Game Changing New 2024 Laptop Design - Framework 16 - Teardown And Repair Assessment
Summary
TLDRThe Framework 16 is a new modular and upgradeable laptop with replaceable GPU, RAM, SSD, WiFi, speakers, display, and battery. It builds on the Framework 13 with more modularity and upgrade options. The laptop can be fully customized and comes with screwdrivers for easy repair. It aims to be sustainable and repairable, unlike competitors. Overall, it's designed for customization, upgrading, and longevity thanks to its modular components, open standard ports, and publicly available repair guides.
Takeaways
- 😊 The Framework 16 is the new, upgradeable laptop from Framework that builds on their previous repairable models
- 👨🔧 It features user-replaceable parts like ports, RAM, SSD, WiFi card, speakers, display, battery, and even GPU
- 🛠 Comes with screwdriver and spudger to assist with self-repairs and upgrades
- 🔌 Has 6 interchangeable ports that use a standard so anyone can develop compatible modules
- 🚦 Top case components like keyboard secure with magnets and are completely customizable
- 🖥 Modular GPU can be added or removed easily to enable graphics upgrades
- 🔋 85W battery designed for easy replacement with standard screws
- 👍 Very repairable construction with labeled and captive screws throughout
- 🔬 Entire device focused on customization, upgrading, repairs and sustainability
- 😃 Sets a strong example that other manufacturers should follow for repairability
Q & A
What company manufactures the Framework laptops?
-Framework manufactures the Framework laptops. They are a small tech company focused on creating sustainable and modular laptops.
What makes the Framework laptops different from other laptops?
-The Framework laptops are designed to be upgraded, repaired, and highly modular. Components like the ports, RAM, SSD, WiFi card, and even GPU can be replaced by the user. This makes them much more repairable than traditional laptops.
What are some of the modular components of the Framework 16 laptop?
-The Framework 16 has a modular top case, keyboard, trackpad, ports, and GPU. The top case modules include macro boards, colored spaces, and LED matrix displays.
How does the GPU upgrading process work?
-The GPU module can be upgraded by removing 6 screws and sliding out the old module. A new GPU module can then be installed, using a new interconnect cable matched to the module.
What software does Framework provide for the laptops?
-The laptops support Windows, Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, and Framework provides drivers, manuals, repair guides, and control software for the LED matrices.
What are some benefits of the Framework laptop's design?
-The modular and repairable design allows the laptop to be upgraded over time and extend its usable lifespan. Components can be replaced if they fail, rather than replacing the whole laptop.
How does Framework facilitate repairs and upgrades?
-Framework provides repair manuals, spare parts, and QR codes linking to guides. The components have numbered screws and are easy to access. Third parties can also create compatible modules.
What are some limitations of the Framework laptops?
-The keyboard quality is cited as an area for improvement. The LED matrix software is currently buggy. The modularity may add some thickness and weight compared to traditional laptops.
Who is the target audience for these laptops?
-The Framework laptops appeal to tech enthusiasts who want control over upgrades, environmentalists focused on sustainability, and anyone who wants to keep their laptop longer versus replacing it.
How does Framework compare to other major laptop manufacturers?
-Framework is much more focused on modularity and repair than brands like Apple or Dell. Those companies make laptops difficult to repair and Upgrade, while Framework embraces DIY and customization.
Outlines
😀 Introduction to the Framework 16 laptop
The first paragraph introduces the Framework 16 laptop as the new, bigger brother to the Framework 13 laptop released last year. It highlights the impressive repair and upgradeability features of the Framework 16, including user-replaceable ports, RAM, SSD, WiFi card, display, battery, and even GPU. The laptop was provided by Framework for this video review, along with some Framework merch.
