Overseas review information summary of ``Framework Laptop 16'' notebook PC with removable parts such as motherboard, graphics card, battery, I/O port, etc.
Framework Laptop 16, a high-spec model equipped with a graphic board developed by Framework, which develops notebook PCs with the feature of easily removing parts, has been released. Overseas media such as The Verge, which acquired this PC, are posting reviews one after another.
Framework Laptop 16 review: two weeks with the ultimate modular laptop - The Verge
Framework Laptop 16 Delivers Great Linux Support & Performance, Excellent Customizability Review - Phoronix
https://www.phoronix.com/review/framework-laptop-16
Framework Laptop 16 review: unadulterated ambition | Digital Trends
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/framework-laptop-16-review/
Framework Laptop 16 review: This is the laptop I'd buy for myself | Tom's Guide
https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/framework-laptop-16
Framework Laptop 16 is a notebook PC, but the feature is that various parts such as the CPU and battery can be easily replaced. The standard CPU can be selected from AMD's Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS, and the graphics include Radeon 780M. You can also add Radeon RX 7700S later. There are two memory sockets: M.2 2280 and M.2 2230. Compatible with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
I/O ports can be customized by yourself. With removable sockets on both sides, you can choose from USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DP, Ethernet, microSD, audio, and more. Other features include an 85Wh battery, a 1080p 60fps in-camera, a backlit keyboard, a display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels (16:10), a refresh rate of 165Hz, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits.
There are two types: a 'DIY' model that allows you to build the OS, memory, storage, etc. yourself, and a 'pre-build' model that comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and some parts. The price of the former is 1399 euros (about 225,000 yen), and the latter is 1699 euros (about 273,000 yen).
The Verge called the Framework Laptop 16 'the most ambitious laptop we've ever touched.' He said that what impressed him most was that it was user-repairable and had unprecedented customizability.
That said, there seem to be some issues, and over the past two weeks I've been using it, I've had to completely freeze and restart on average once a day. Perhaps due to its high customizability, there is a ``deflection'' between the main body and the input module, and the seams are also noticeable. The Verge points out that there are also difficulties in discharging heat, and the fan often operates loudly, sometimes causing the CPU to reach over 90 degrees. In addition, it is said that a patch to deal with the exhaust heat and some freezing issues will be distributed in the future.
The Verge points out that the Framework Laptop 16 is far from a complete product, but the CPU is powerful enough to make it worthy of a premium or mid-range gaming machine like the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 15. Granted, it's not OLED and doesn't support HDR, but the display is smooth, vibrant, and has surprisingly high contrast, making it a dream device for gadget geeks, despite its overall flaws. said.
It seems that the owner brought this notebook PC to CES 2024, and at that time, he took advantage of its high customizability and removed the RX 7700S when carrying it and left it at the hotel. Removal seems to be completed in about 2 minutes.
The benchmark scores measured by The Verge before and after installing the RX 7700S are as follows.
| benchmark | Framework Laptop 16 (Ryzen 7940HS, Radeon 780M) | After installing Radeon 7700S |
|---|---|---|
| 4K output time | 7 minutes 4 seconds | 4 minutes 11 seconds |
| Geekbench 6 GPU score | 32267 | 74185 |
| Assassin's Creed Valhalla (1080p highest) | 32fps | 95fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p ultra) | 30fps | 74fps |
| Deus Ex Human Revolution (1080p highest) | 27fps | 108fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p highest) | 21fps | 62fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p highest) | 33fps | 125fps |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1200p highest) | 31fps | 119fps |
Other disappointing points were that it only works for an average of 5.5 hours on a single charge, and that it got too hot just by downloading games, making it unusable on your lap. The good points are that the I/O port can be removed at any time, so there is no need to carry a separate USB hub, and the default keyboard is so good that you don't feel the need to customize it right away. Did.
Phoronix, a technology media, evaluated the Framework Laptop 16 as ``a little heavy, and if you customize it, it looks a mess,'' but points out that there are no other complaints. Framework has published a guide for easily setting up Linux on your own, and states that it actually worked well after setting up Linux, and was able to produce results comparable to other models in benchmarks such as web browsing. 'A dream machine for anyone looking for a mobile PC with huge customizability and upgrade options across the board,' Phoronix said.
Digitaltrends has a different evaluation of the keyboard than The Verge, acknowledging that the RGB backlight is beautiful, but pointing out that the keystroke is difficult to press and has low precision, even though the nominal value is 1.5mm. However, he commented that he was surprised that it could be replaced without using a single ribbon cable.
Tom's Guide says, ``The unprecedented level of customization available may look appealing, but it can be frustrating if you're not used to assembly,'' and ``It won't last as long as a MacBook, but it's a state-of-the-art ``I think it's as powerful as a gaming laptop in 2024.'' ``Nothing else comes close to it in terms of versatility and repairability. I would choose the Laptop 16.'
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in Hardware, Posted by log1p_kr