Framework Desktop wows iFixit – even with the soldered RAM • The Register

Framework’s modular mini desktop has obtained glowing approval from the restore consultants at iFixit, regardless of having non-upgradeable reminiscence due to its Ryzen AI Max processor.

The startup championing modular and repairable laptops unveiled a new line-up this week, together with an upcoming 12-inch touchscreen convertible concentrating on the Chromebook finish of the market, together with its first desktop PC system.

Restore biz iFixit was readily available on the Framework launch in San Francisco, and has revealed its findings on the latter unit.

Acknowledging the truth that desktop PCs are already modular and upgradeable, iFixit says the Framework Desktop options tool-free panels, commonplace connectors, and off-the-shelf parts wherever doable, making for simple disassembly and stress-free upgrades.

“Earlier than we even touched a screwdriver, we have been already impressed. The case panels? Thumbscrews and magnets. The cooling? A Noctua fan, however swappable with any 120 mm fan. Storage? M.2 SSDs, each simply accessible. That is the sort of considerate design we want each gadget had,” writes iFixit’s Director of Sustainability, Elizabeth Chamberlain.

As Framework detailed, the mainboard is a normal Mini-ITX type issue with ATX headers, a PCIe x4 slot, and a typical set of rear I/O (2x USB4, 2x DisplayPort, HDMI, and 5Gbit Ethernet), that means customers can match it right into a separate case if they want. However that’s just about par for the course and already permits lovers to construct their very own PC from parts sourced from numerous makers.

In response to iFixit, eradicating the fan and M.2 SSDs requires undoing only a few screws, and it praised using Framework’s growth playing cards, giving customers the pliability to decide on which front-facing ports they need. A full teardown video may be seen on YouTube.

The principle bugbear is the soldered-down reminiscence, moderately than the slot-in reminiscence modules that permit most PCs to be upgraded to a better capability if required.

One Reg reader, responding to this week’s launch of the Framework Desktop, commented: “In order that they made a desktop that is LESS repairable/upgradeable?? Is not that alleged to be their total motive for existence?”

The explanation for this design selection is that Framework went with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max processors, which function an built-in Radeon 8060S GPU and have to have the LPDDR5x reminiscence carefully coupled to allow the 256 GBps reminiscence bandwidth for top efficiency.

In response to iFixit, this makes it an “AI and gaming beast … with as much as 96 GB of reminiscence devoted to the GPU, this machine can deal with huge AI fashions regionally, operating large-scale LLMs like Llama 3.3 70B in real-time.”

As Framework defined, it labored carefully with AMD, attempting to determine the best way to make modular reminiscence work, however concluded that “removable RAM would have tanked efficiency – probably reducing bandwidth in half.”

The system iFixit bought to have a look at was an engineering pattern, so it’s holding off on assigning a repairability rating till it will get a manufacturing mannequin.

Nonetheless, evidently the system is more likely to get a good rating, with Chamberlain stating: “If Framework retains this degree of accessibility intact, we anticipate a really excessive rating.”

“It is a true open-standard PC with modularity baked in. Certain, the soldered RAM is not splendid, however every part else is designed to be repaired and upgraded – simply appropriately.”

Reg readers will little doubt draw their very own conclusions. ®