Framework Laptop 16 with upgradeable graphics card announced

The previous Framework Laptop 13 (13.5 inch) stands out from the crowd thanks to its modular design and the fact that it can be repaired and upgraded. It is not only modular on the inside so that you can easily replace the RAM, SSD, WLAN card and other components. It also has four external slots that can be filled with expansion cards.

The newly introduced Framework Laptop 16 still has the same modular design and expansion cards. There are now six slots to fill. The previous modules with memory expansion, DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet and MicroSD are joined by a 3.5 mm jack socket. This was previously only built directly into the laptop, which is no longer necessary.

On top of this, there are two new module systems, one of which is likely to be the real highlight of the new laptop. The expansion bay system makes it possible to use larger modules at the rear of the laptop, which are connected via a PCIe x8 interface. For example, a module with dual M.2 SSDs with 16 terabytes of additional storage space. Framework has also cited video recording devices as an example. The option of upgrading the laptop with mobile graphics cards sounds the best. According to Framework, this feature should be "the holy grail for gamers, creators and others who need performance". How successful the company will be with this depends not only on the smooth function but also on whether third-party developers can be won over for cooperation. It is unclear whether anyone has already been brought on board.

The second new module system of the Laptop 16 allows you to customise the keyboard area. The manufacturer offers hot-swappable modules in three sizes, the smallest of which enable sliders, for example. The medium-sized modules include macro pads, numpads, dot matrix modules and even a second display. The large ones can be complete RGB keyboards. Or something else, like a piano. Framework also enables third-party manufacturers to bring their own modules onto the market. The company therefore makes the microcontroller firmware available as open source. A Raspberry Pi RP2040 is used as the controller for the input modules.

The new Laptop 16 is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2023. Framework has not yet provided any information on prices, availability or exact specifications. However, it has announced new Intel mainboards and the first AMD mainboard for the previous Framework Laptop 13. As well as a battery with more capacity and a Cooler Master case, which breathes new life into the old mainboard and transforms it into a mini desktop PC.