On Tuesday, I shared exciting news about Framework, the modular computer company that is fulfilling its ambitious promise of creating the “holy grail for gamers.” This innovative company has developed a laptop equipped with modular, swappable discrete graphics cards, designed to be so user-friendly that virtually anyone can upgrade it at home. Could this be the first truly futureproof gaming laptop? Today, I’m thrilled to confirm that this system indeed works seamlessly.
During my visit to Framework’s offices in San Francisco, I had the unique opportunity to be the first journalist to personally upgrade an entire laptop graphics card in just three minutes—including reboot time. With a simple process of removing an AMD Radeon RX 7700S video card and replacing it with a new Nvidia RTX 5070, I experienced firsthand how easy it is to make this upgrade. Utilizing just six screws and the included pen-shaped screwdriver, I completed the task effortlessly. To prove the efficiency of this upgrade, I recorded the entire process, demonstrating how straightforward it is. (For those seasoned PC builders: this upgrade process is significantly easier than dealing with MXM modules, right?)
This upgrade serves as a crucial proof point for Framework’s claims. While many companies, such as Alienware with their Area-51m, have attempted similar systems in the past, they often failed to deliver on their promises. Alienware’s 2019 initiative saw them unable to provide even a single graphics card upgrade, leading to legal troubles and settlements with customers. In contrast, Framework has successfully secured support from Nvidia, ensuring that their graphics card upgrades are not only compatible but also perform optimally within the laptop’s framework.
Although my time at Framework's offices was limited, I was able to test basic gameplay samples to confirm that the graphics card was functioning properly. While we couldn't conduct comprehensive benchmarks, Framework suggests that the Nvidia RTX 5070 offers a 30 to 40 percent performance improvement over the existing AMD graphics card. The games I tested ran smoothly at 1440p with high settings, showing no obvious issues.
It's worth noting that I couldn't upgrade my original Framework Laptop 16 review unit directly. Instead, I brought it along to evaluate the upgrade potential. However, CEO Nirav Patel informed me that my unit would require software updates, including a new BIOS version that wasn’t fully ready yet. Thus, the laptop I upgraded had been prepped specifically for this GPU swap, showcasing Framework's commitment to ensuring a seamless upgrade experience.
During my visit, I also had the chance to explore Framework’s new standards-compliant 240W USB-C PD 3.1 charger, one of the first of its kind available on the market. This charger allows the Laptop 16—the first laptop capable of utilizing 240W PD 3.1—to operate and charge at full speed simultaneously. Using my power meter, I observed that the Framework Laptop 16 drew over 220W while conducting stress tests, charging its battery, and powering a couple of phones plugged into the laptop, all at once. Impressively, when I returned about 15 minutes later, the new power adapter was merely warm to the touch, making it comfortable to handle.
Currently priced at $699 for the 100W, 8GB mobile RTX 5070 performance, this technology may cater to a niche market for the time being. Both the GPU and the second-generation laptop are available for preorder, with shipping slated for December, appealing to those within this niche gaming community. However, Framework has successfully proven its concept, and I remain optimistic that future upgrades will broaden its appeal beyond niche status.
