After four years of producing modular, repairable, and upgradeable laptops, Framework is branching out into desktops with the introduction of a new Framework Desktop computer. It’s a 4.5 liter PC powered by an AMD Strix Halo processor with support for up to a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 16-core, 32-thread processor with 40-core RDNA 3.5 graphics and 128GB of unified LPDDR5x memory.
While it’s hardly the first desktop computer designed to be repairable or upgradeable (that’s kind of a defining feature of most desktops), it’s one of the first consumer-oriented mini PCs to feature a compact, portable design (with an optional carrying handle on top), and discrete-class graphics performance. Pre-orders open today with prices starting at $1099.
There will be three models available at launch:
- Ryzen AI Max 385 (8 cores, 16 threads + 32-core Radeon 8050S graphics) + 32GB RAM for $1099
- Ryzen AI Max 395+ (16 cores, 32-threads + 40=core Radeon 8060S graphics) + 64GB RAM for $1599
- Ryzen AI Max 395+ (16 cores, 32-threads + 40=core Radeon 8060S graphics) + 128GB RAM for $1999
While the top-tier model isn’t exactly cheap, it’s surprisingly affordable for a computer with that much memory and discrete-level graphics.
Keep in mind that those prices don’t include storage or an operating system, but you can either bring your own or purchase up to 16TB of storage (two 8TB SSDs) from Framework. Windows 11 Home and Pro licenses are also available at time of purchase, or you can bring your own operating system – Framework plans to offer Linux support.
Framework says it used open standards as much as it could, so the Framework Desktop’s mainboard is a mini ITX board that could theoretically fit into other laptops… or you could fit a different mainboard into the chassis of this desktop. And it uses a standard 400W ATX power supply, 120mm fans, two M.2 slots for storage, and features a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface for additional hardware.
In fact, you can already pre-order a Framework Desktop Mainboard as a standalone item. You just won’t save all that much: prices range from $799 for a mainboard with a Ryzen AI Max 385 chip and 32GB of RAM to $1699 for a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 model with 128GB of memory. At those prices it almost feels silly not to spend another $300 to upgrade to the full-fledged Framework Desktop PC unless you really don’t like the case, power supply, cooler, and modularity and just want a powerful mini ITX board that you can use with a different computer.
One area that is not user replaceable is the memory, because AMD’s Strix Halo chips rely on LPDDR5X memory that’s soldered to the motherboard. But the memory, cooling system, and just about every other internal component is designed to be easy to remove and replace.
Ports include:
- 1 x 5 Gb LAN
- 2 x USB4 Type-C
- 2 x USB Type-A
- 1 x HDMI
- 2 x DisplayPort
The computer also features built-in support for WiFi 7.
The Framework Desktop measures 205.5 x 96.8 x 226.1mm (8.09″ x 3.81″ x 8.9″) and features a customizable front panel with 21 tiles that can be swapped out to change the look of the PC. At the bottom there are two slots for Framework Expansion Cards, allowing you to easily add USB, HDMI, or other ports by slotting them into USB4 Type-C connectors. You could also add an SSD or anything else that fits into the Expansion Card form-factor.
The side panel is also available in a choice of black or translucent colors.