Framework makes laptops with modular, repairable, and upgradeable designs that allow you to pick your own ports and swap out every major component, including the mainboard and processor.
Up until recently the company only sold laptops (and mainboards) with Intel processors, but earlier this year Framework announced plans to launch its first AMD-powered models. At the time the company wasn’t saying which AMD chips it was using… because they hadn’t been announced yet. But that changed today, and now Framework has announced that the Framework Laptop 13 AMD Ryzen Edition comes with a choice of Ryzen 7 7840U or Ryzen 5 7640U processor options.
AMD’s Ryzen 7040U series processors are 15 to 30 watt chips designed for thin and light systems like the Framework Laptop 13. But with Zen 4 CPU cores and RDNA 3 graphics, they should bring big performance gains over Ryzen 6000U series chips and offer strong competition for Intel’s 13th-gen Core P-series processors. AMD’s chips also feature an FPGA for hardware-based AI acceleration.
| Ryzen 7040U Series “Phoenix” for ultrathin laptops | ||||||
| Model | CPU Gen & node | Cores / Threads | Base / Boost CPU freq | Total Cache | Graphics | TDP |
| Ryzen 7 7840U | Zen 4 (4nm) | 8 / 16 | 3.3 GHz / 5.1 GHz | 24MB | Radeon 780M (12 x RDNA 3) | 15 – 30W |
| Ryzen 5 7640U | Zen 4 (4nm) | 6 / 12 | 3.5 GHz / 4.9 GHz | 22MB | Radeon 760M (8 x RDNA 3) | 15 – 30W |
The Framework Laptop 13 AMD Ryzen Edition is already available for pre-order with prices varying depending on the specs and features. Here are a few available options:
- Ryzen 7 7840U/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/61 Wh battery for $1469
- Ryzen 5 7640U/8GB/256GB/55 Wh for $1049
- DIY Edition pricing starting at $771 for barebones model with Ryzen 5 7640U and 55 Wh battery
- DIY Edition pricing starting at $1031 for a Ryzen 7 7840U barebones model with a 61 Wh battery
Framework says the AMD-powered laptops will begin shipping to customers in the third quarter of 2023.
Don’t need a whole laptop? The company is also taking pre-orders for Famework Mainboards with Ryzen 7 7840U and Ryzen 5 7640U processors, with prices starting at $449 and $699 respectively.
Note that those prices are just for the mainboard, processor, and other odds and ends that are included (like four USB4 ports and a cooling system). You’ll have to pay extra if you want memory, storage, and a wireless card, but those are all available from the Framework Marketplace.
You can use the mainboard to upgrade an existing Framework Laptop 13 or use it as a compact desktop computer or the foundation for a DIY laptop, tablet, or cyberdeck.
When finding out about the Framework, loved the modular design. But having no AMD was a no go for me and was the only reason holding me back on buying when they launched. However the company actually listened to people and now there is no excuse for me. Just triggered a purchase for the Ryzen 7. Can’t wait for its arrival.
I would love to have a gorilla-glass option, but this is still very tempting regardless!
Just preordered the Ryzen 5 as my first mainboard swap for my 2 year old Framework laptop. I also will be buying the 61 Wh battery whenever it’s back in stock and my same ‘ol laptop will be totally rejuvenated! Not that the upgrade was totally necessary, with an 11th gen i5 it’s plenty fast but for web and graphics work the speed increase should pay off.
I wonder if they will ever ship to Norway.
They ship to half of Europe, I really don’t understand their strategy here.
Based on Framework’s comments on their forum, the reason for the limited distribution is support. I’m assuming that means warranty coverage, etc. There are probably some logistical details that need to be planned for each country.
I’m assuming that they need to review shipping options, and also the tax laws in regards to shipping an already-purchased product out of the country for warranty work, and back again without the customer paying tax again. Most countries have procedures to performing an RMA like that. Lots of companies partner with 3rd parties to handle it.
Unfortunately there is much more involved than just choosing to ship somewhere, if you want to support your customers, that is.
Yes, finally. Just in time to upgrade my old Dell Latitude.