People complain about the price but this product is not aimed at the general public. The average laptop buyer is not used to upgrading anything, they just buy the new thing. As it stands, it's a very cool concept for the enthusiast market. Congrats to framework for releasing such an "outside the conventions" product, let's see if in a few years it has been successful.

9:01 it's over 9000!

Framework sent out an email yesterday saying they made a fix for the mid-plate flex. Some people have their laptop already and Framework will offer the parts for those who want it. Awesome video, your answered some questions I have about the laptop and it was a thorough review. Thanks!

@JarrodsTech as a software developer I really really appreciate you having a dedicated section on Linux support. Little things like this make you the best laptop reviewer IMO

God knows how long I've waited for innovation like this. It's still pretty expensive, but I will begin to save for this. At least now I won't be stuck with a specific gpu/cpu pairing for years.

20:53 Props for the Linux support section, even if its simple, we are really proud of the official support from the Framework folks!

I believe the Framework 16 does support 240w charging, if you can find a charger that can do it. IIRC from the blog post Framework decided not to do that because inefficiency losses from converting 40v (What USB uses for 240w) to 12v (What laptop motherboards run on) were great enough that they'd need a (relatively) massive charger just to get rid of the extra heat. 22:30 Oh hey you mentioned it.

A large benefit of this laptop is the ability to upgrade RAM and storage at market prices. That brings the price more in line with equivalent laptops, especially now that a lot of them come with soldered LPDDR5 that makes it impossible to buy cheap and upgrade at home. Not to mention the macbooks that now cannot even have the SSD upgraded. I am seriously considering getting this laptop after university with the intention of adding 64gb of ram.

>69 upgrade score. My life is complete

this should be the new normal for how laptops are designed , having powerful hardware that can me moved around at the users will.

This was a great review! Though, I do have to point out, I wish people realize that the best point about this laptop is the repairability, reusability and only then the upgradeability. The thing is, if you have some defect, if you spill something on it, if you drop it, a car goes over one of its corners, a million possibilities, well, in those cases, Framework is by far the best in: a) actually be able to repair it at all b) have the cheapest / most minimal repair done to it In relation to point a), most people have no idea how hostile towards repairing most other brands are. And how you might find youself forced to buy a new laptop or to replace big portions of it, even if only something very small needs to be replaced. Also that sometimes even if theoretically the repair can be done, realistically it cannot, because the OEM doesn't want to and because 3rd party repair shops (or you yourself if you want to) cannot find that component to buy it. And in other cases even if you have the component, the system might not accept it, unless you "calibrate it" aka use a special tool, that only the OEM has and doesn't share it, and if it doesn't want to do the repair, then you're, again, out of luck. So, yes, it is more expensive than a similarly spec laptop, and usually has other downsides too (like more flex, or worse speakers and touchpad etcetc). However, it is basically the only one that you know you can use for the 10 years. INCLUDING if Framework goes bust next year. Because almost everything is open sourced, the community, and you, can buy other parts, you can use other Framework as parts donor, and ultimately, you can even build those parts yourself (or with some help). This, again, in the absolute worst case where Framework disappears soon. If it doesn't, then getting spare parts is trivial. So, at least for me, the whole idea of the Framework laptop is that you have control over it, you can be sure that you buy it, you own it, and you can use it, even if unfortunate accidents happen. Also, if you upgrade it, there are already options to reuse the other components. Like, if you upgrade the Mobo + CPU (you have to upgrade both) then the old one you can put it in a small case and use it as a home/media server, like, say, for your TV. Or you can sell it to another one which needs to replace its mobo + CPU because the one it had got corroded by the Cola it spilled on it. Lastly, on the upgrade part, two more points: if you find something you like you can keep using it, while upgrading the rest. For example, a keyboard / touchpad / numpad / macropad that you REALLY like, you get it once, and can continue using it for 10 years, even if you upgrade the CPU and/or GPU 5 times in the mean time. That is, getting a better CPU now doesn't have to come to checking how that laptop's keyboard is. That is awesome, to me. Second point, if you have low budget, just getting the Framework itself is expensive, but the upgrades, if you do it to older hardware, can be cheap. Say, if you have a Framework 13 with the original 11th gen Intel CPU, if you upgrade NOW to a 12th gen Intel CPU, because it's not the latest one, you can get it 2nd hand much cheaper. So, in theory, you can spend now, say, $2500, and another, say $400-500 (ok, maybe $1000 with GPU) in 6 years for a not-latest-gen upgrade, and use this laptop for 10 years, without it getting horribly out of date. (and before you jump and say that it's unrealistic or stupid, I'm still using a laptop from 2016 with i7 6700 and GTX 1060. I got lucky to hit the best GPU, but ignoring that, the system is still usable and it doesn't feel that slow for most tasks (notably except gaming). Going forward, the upgrades will be even slower, so if you get a high end CPU now, like 7940HS or 14900HX, it will likely still be very good in 2034, it should age better than 4-core 6700HQ) Now really lastly, if you DO care about sustainability and pollution and all that, then you'd realize from what I wrote above, that this laptop, is, by far, the one which will have the lowest waste, if you think long term.

