In a surprising twist for technology enthusiasts, Framework, a company predominantly recognised for its innovative modular and easily repairable laptops, has ventured into new territory with the launch of its inaugural desktop computer. This compact desktop PC is more than meets the eye, delivering a performance that belies its small stature.
At the heart of this intriguing device lies a groundbreaking innovation. The framework is among the pioneering companies to incorporate AMD’s newly unveiled Strix Halo architecture, also called the Ryzen AI Max processors. This cutting-edge processing unit is engineered to deliver impressive performance, promising a significant boost in computational power.
With this release, Framework has effectively crafted a desktop computer tailored for two distinct groups of users: those in search of an ultra-compact gaming rig and individuals keen on deploying large language models directly on their machines.
Visually, the Framework Desktop presents a playful aesthetic that might lead one to mistake it for a toy rather than a formidable computing machine. Its diminutive size—measuring just 4.5 litres—houses a mini-ITX motherboard, making it notably smaller than popular gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X.
One of the standout features of this desktop is its customisable front panel, which boasts 21 interchangeable plastic square tiles. When you purchase a Framework Desktop from the company’s online store, you can personalise your device by choosing from a variety of colours and patterns, allowing you to create a front panel that truly reflects your style.
Furthermore, the desktop comes equipped with the standard array of ports typically found on a mini-ITX motherboard. However, it also includes Framework’s signature expansion cards located at both the front and back of the unit—two at each end. Users can choose from an extensive selection of modules to enhance connectivity options, including USB-C and USB-A ports, a headphone jack, an SD card reader, or even additional storage expansion cards.
In essence, Framework has blended functionality with personalisation in a compact package, setting a new benchmark for what a desktop computer can be.
At the heart of the Framework Desktop lies a surprisingly straightforward assembly: a mainboard featuring AMD’s advanced accelerated processing unit, accompanied by a fan, a heat sink, a power supply, and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for storage needs. The Strix Halo APU from AMD is firmly soldered onto the mainboard, ensuring stability and performance. The framework presents users with two distinct configurations to choose from: the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 and the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. The higher-end model boasts an impressive 16 CPU cores, 40 graphics cores, and a substantial 80MB cache, while the entry-level version offers a respectable 8 CPU cores, 32 graphics cores, and 40MB of cache.
However, the absence of upgradeable RAM is likely to spark some debate among potential buyers. Framework has opted to provide soldered RAM options ranging from 32GB to a staggering 128 GB. Once you’ve made your choice, there won’t be an opportunity to enhance or expand your memory in the future.
As Framework CEO Nirav Patel shared in a blog post, “We had to diverge from traditional PC practices regarding memory. To achieve the remarkable 256GB/s memory bandwidth that Ryzen AI Max provides, we decided to solder the LPDDR5x directly.” He elaborated that extensive collaboration with AMD was undertaken to find a solution that would allow for modular memory while maintaining high throughput on a 256-bit memory bus, but ultimately, they found it unfeasible.
On the bright side, having up to 128GB of unified memory opens up a wealth of possibilities for working with large language models. For example, Llama 3.3 70B operates seamlessly when paired with tools like Ollama, llama.cpp, and other open-source applications designed for local AI tasks. Similarly, various open-weight models from Mistral, Nous, Hermes, or DeepSeek are expected to perform admirably.
In addition to its desktop offerings, Framework provides an option to purchase the mainboard separately, without any casing. This flexibility has led to some creative setups; one notable example is a mini-rack constructed by the company that houses four Framework Desktop mainboards operating concurrently for AI experimentation.
Pricing: The Framework Desktop’s base model starts at $1,099, while the premium configuration can reach as high as $1,999. True to its commitment to versatility, Framework assures customers that their systems will support not only Windows but also popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and the gaming-oriented Bazzite.
In this innovative landscape where technology meets user demand, Framework is carving out a niche that embraces both simplicity and performance, allowing users to explore the expansive realm of AI with confidence and creativity.
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