😊 Overview of the Framework 16 hardware and software
The second paragraph provides an overview of the Framework 16 hardware and software. It describes the specific configuration reviewed, including AMD Ryzen processor, Radeon graphics, 16GB RAM, and Windows 11 OS. It also covers the modular and customizable components like the top case with removable keyboard, trackpad, and LED panels. The replaceable GPU module and easy access to internals for upgrading are also discussed.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡modular
💡upgradeable
💡repairable
💡customizable
💡sustainable
💡components
💡open design
💡repair guides
💡longevity
💡e-waste
Highlights
This laptop has a user replaceable GPU, a first for laptops.
The laptop can be ordered as a DIY kit or fully assembled.
The laptop has open and modular ports that use standard interfaces.
The keyboard, trackpad, and top case are modular and customizable.
The LED matrix displays can be programmed but are currently buggy.
The GPU is easy to remove with just 6 screws.
The laptop has a second M.2 slot for extra storage.
All replaceable parts have QR codes linking to repair guides.
The framework is far more repairable than competing laptops.
Other manufacturers make laptops hard to repair intentionally.
The laptop uses a numbered screw order for easy reassembly.
The laptop has a modular GPU for potential upgrades.
The fans provide cooling for CPU and GPU.
The battery is easily removable with screws, not glue.
Overall an innovative and repairable laptop design.
Transcripts
this is the framework 16 framework's new
laptop and the big brother to the
modular and upgradeable framework 13 I
took a look at last year I thought their
first laptop was impressive from a
repair and upgradability standpoint
being one of the only new laptops to
support upgrading and replacement of the
ports Ram SSD Wi-Fi cards speakers
display and Battery I thought it
couldn't get any better than that that
is until I read this new model even has
a user replaceable GPU and that's not
the only new upgrade as we're soon to
see framework has lent me this laptop
for the video but had no editorial input
and didn't provide any payment what they
did provide was the merch that comes
with the pre-ordered models this
includes a poster patch and plenty of
stickers along with the usual
documentation this laptop can be ordered
completely assembled or as a DIY version
mind being a custom shipment means that
some things may be different to retail
shipping
versions included with mine was a
keyboard four spaces two of which are
black and the other two color shifting
these spaces are used between the
keyboard on the top deck also in the Box
was a numpad and two LED spaces these
are similar to the other four but these
two light up and can be programmed to
display different things we'll have to
see how that looks later
on
as all these parts are modular they can
all be purchased separately depending on
your preference or requirements just
like the ports for this laptop we have
two usba a 2 USBC display port and HDMI
but there are many others available for
sale including some by diyers or third
party vendors because framework have
made this an open standard not
proprietary so anyone can make an
adapter also included is a screwdriver
and spudger combo for repair and
upgrades as well as the 180 W gallium
nitride power adapter underneath that is
the star of the show itself the
framework 16 once we get it unpacked we
can take a proper look at
it before we dive into the hardware we
should quickly take a look at the
software this unit is running Windows 11
however this laptop has driver support
for various Linux distributions such as
Fedora and Ubuntu if you're setting up
any Windows 11 PC and like me also want
to sign into a Microsoft account simply
attempt to log into a suspended account
like a outlook.com and enter anything in
the password field this should trigger
the all too familiar oops something went
wrong message clicking next completely
bypasses the login
screen once into the OS we can see this
laptop's specific Hardware configuration
consisting of an AMD ryzen 7840 HS with
radon 78m graphics and 16 gigs of RAM
made from aluminium plastic this laptop
weighs in at 2.4 kilos with a GPU fitted
or 2.1 without this model also features
six interchangeable ports and a 16 by10
screen that measures in at 40 cm corner
to corner on the back of the GPU module
is one permanently attached USBC Port
that can be used for display output the
remainder of ports is up to you each
adapter uses a USBC interface and most
can be installed in any slot however
there are a few exceptions when it comes
to display output adapters and charging
but do you know what I haven't seen
before a modular top case unlocking the
two levers allows all the individual
components to Simply slide out each
component is secured with magnets and
connects to the computer using Pogo pins
