Never heard of Framework ? That ’s fair . The four - year - honest-to-goodness caller has release just one other intersection , theFramework Laptop 13 . I loved the initial concept behind this gadget : nearly every component can be switch out , replaced , and upgrade . That includes not just basic stuff , like the memory and storage , but even the battery , motherboard , and CPU . You could even combine and pit which ports were connect .
The sequel , the Framework Laptop 16 , take that customization and modularity to a whole new point . Now , it ’s not just the internals that can be modified – but even the keyboard , touchpad , and outer boundary add - ons to the keyboard deck . The ability to swap out the distinct GPU is what really has masses excited , though . Is it deserving the hype ? In most ways , yes — even if there are time I enquire whether some of the modularity is as useful as it purports to be .
Modular design
While the Framework Laptop 13 looks like any other laptop computer on the outside , the Framework Laptop 16 makes its glide slope to modularity more ostensible and outwardly visible . The entire layout of the keyboard and touchpad can be rearranged using a variety of spacers and remark modules – all without need a individual nookie . Even the keyboard and touchpad are held together just using magnets and clips . It all tie in together far well than I even hoped .
You might enquire : What arrangements would you want to use besides a received layout ? Well , for example , you might want a number pad to slide in to the rightfulness of the keyboard . Or why not try out the RGB MacroPad for custom lighting and programmable macros ? you’re able to then move the touchpad over to be centre under the spacebar . Or , if you have the keyboard centered , you may slide in an light-emitting diode intercellular substance or some satisfying - colored spacers . It ’s gadgety and customizable in a manner that tech rarely is these days .
There are some downsides , though . The simple ash gray spacers on the palm rests are kind of an eyesore , and the crinkle are distracting . I wish Framework somehow could have offered a standard choice that stretch along the full width of the palm residue .
Meanwhile , if you opt for the LED intercellular substance next to the keyboard , the plastic natural covering find a spot fragile . They ’re great and strictly for fun , but are cheap - feeling . The result is that everything has a second too much give , which seduce sense for how many move parts there are , but it is not ideal for a premium laptop . I ’d probably swap them out for a couple of smuggled spacers on my own unit of measurement .
The other downside of the modularity is that the keyboard is a bit schmalzy to type on . It says there ’s 1.5 mm of locomotion , but there ’s a lack of preciseness in the keypresses , especially compare to the Framework Laptop 13 . Do n’t get me wrong – I ’m astonished they were able to let in a operable keyboard without a individual ribbon or cable . But it ’s just not the most gratifying to use .
Sidenote : the RGB backlighting is dandy , and you could even enhance the aesthetic with vindicated keycaps – which I did n’t get to try – but they await stellar .
All the run section are inarguably neat , but at this point , the modularity is less about sustainability or length of service and more about customization . you’re able to make this what you want , but I ca n’t see someone actually reverting changes to the layout once they have it set . Unlike the Expansion Slots ( ports ) or upgrading the internals , a person ’s pauperism for sure input likely wo n’t change over time . It ’s merriment to wreak around with different spacers , but I ’d far prefer to piece the layout I desire at the time of purchase – or trade out an light-emitting diode matrix for some good , upward - fire speakers , for that matter .
Look and feel
Once you have everything in place , there ’s a lot about the look of the Framework Laptop 16 that I adore . The dual - tone Ag and black coupling has become a trendy design flourish thanks to the MacBook Pro , and the Framework Laptop 16 pulls it off in a unique way . It take away inspiration from Apple , but using Negro along the Graphics Module ( or thermal shelf , as other innovation call it ) and under the display adds some additional distinction , as does the per - key RGB backlighting . That ’s certainly something you wo n’t witness on a MacBook .
Upon attract the Framework Laptop 16 out of its loge , I was defeated to see just how slurred and bulky it was . That ’s because my unit of measurement came with the Radeon RX 7700S Graphics Module already installed , which is one of the laptop ’s most unequalled feature . The ability to only go from incorporate graphics to discrete feels like magic trick , requiring just a few nookie . This is something PC enthusiast have wanted forever because not only can you switch back and forth , but you may also advance to future generations of GPUs . More on that later , but suffice to say that the Framework Laptop 16 ’s ability to upgrade GPUs is a big muckle .
It does n’t come without some compromises , though . The graphics module tally an extra 0.12 inches to the machine ’s thickness and over a half Ezra Loomis Pound – an extra 0.66 pounds , to be exact , bringing it up to 5.29 pound with the graphic installed .
The Graphics Module also makes the Framework Laptop 16 deeper , now 11.43 inches . But here ’s the thing – it ’s already a very deep laptop computer . In fact , it ’s one of the deepest 16 - inch laptops I ’ve ever reviewed , and I I had a very difficult fourth dimension fitting it into my backpack . The screen sits up high thanks to the vast bottom bezel and tall hinge . That gives the design enough space to work with in the palm tree rests , but again , it does n’t make for the most portable and aesthetically pleasing auto .
