 5 340 and Ryzen AI 7 350, announced by AMD at CES in January. These chips feature integrated Radeon 840M and 860M GPUs with four and eight graphics cores, respectively.
For those interested in a thin-and-light portable gaming system, the top-tier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is recommended. It includes 12 CPU cores and a Radeon 890M with 16 GPU cores. While this chip has shown impressive performance in other systems, Framework's version may be slightly slower due to its use of socketed DDR5 memory instead of soldered-down RAM, a trade-off likely acceptable to its target audience.
One issue with the original Ryzen Framework board was the inconsistent support for expansion cards across its four USB-C ports. This limitation persists in the new version; however, improvements have been made. The two rear USB ports support full 40Gbps USB4 speeds, while the front two are limited to 10Gbps USB 3.2. Nonetheless, all four ports now support display output.
This updated Framework board is the first to meet Microsoft's requirements for the Copilot+ PC label, including preview features like Windows Recall. Copilot+ PCs boast additional AI features not available on regular Windows 11 PCs, requiring a neural processing unit (NPU) with a performance of at least 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The Ryzen AI 300 board is Framework's third with a built-in NPU, following the AMD Ryzen 7040 and Intel Meteor Lake versions, but the first to meet Copilot+ requirements.
Framework will continue selling older Ryzen 7040-based motherboards at a reduced price of $749. Although these are older processors, AMD still offers slightly updated versions under the Ryzen 200 branding.
With each new board, Framework typically releases updated accessories for current and future Framework Laptop 13 owners. This time, the company is launching a second-generation keyboard with the same 1.5mm key travel but improved wider keys like shift and spacebar to reduce buzzing with higher speaker volumes. The version shipped with pre-built Windows laptops includes Microsoft's Copilot key, while a platform-agnostic version with a Super key bearing the Framework gear logo is available for DIY editions.
Additionally, Framework is introducing new cosmetic updates with translucent purple, green, and black bezels and USB-C expansion cards for added laptop flair. These join the existing non-translucent orange, green, purple, and red USB-C expansion cards available in the Framework online store.
