Framework Laptop 16 Gets Major Refresh with NVIDIA RTX 5070 and AMD Ryzen AI Chips
A significant refresh of the modular Framework Laptop 16 is now available for pre-order, directly addressing the primary criticisms of its predecessor. The new model is a powerhouse, built around high-grade specifications that include the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU and AMD’s new Ryzen AI 300 Series processors.
The previous iteration was praised for its innovative modular design but was noted to have internals that were underpowered for serious gaming. This update appears to have solved that problem completely. In a major win for its modular ecosystem, Framework has made the new NVIDIA-powered graphics module fully backwards compatible. This means current owners of the 2024 Laptop 16 model can purchase and install the new GPU module on its own, avoiding the need to buy an entirely new computer. The company promises this upgrade delivers a substantial thirty to forty percent increase in gaming framerates compared to the previous Radeon RX module.
Beyond the raw power upgrade, Framework has also focused on improving the user experience. The thermal system has been updated with a redesign of the fan blades aimed at reducing noise, which was another common complaint in earlier reviews.
For the processor, consumers can choose between two AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series variants. The options include an 8-core Ryzen 7 and a 12-core Ryzen 9, both operating at a sustained 45W TDP. The mainboard itself has been updated to support four simultaneous display outputs. Both the memory and storage remain fully upgradeable, with users able to configure the laptop with up to 96GB of RAM and a massive 10TB of storage.
The new model will also ship with a completely redesigned power adapter, which Framework states will be its default adapter going forward. This is notably one of the first laptops to feature a 240W USB-C adapter, providing enough power to run the system at a sustained full load without significant battery drain.
Additional refinements round out the package, including a new webcam, a remade CNC aluminum top cover, and several new keyboard design options. Pre-orders for the updated Framework Laptop 16 are open immediately. Pricing starts at 1500 dollars, with the first shipments expected to begin in November. As part of this launch, the company has also reduced the price of the previous Laptop 16 model down to 1300 dollars.