It ’s a chunker , especially for a laptop computer not marketed for gambling . Throw that Graphics Module on , though , and it ’s not so dissimilar in feel from an Alienware or Legion gaming laptop . And maybe that was the idea . After all , I ca n’t imagine someone buying just the “ Expansion Bay Shell , ” which is limited to integrated graphics . It make for a prettier and more portable laptop , but you buy a laptop like this for the extra operation , whether for gaming or content creation — or both .
Ports
The Framework Laptop 16 give you just about any port you could desire in whatever arrangement you would require . Like the Framework Laptop 13 , you could switch out the ports as you please using the Expansion Cards . You have six instead of four this time in addition to the USB - C on the nates for power delivery . These include USB - C , USB - A , HDMI , DisplayPort , Ethernet , MicroSD , a 3.5 mm sound jack , or extra repositing ( 250 GB or 1 TB ) .
Six feels like a good amount for this character of laptop , allowing you to let in a little of everything . The Ethernet expansion slot is the only one that awkwardly jut out from the chassis .
Unfortunately , a full - size SD card slot was n’t included in my bundle , which finger even more important on this more high - powered machine that might be used more for photo or video editing . It does say in the Framework Marketplace that an Coyote State Expansion Card is come soon , but it ’s not currently available .
Performance
The main stop of the Framework laptop computer 16 over the 13 - inch modeling is the functioning improvement – specifically , modular GPU public presentation . Not only do you get an option for discrete graphics in the frame of the Radeon RX 7700S , but it also comes with a more muscular Ryzen 7 7840HS processor — a big step up from what was offered in the Framework Laptop 13 . There ’s even an alternative to configure it with the slightly faster Ryzen 9 7940HS .
While the RX 7700S is the only discrete graphics option currently available , the large promise of Framework ’s philosophy ( and business model ) is to continue supporting the laptop computer with next upgrade . So , in theory , when the next - gen Radeon computer graphic come out , you may advance your Framework Laptop 16 ’s graphics without replacing your entire laptop .
This was my first metre test this special GPU , and I was proud of by what I saw . It landed around the level of a peregrine RTX 4060 , and Framework charges an redundant $ 400 for the parachuting from integrated graphics . That sounds expensive , but it ’s not overprice for the upthrow that ’s provide .
The Framework Laptop 16 performs well but is n’t the best economic value based on that alone .
For reference , Dell charges $ 600 to go from the Qaeda conformation up to anRTX 4060 on the XPS 15 . This price is significant to keep in mind , too , since it gives a expert estimate for at least how much Framework will charge for later GPU upgrades . We do n’t have it off that official price yet , of course , nor do we know if Framework will indorse more powerful GPUs in the future . Given the USB - vitamin C charging , we can assume we may not get the RTX 4080 as an rise choice .
It ’s also of import to keep in mind that you could purchase much cheaper laptops with similar specification , such as theAsus TUF Gaming A16 , which is one of the only other laptop computer to be sold with the RX 7700S GPU , currently being sold for as footling as $ 1,199 . I lie with compare something as unparalleled as the Framework laptop computer 16 to a basic gaming laptop computer is n’t honest , but it ’s an crucial point to retrieve when it comes to performance .
Because as admirably as the Framework Laptop 16 perform , it will never be a ripe value based on that alone . The good news is that the Framework Laptop 16 is quite immobile .
Game performance is really upstanding . For starter , 3DMark Time Spy put up some impressive number , compare strongly against laptop computer with the RTX 4060 . It really impress me inCyberpunk 2077,though , delivering 100 W of GPU power and 8 GB of VRAM . If you send packing the resolution to 1200p , you may average out 73 fps ( frame per irregular ) at Ultra options without FSR 2.1 . If you even want to play with electron beam draw on , you could average out 80 fps Ultra RT with FSR 2.1 turn on .
I also testedRed Dead Redemption II , where the bench mark averaged 69 fps at 1200p Ultra or 56 fps at aboriginal 1600p Ultra . The Framework Laptop 16 lands right in the midriff of other RTX 4060 laptops we ’ve tested . TheAsus ROG Strix G17is around 9 % quicker than the Framework Laptop 16 , while smaller RTX 4060 laptops like theAlienware x14are about 9 % slower .
Internal modularity
It ’s not just the GPU that can be upgrade , of form . Like the Framework Laptop 13 , every major component of the 16 - inch mannequin can be access and removed . Nothing is soldered down , and everything can be easily removed follow Framework ’s first-class step - by - step guides . There ’s nothing new here , so it ’d be easy enough to skip over . The only difference is that you have to polish off a midplate under the keyboard to get to the internals .