I love this kind of upgradeability and repairability. Should be industry standard.

A little dismayed that the laptop isnt available everywhere yet. Been waiting for years.

This is the greatest hope of the entire industry

Appreciate the fan noise test, couldnt easily find another review with fan noise, not even Linus even mentions fan noise in review

I believe that thinking of the Framework 16 as "a gaming laptop that could be upgraded" gives off the wrong impression. As mentioned in the video, its price-to-performance is not great compared to other more integrated options. It might make more sense to think of it as "a repairable, customizable, modular laptop that just so happens to be able to game too"

The desirable config is about 2500USD. At those price range, 1) I'd need some power-limit controls 2) Promise that better GPU module with 16GB Vram will be available by like next 2-3 years (upgradable GPU is what is worth the price for a gaming laptop IMO) 3) some sort of promise for mainboard upgrade in future-- when mobile zen 5 & RX9000 series becomes available 4) perhaps a separate power connector/adapter just to power the GPU module(if GPU module requires more power) Given that there are barely any All-AMD laptops available, this basically is the choice. Thing you hope for AMD parts is slightly lower prices compared to intel or nVidia, that argument gets lost here.

Thanks for actually recording the fan noise with a mic. I was wondering if it was one of those fans that made a high pitched whine but fortunately it sounds like that's not the case here.

Yo, Jarrod’s Tech just helped me choose my gaming laptop. Hats off, Jarrod.😊

Very good and thorough review as always! Good job

I'm amazed that the Macbook got half a point. What was that for? Like a pitty point or something? There is literally nothing you can upgrade on those things. Hell, you can't even replace the lid angle sensor without getting some BS artificial error from Apple.

This is sooo good!

Excellent review, thx a lot!

An honest thank you for the help on finding a new laptop. Went with the asus tuf. But MAINLY, glad to see someone that enjoys most of the bands I learned guitar through. Thanks mate! Aman Amarth is top tier!

Jarrod vid. Automatic like and share. So regards the laptop. the GPU temps are stellar i hope that when a newer gpu comes they improve the cooling even more for a heavier gpu. cpu at 80 degrees at just 30w kinda worries me but just a little. and idk if there will be a Speaker module, that would be amazing my favourite laptop model is the 2021-23 zephyrus. had everything i wanted but. having the repairablility really appeals me, i've seen ppl rockin laptops from like 10 years ago, and still runing like a champ. framework have a real potential.

The issue is without a doubt the price. I love the ability of this. But price is still a hard sell. This is something mostly budget people need yet only premium prices can be afforded lol.

This had to have unbelievable amount of planning. For the panels to work the way they do.

Hey Jarrod, Does the display flash black when plugging/unplugging the charger and the display has to switch the refresh rate?

The problem with the "future proof" stuff is usually it didn't last because not enough volume. Remember MXM upgradable laptops, it didn't last 2 Nvidia GPU gen then being cancelled with soldered parts later. I have an older 2013 MSI GT 60 laptop and you could replace your dead GPU, CPU, battery... witch is good enough for me. But if the upgradibility is only for the few years, better change every 10 years for the top. It's still good for environment and less costly. Still it's interesting and it should be the future of all laptop industry !

