Framework continues to push the concept of durable, highly repairable laptops, unveiling an updated version of its modular Laptop 13 at a recent event in San Francisco that features new AMD Strix Point processors. As before, users can purchase a separate motherboard to upgrade an existing Laptop 13, a DIY kit to build their own, or buy a complete laptop ready to go.
Image source: Framework
The updated Laptop 13 is the company’s second laptop with AMD processors. This time, buyers are offered Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 Ryzen AI 300 series, as well as the flagship Ryzen 9 HX 370 model with 12 processor cores, improved graphics for portable gaming, and performance up to 50 TOPS for working with artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, this is the first laptop in the company’s history that meets the requirements of Copilot+PC from Microsoft. The new laptop can be equipped with up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 memory and an SSD with a capacity of up to 8 TB.
The notebook has also received other important improvements. It now supports an optional 2.8K display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, like last year’s model on Intel Core Ultra. However, the new product does not offer full support for Thunderbolt 4 / USB4, like the Intel version. However, it does support image output to four external displays – one more than in the previous generation on AMD. The webcam has also presumably received improvements.
Other new features include Wi-Fi 7 support, an updated cooling system with a single 10mm heat pipe (instead of two 5mm ones), and an improved key design that reduces vibration when the speakers are turned up to full volume, thanks to a new plastic structure instead of metal joints. According to Framework CEO Nirav Patel, the company has thoroughly tested the new design and is confident that problems similar to Apple’s butterfly keyboards will not be repeated. The keyboard also features Microsoft’s Copilot key, although if you build the laptop yourself, you can skip it.
Orders for the new laptops and motherboards are open now, with shipments set to begin in April. DIY kits start at $899, while the ready-to-go units start at $1,099. The Ryzen 300 motherboard is available separately, starting at $499. The board comes with a pre-installed cooling system. The company is also cutting prices on previous AMD laptops.