But Framework ’s approach still feel like a lawful gap to how the rest period of the industry is heading . Whilegaming laptopstend to be better about allowing upgrades to memory and computer memory , laptops like theLenovo Legion Slim 5 14don’t have approachable read/write memory .
With the Framework Laptop 16 , all that is out of the way and even easier than on other laptop computer . It could n’t be simpler , even for a father , to access and swap out these parts , such as the two M.2 storage time slot . you may even get at more modest component like the Wi - Fi card , verbalizer , and fan . And , of course of action , you’re able to go for the whole shebang and put back the entire Mainboard , which includes the CPU .
For a powerful laptop computer , the ability to replace the barrage , in particular , feels important . We ’ve all heard horror storey about melting battery in bet on laptops — or even just quick evaporated power to hold a rush . These kinds of laptops are already horrific at electric battery life sentence , and give the strain they put on their barrage fire , the ability to replace them is significant .
I should also remark that my model was the prebuilt shape , which includes all the constituent . It ’s more expensive , though , start at $ 1,699 , while mine was configured at $ 2,099 . you may save a few hundred sawhorse by opting for the DIY Edition , which requires you to establish it yourself and bring your own operating organization , which Linux users will love .
Display
The Framework Laptop 16 has a 2560 x 1600 resolution IPS exhibit with a refresh rate of 165Hz . From the specification alone , that ’s solid . give that there is just a individual display pick , that ’s not a bad selection . It ’s sharp enough for non - gaming and fast enough for gaming . And give the price as the display that come standard , it ’s not a bad value either .
That being enounce , for a machine promote customization and choice , only offering a exclusive display alternative feels like a restriction . After all , most gambling laptop computer extend choice between high resolution or gamey refresh rate – or , heck , even HDR - open silver screen with OLED or mini - LED like theROG Zephyrus G16or Razer Blade 16 . That ’s why this laptop is n’t specifically a gaming laptop computer , I speculate , and not meant for the kind of top - notch gambling some gambling - specific gadget shoot for .
I ’m glad to cover that the panel looks quite good otherwise . The dividing line and vividness accuracy ca n’t compare to OLED board , of course , nor can it compete with the luminousness of mini - LED . But top off at 484 nit is plenty bright for almost every situation imaginable , include put to work near a windowpane or even outdoors . Color coverage is solid , too , hitting 100 % of sRGB , 97 % of P3 , and 86 % of the AdobeRGB color quad .
Cameras and audio
The Framework Laptop 16 has a 1080p 60 fps webcam located above the sieve in the top bezel , and the timber is unanimous . It ’s certainly upright enough for the occasional Zoom or Teams call . It has a physical camera shutter to cover the tv camera if you trust .
The laptop computer does n’t include a Windows Hello IR camera but supplements the security hole with a fingermark proofreader built into the power button . It was both fast and accurate while logging into Windows in my examination .
The talker are n’t great , though . They ’re only stereo and do n’t offer a full phone for look out movies , listen to music , or playing games . Compared to other play laptops , that ’s standard transportation . equate to more Divine - focused ones , though , it ’s a bite lacking .
Battery
The Framework Laptop 16 utilise an 85 - W - hour battery , juiced up by the include 180 - W power arranger . It ’s a surprisingly small and light transcriber for a laptop of this kind — which is authoritative for a laptop that ’s already this heavy .
With the Graphics Module installed , the Framework Laptop 16 can last up to eight hr and 46 proceedings on a fairly low-cal loading , wheel through heavy websites in a macro instruction in Google Chrome . That ’s pretty impressive for a orotund laptop computer , peculiarly since you’re able to pull out the Graphics Module and benefit even more . It ’ll never be an all - twenty-four hours work laptop computer , but you ’ll certainly be able-bodied to last a few hours aside from an mercantile establishment without too much concern .
Was this a good idea?
I do n’t do it if Framework ’s approach will ever grab on fully . But the more products the company do , the more I hope it does .
The Framework Laptop 16 is a far bolder statement than the 13 - in model even was . And the question I keep coming back to is whether it was a beneficial thought in the oddment . When it fall to the Graphics Module — absolutely . There ’s no question about it , so long as the Framework Marketplace continues to offer GPU update down the line and they do n’t get too expensive . Upgrading your GPU every few years make even more sense than raise the entire Mainboard of the Framework Laptop 13 , especially since the price of those was as much as a novel laptop in some cases .
Now that we ’ve seen a second laptop in the air and a few years of financial support through the Framework Marketplace , I palpate more comfortable recommending these laptops than before — even if the most authoritative welfare of the Framework Laptop 16 wo n’t be felt until years from now .
I call into question some of the choice around using spacers on the palm tree rest or the quality of the keyboard and touchpad . The great thing is that some of these componentscouldget replace with something honest in the future . That ’s the beauty of complete modularity . Noteveryexperiment has to go exactly right the first time .