not cables that doesn't mean it's just
easy to replace but also totally
customizable the row of pins in the
mid-frame provides the ability to move
the keyboard and trackpad to several
locations whether for personal
preference or to make space for another
component there are quite a number of
top case modules at launch including a
macro board colored spaces and led
Matrix
displays unlike the colored spaces these
ones light up and can be programmed to
display various
things the software can be found on the
main support page along with repair
manuals setup guides and drivers the
Control software is currently in beta
and it want to be for how buggy it is I
even got an error just opening it but
overlooking the buggy LED Matrix Control
software it can animate these panels
with patterns and text a feature that is
currently nothing more than a gimmick
but I'm sure more features will come and
hopefully provide a better use for these
panels like CPU and GPU usage they do
automatically time out after a short
period so I'm not sure what use they
could practice practically serve but if
you're a fan of RGB lights there is a
configuration to suit you the only real
area of this laptop struggles in is the
keyboard it's fine but not the best I've
seen but do you know what's better than
a modular top case a modular GPU the
base model lacks any dedicated graphics
card but if you decide you want one
after purchasing this laptop you can
just install one and it's plausible that
we'll see upgradeable G GPU modules in
the future removal of the graphics card
can be done by unfastening just six
screws four of which are for the
interconnect cable after which the GPU
literally just slides out of the laptop
even if you're not planning to upgrade
just think how easy it'll be to clean
out the
fans this module contains the Radeon
780m graphics card and system fans
models without dedicated graphics have a
shorter module two system fans and 33 3
cubic cm of space for tinkering and
potential mods removing the graphics
card will cause the laptop to use the
integrated Graphics each model has its
own interconnect cable the basic one
only utilizing one of the two
motherboard's
connections to access the remainder of
the internals the mid-frame must be
removed 16 screws hold it together which
is significantly more than the
framework's little brother but a
trade-off worth it for the extra
modularity after all these screws are
all labeled and captive so you don't
have to keep track of them as they won't
fall
out lifting up the mid-frame reveals the
internals of the framework 16 it looks
very similar to that of the framework 13
and features the same upgrade focused
motherboard and Battery held in with
screws not adhesive but there is one
difference with this motherboard and
it's not just the extra cooling but
something hidden under the
SSD there's a second smaller 22x 30 mm
SSD slot for another drive while the
mid-frame is removed we can see how the
modular GPU fits inside the lamptop the
fans also provide air to the CPU heat
sinks on the left and right sides while
exhausting heat from the dedicated GPU
out the back pulling fresh air in from
the top and bottom the 85w battery comes
out just as easily as everything else
and the upgradeability continues with
removable Ram all the replaceable
components inside this device have a QR
code that will link you to the repair
guide on framework's website just in
case you don't know how to do any of
these
procedures as this laptop won't be
getting upgraded today it can go back
together there is a numbered order that
the screws are supposed to be tightened
in to evenly distribute pressure like
when you tighten a wheel on a
car I can then reattach the dedicated
GPU and install the top case modules I
fit and we're done so this is it the
framework 16 they've really outdone
themselves with this one they took the
most repairable laptop on the market and
made it even more modular even more
upgradeable and even more powerful this
laptop is designed to be taken apart
repaired serviced and kept running for
as long as possible with repair manuals
and spare parts available from day one
it's open to third parties and diyers
allowing them to make expansion cards
and other
modifications it's kilometers ahead of
the competition in this regard if a
small tech company can make something
this modular it shows you just how much
other manufacturers simply don't care
about sustainability or repairability or
are just intentionally making it harder
to repair the things you own and on that
note this has been a Hugh Jeff's video
if you like what you saw consider
subscribing and check out the tear down
and repair assessment playlist for more
videos just like this one and if you're
looking for any used devices be sure to
check out my online store link to which
is down in the description that's all
for this video and I'll catch you guys
next time
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