You would possibly know the story by now: Framework makes repairable, modular laptops the place you possibly can sub in new components for outdated or damaged ones. It’s been two years because the firm debuted an AMD mainboard for the Laptop computer 13 and so it’s time for the primary alternative to reach. The brand new mannequin will get AMD’s Ryzen AI 300, a series of power-efficient chips for notebooks that may do all of the Copilot+ AI nonsense the trade insists folks want and wish.
Framework despatched me the brand new AMD mainboard to fit into the present chassis, together with a brand new bezel and enter cowl. Slightly than the standard strong colours, the corporate is now providing translucent plastic variations for all these late ‘90s children who owned Sport Boy Colours. I want the tinted translucent model over the clear clear one, however you possibly can decide for your self within the photos.
Mainboard with AMD Ryzen AI 300
Would-be patrons have three choices: They’ll purchase a brand new pre-built laptop computer with Ryzen AI 300, a DIY version to assemble or simply get the mainboard by itself. Both method, you get the decide of a Ryzen 5 340, Ryzen 7 350 or the flagship Ryzen 9 HX 370 able to harnessing as much as 96GB of RAM. Naturally, the worth will begin to climb the higher your technological ambitions.
I used to be provided with the midrange Ryzen 7 350, which took me about 11 minutes or so to swap into the present AMD mannequin. It’s amusing to assume it took me the higher a part of an hour the primary time I did this however when you’re fluent, it turns into easy. For those who, like me, misplaced the muscle reminiscence to swap parts on the flip of the millennium, don’t really feel like that is past you.
The Ryzen 7 350’s efficiency is ok for the kind of duties you’d anticipate to do with a 13-inch pocket book. I didn’t discover there was a transparent, epoch-shifting leap between what I bought out of this and the 7840U it changed. For those who’re utilizing it for the standard stuff — work, shopping and watching movies — then it’ll deal with that each one with aplomb.
As ordinary, one of the best purpose to advocate the AMD mannequin over its Intel equal is for its higher power in gaming. In spite of everything, you possibly can simply get 50 to 60 fps in titles like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto V, making this an efficient all-rounder.
There are two downsides to Framework’s modular method, one in every of which is that the {hardware} will all the time look extra useful than its rivals. The second, and extra crucial, is that the entire CPU cooling needs to be built-in onto the mainboard itself. Whereas a variety of machines may be designed round thermal administration, this one can’t as a result of all the pieces is modular. So the fan on prime of the mainboard has to do the entire work with one hand tied behind its again. Consequently each the Intel and AMD variations of Framework’s laptops are noisy in methods extra fashionable machines aren’t.
Framework says it addressed the noise problem by redesigning the heatpipe, enhancing the fan algorithm and switching to Honeywell’s PTM7958 thermal paste. Sadly, as many hours as the corporate could have put in right here, you’re nonetheless going to need to take care of loads of fan noise and warmth below heavy load. And whereas AMD promised the 300 AI was designed to be extra power-efficient, the brand new processor additional dents this factor’s battery life. I didn’t get something near a full day on a cost right here, however that appears to be the best way with so many laptops today.
Enter cowl (Second era)
I’ve all the time counseled Framework for its dedication to enhancing each {hardware} element because it goes. This time round, the corporate labored with manufacturing associate Lite-On to offer its keyboard a makeover. It centered on hard-to-spot enhancements like printing the caps in a barely thinner weight, changing the fingerprint sensor and redesigning the Shift and Enter keys.
Fortunately, what hasn’t modified is the 1.5mm key journey, and founder Nirav Patel informed me years in the past that he had little interest in making an attempt to repair what wasn’t damaged. This implies the keyboard itself stays as simple to make use of because it was earlier than, albeit with a barely quieter typing motion. The keys aren’t as free of their housing as they had been on the older mannequin, which is one other signal of upper high quality. Customers may also decide from keyboards with a devoted Home windows Copilot key or the Framework key, relying in your working system loyalties.
Extra importantly, the corporate addressed suggestions that the large keys would rattle when the speaker performed at excessive volumes. There’s a brand new scaffold supporting the Shift and spacebar to scale back vibration when the sound will get loud. I feel the unique downside was overstated, however maybe my audio picks aren’t as bass-heavy as another people. Regardless, the adjustments listed here are welcome and after I’ve watched explosion-heavy audio, I discovered little to no rattle in any respect.
The compromises
It’s not as easy to swap an Intel mainboard for an AMD one as there are points with {hardware} compatibility. Equally, the AMD boards assist totally different USB requirements for various enlargement card slots, as you possibly can see within the image. This is true for AMD boards no matter the manufacturer, nevertheless it’s one factor to recollect earlier than you make your buy.
In abstract
In case you are already inside Framework’s ecosystem then be happy to sleep on this improve. Sure, the AI 300 is healthier than the chip it replaces however to not the extent I’d recommend you shell out a number of hundred {dollars} on one. For those who aren’t, then you definately’ll in all probability be swayed by Framework’s broader pitch reasonably than this particular replace. My suspicion is that the corporate’s maturing ecosystem is ideally positioned to benefit from the present geopolitical brouhaha. In spite of everything, if the price of each pocket book is vulnerable to leaping by means of the roof, having the ability to hold one machine operating for longer is compelling. And, for those who’re trying to leap in, you need to seize one of many discounted Ryzen 7040 machines earlier than they go. In spite of everything, for those who discover the efficiency a bit gradual in a couple of years’ time, you’ll be well-placed to benefit from the following era improve when it arrives.
I do know there are some who really feel Framework’s underlying platform is getting a bit stale, which I do perceive. Tech shoppers are always clamoring for a more recent, flashier doodad, and when the Laptop computer 13 first launched, it already appeared a era behind rival 13-inch notebooks in the identical class. When the Laptop computer 13 first launched, it already appeared a era behind rival 13-inch notebooks in the identical class. 5 years down the road, it received’t beat any machines from Dell, Acer or ASUS in look or really feel.
However whereas it could not have the razzle or dazzle, it does have the endurance, and that’s going to be an even bigger asset within the subsequent few years. For those who’re the kind of one that would purchase a Lenovo Thinkpad and run it till it falls aside, then it is a higher possibility. In spite of everything, with a Framework, you received’t even have to fret about it falling aside.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/framework-laptop-13-2025-with-amd-ryzen-ai-300-review-the-usual-iterative-upgrade-172031005.html?src=rss
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