There is a battery charge threshold in the BIOS! Amazing! Above and beyond! I've totally forgotten about Thinkpads. Plus I can even game on it.

Now this is what I cal upgradability! The Framework laptop is amazing, we need to see this in more laptops!

I had to replace my laptop keyboard recently and the process looked like pain (I brought it to a repair shop, couldn't do it myself as it require soldering and open everything else, remove the screen,...). This look like a great solution once I have money to upgrade

Great review. Well, I ordered a FW16 at the end of Sept, and am in batch 12. Hope it comes soon. I have 2 slightly different HP x360s circa 2917 or so, and the keyboards on BOTH are bad. I am actually using a Logitech K400 on top the HP keyboard right now. If I had a FW, it would be like TWO MINUTES or less to replace it. I have had both of these HPs apart to replace batteries and upgrade RAM on one. The RAM is maxed out and isn't enough for me. FW answers all that and more. Yeah, it costs a little more. The irritation of the bad parts is a bigger irritation than the price. Waiting patiently.

Here's to hoping they release something like a 7800m module. That'd be my "welp time to buy" sign for me. Having that visible upgrade goal to the to top end specs should be something available imo

Still lighter than my g18! and i can finally put the trackpad in the damn center while still having a numpad. I'm liking this.

How does the palmrest area feel with all those pieces? Since it's not like the usual single continuous piece but a few spacers together with the touchpad piece, the seams might feel weird if the alignment isn't perfect, plus I also worry about dust getting into those areas

9:09. Nice.

Jarrod can u plz include powercfg /a command output in every laptop to see if bios supports S3 sleep out of box because I'm fed of gaming laptops dying on me and before buying next one i need the solution. Day 1 of asking

8:02 didn’t framework themselves make an ssd expansion bay as a basis for the gpu?

Hey Jarrod I'm making a custom Loq laptop with that i5 12450HX process which is also present on that Arc laptop which you reviewed so I'm pairing it up with a RTX 4050. My main use case is editing videos and uploading podcasts on KZfaq so will this processor be enough for this use case or should I go for a more powerful one?

There's a lot of cool ideas in this laptop, great product. One thing I wish they would have done a bit better is hiding the gaps that show the pieces are modular, it would be nice if it would integrate more seamlessly that way it still looked normal instead of like Lego blocks. But that's a me problem, and I still really like all the ideas they put into the different sections that are able to be swapped out.

What does the scouter say about the upgrade score ? It's over 9000.

I'd love a ~100W RTX 4070 version of the GPU expansion module, seeing as my workload relies on CUDA/OptiX, personally. Then it'd be a must buy for me. They're SO CLOSE to being a dream laptop. Add a second M.2 2280 slot, bump the RAM max up to 128GB, use a 2560x1600 OLED, and that'd be a dream laptop

If the Framework 16 is successful, I can’t wait to see what they do to build a Framework 18.

Such a well-thought out product that I'd honestly have no problem supporting. Not a huge gamer myself so I don't need a laptop to play Red Dead 2 or Cyberpunk on 4K, though rendering and 3D modeling/music production are another thing. But I do love the ability to CHOOSE how to build it how I want it, easily replace nearly every single part, customize parts and if I'm feeling froggy, use the available open source tools to design and develop my own custom add-ons for it. There's isn't another company making laptops that's even in the realm of what they are attempting to do. Screen upgrades would be interesting. But for what's there, that premium price is well worth it. If/when I ever need to buy a new laptop, I will highly be considering this one.

Reminder - you can get similar levels of upgradability with a cheap used ThinkPad, like the T480. Same two RAM slots (up to 64GB RAM), two SSD slots, a Thunderbolt 3 port, hot-swappable batteries (24Wh internal and 24-72Wh external, which can be swapped with another charged battery without needing to shut the laptop off), similar screen upgradability, easily swappable keyboards, good I/O (no USB 2 ports). Costs just $200-250 used or refurbished.

I really hope they succeed, cuz once laptops like the Framework 16 come down to about $1000-1500 CAD, I really want one.

