The Framework Desktop Might Be The Coolest Tiny PC I've Seen

Framework Desktop: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected

The Framework Desktop, a compact PC emphasizing upgradability, largely delivers on its promise. iFixit's teardown reveals a design prioritizing standard components, making future upgrades significantly easier than anticipated.

The chassis is easily accessible, utilizing thumbscrews and magnets for quick access. Complete disassembly is straightforward with standard screws. The included Noctua fan is swappable with any 120mm fan, and the heatsink, while pre-installed, appears to use a standard mounting system.

Initial concerns about the power supply and expansion card system proved unfounded. The 400W Flex ATX power supply is easily replaceable with higher-wattage options (600W or 800W are readily available). The expansion bays utilize standard 20-pin Key-A USB Type-E headers, compatible with other motherboards. Crucially, the Mini-ITX motherboard is fully replaceable, even purchasable separately for custom builds. This confirms Framework's commitment to modularity, despite earlier ambiguous responses.

Framework Desktop: Limitations

However, some limitations exist. As expected with a laptop processor, the Ryzen AI Max CPU is soldered. The RAM is also soldered, a constraint imposed by AMD's Strix Halo CPU architecture, according to Framework. AMD's technical analysis reportedly concluded that Low-Power Component Memory Modules (LPCAMM) were incompatible due to signal integrity issues with the 256-bit bus.

The most significant limitation lies in the chassis itself: there's no space for internal GPU or PCIe expansion cards. While a Thunderbolt or USB 4 compatible motherboard with an external GPU enclosure offers a workaround, internal upgrades remain impossible.

Pre-orders are open with a $100 refundable deposit. Shipping is expected later this year.

Source: iFixit, Framework

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