I love the idea but I would like to wait a few generations to see what the actual support will be on providing upgrades to their designs.

As always enjoy seeing metal represented with the In Flames shirt. Can't help but wonder if the shirt is because the new album dropped yesterday. lol

hoping they fix the price and maybe the weight issues in later gens, can def see this either being a game changer in the laptop game or a niche with a short lifespan in a couple years' time. also hoping they add more color scheme options on top of the ones that they alr have or give you a way to plastidip the external chassis parts to truly customize the laptop LOL

what browser do you use for the youtube test ? Is it edge with all the power saving features on ?

Module support is the future of repair and technical upgrade.

I would love to see eGPU performance compared to the 13" Intel or equivalent with TB4. Great review as always!

I like it and kind of want to support this company, my only worry is will they be around to continue upgrading and how available are replacement parts.

I love the idea of this. People complain about the price but tbh it’s not that much if it’s the only laptop I will need.

Very nice, if they will contineu to make upgrades. And if other manufacturers will use the same standard

It's upgradibility is over 9000!!!

It would be really nice a video comparing laptop cpus, many times you have to choose and just doesn't find the tests

Hi Jarrod , please could you do a review on the Rog strix 4060 laptop and benchmark it on heaven, there is no info as to what performance it should have on the bench mark and I recently had some very mixed results

This shouldn’t be an oddity. Not for everyone, but there’s a lot of functionality that I honestly don’t need the bleeding edge on. Allows focused usage.

I would definitely do the jump on this brand the day they change their screen to mini led or oled ! such a beautiful piece

Hello Jarrod, i want to give you some suggestions. I love your videos, you are the most complete laptop reviewer for me, but i thinks it will be cool if you compare the temperatures and the noise volume on a table like you did on wifi, battery, fps games or benchmark. Because it's cool when we can compare beetween all the laptops in one single video and temperatures are also a big deal on laptops because they are usually so hot! Also can you compare the asus rog strix g18? i saw a big deal on it i wanted to see if is a good laptop. Thank you

Been waiting for your review on this enthusiast laptop from Framework. Honestly, I love it and it's quite janky. The only downside is it's price which for a moderate company like them is justifiable. I hope this becomes a success.

This is probably going to be my next laptop. I don't like the 14 inch one because of its display's aspect ratio. The current lenovo ideapad 5 that I have is enough for anything I need for school, so I don't really need it at the moment. Really cool stuff though! I hope they release next gen GPUs for it as well, would be awesome.

Waow! :-D that is so cool! Do they sell in the EU?

They do need to work on the fit and finish, and that trackpad is a bit small for the size of the laptop. That said, it's great that you can easily swap parts, and don't have to hunt down things like specific models with, say, the keyboard layout you want. Still, I'm hoping they eventually come out with a model with Wacom EMR.

Hey Jarrod, big fan of ur work(love it, keep it up dude!), can u review Minisforum V3 when it comes out…. I feel a 1600p 165hz 14” tablet with x86 28W AMD laptop with port that can connect to external graphics can be truly an amazing portable powerhouse and a true Surface competitor

I would love if they start shipping these to New Zealand, I would rather have this than anything else.

I’ve said it elsewhere but this feels very much like a “version 1.0” product for early adopters. Hopefully with time, they will refine the design some more and be able to offer it at a lower price point.

price is double of a normal laptop

Yes. I was thinking about upgrading my Mobility Radeon HD 3650 with a Quadro FX 770M.

this laptop is insanely cool on another level 👀

Regarding the upgradeability score: it's so upgradeable that you can have your own customised Theseus' laptop.

I have High Hope on this brand

i hope they pair up with the solid state cooling company for replaicable high powered cooling options.

I would add two things: undervolting and extra software (like Lenovo Legion Toolkit or Asus equivalent) for better performance.

there should be universal module parts for laptops. you can resurrect an older gaming laptop with an old high end cpu by installing a better gpu

On the framework(and any other laptop with wifi 6e) you can upgrade to wifi 7 because wifi 6 and 7 use the same slot, and that means you could upgrade the 2022 legion 7 to wifi 7, and this is great since Lenovo hasn't made a laptop like the 2022 L7 again. It's either too expensive (legion 9, but includes everything the 2022 L7 has) or it doesn't have things like an ethernet port or a 4080/90 option(2024 L7) or it's missing features(Pro7). Let's hope Lenovo can revive the 2022 L7's quality and lower price.

In the wise words of the Prophet Lizzo, IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME! I can't wait for this product to mature, I'm so close to getting one myself for work. I wish that the GPU addon fit the 13-14in model because 17 is too big a laptop for me :( I also really REALLY want a touch screen... with a two-in-one option pretty please ;A;

This is surely the way to go, the future. Other manufactures should adopt this.

It’d be nice if you could move the keyboard to the front and ditch the touchpad entirely so nothing is covering the cooling vents.

I still think 6 years without upgrading or buying a new laptop is possible for some. But a gaming laptop like this would be more comfortable to use for longer unlike any other!

Is the body swappable too? Unsure why Framework, Lenovo and others make that blade edge at front that is not great for wrist ergonomics? Oldendays thinkpads had a nice waterfall edge in front. Seems upside down in modern designs -- where style is deemed more important than comfort / usability ?

I think it really pays off in the long term, considered that everything works fine all the time. If you really can keep the Laptop for at least 2-3 gpu/cpu generations, by just swapping those parts to newer ones without having troubles on the other parts it should come even cheaper.

I truly hope that the trail that theyre blazing catches on and proves to manufacturers that we want more modular laptops that don't have everything soldered to the board. Sure it's more expensive, but the doctor that you can swap everything means this laptop is a genuine investment in a way literally no other laptop is.

Mother of Customization!

I don't get how people are complaining abt the price. Isn't it around 2k including many of the modules, that's waay cheaper than what Apple is ever gonna offer. Their pros with 32gb ram stands around 3k while this only costs 2 or 2.5k ig

For the price, lack of two M.2 2280, no MXM slot which is a HUGE downer considering how many MXM cards there out there and still being made and released. No modular CPU even though thats possible using similar replaceable board design as they did with the GPU. Screens can easily be replaced on any laptop the real pain is finding the right screen and then sourcing it. For similar price however, HP Zbook offers MXM slots, more storage options, their 17 inch offers up to 3 x M.2 2280 slots, although CPU cannot be replaced, what a bummer. And frankly, vastly superior build quality, and you can put any HP MXM card in there, its verified, you can stick AMD RX 580 in there, or an RTX 3070, or maybe you fancy Radeon RX 6800M?

Super smart design for fixing 👌

The repair ability is what I like most sbout these laptops

It’s really cool, but what really sucks is that swappable GPUs, which is something that was incredibly common on workstation and GaMiNg laptops not too long ago has become so obscure that a single laptop manufacturer bringing that functionality back is something worth celebrating

I don't know if this is possible. However, I think it'd be cool if someone took a Frameworks 16" mainboard, and the 16" gpu expansion and made a super slim and compact console like case. Again, I lack the skills and knowledge to make this a reality. But it'd be pretty fun to have a semi custom PC in a slim console form factor.

First time that i order such expensive piece of tech ... that feels a bit wrong because i usually buy the best price to performances stuff, but that's a new thing and i really hope it will force other brands to do similar laptops.

tryna jump in the hype since i built a Dell XPS 15 9530 from scratch for 1000 flat. Board was 500. Rest was cheap parts as low as 20

Jarrod!, take an ear at "Rise to Fall", totally missed out their new album "The fifth dimension", from June 2023, probably the very best Melodeath band we have in Spain. Enjoy it!

Gracias por la pista de audio español 🙏

Jarrod, will you make a video about the Lenovo Legion 7i pro GEN 9? I really want to buy it, and I've got no one to suggest me anything!

A GPU upgrade? For a laptop? Every other laptop manufacturer disappoints.

I wonder if Framework will adopt the new snapdragon chips. I cant wait for those. I've been on mac because of good performance and battery life. Cant wait to get back to windows.

When I saw this on Hardware Canucks, I immediately came to your channel (hoping) for a more in-depth review of the laptop.