Jun 29, 2026 08:00:00

Reports indicate that the 10GbE module in the 'Framework Laptop,' a modular notebook PC with interchangeable parts, overheats.

Framework, an American laptop manufacturer, is developing modular laptops where all parts, such as the battery, screen, and keyboard, can be replaced, just like a custom-built PC. Gadget YouTuber Jeff Gearing has reviewed the

10GbE module developed for these Framework laptops.

Framework's 10G Ethernet module exposes USB-C's complexity - Jeff Geerling
https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2026/framework-10g-ethernet-module-usb-c-complexity/

Is 10 Gbps too hot for a laptop? - YouTube


The Framework laptop that Gearing is holding features interchangeable, modular ports.

It has a USB Type-C connector inside, and you can connect HDMI, USB Type-C/A, a microSD card reader, and a full-size Ethernet port.

In this review, Gearing will be reviewing

a 10GbE expansion card jointly developed by hardware manufacturer WisdPi and Framework. While 10Gbps speeds may not be necessary for a laptop used on the go, there are certainly uses, such as needing to download a 100GB video file from a NAS for video editing while away from the office.

The price has not been announced as of the time of writing, but it is likely to be under $100 (approximately 16,000 yen). One side has a USB Type-C port, and the other side has an Ethernet jack.

It features a 10Gbps-compatible Realtek RTL8159 chipset internally.

Just like with other modules, simply insert it until you hear a click, and installation is complete.

This is what a Framework notebook PC looks like with a 10GbE expansion card installed.

When tested with

Framework 13 , the communication speed did not reach 10Gbps, remaining at around 7.4Gbps. Gearing had predicted that the actual throughput would be around 9.4Gbps, so this figure is below his expectations.

Our investigation revealed that the modular ports in Framework 13 can only utilize '

USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) ,' which is causing a bottleneck and resulting in a bandwidth below 8Gbps.

Furthermore, the bottom of the 10GbE expansion card became quite hot, recording a temperature of 52°C when measured with an infrared camera.

Gearing then tested with Framework 12, which features an Intel mobile CPU that supports 'USB 3.2 Gen 2x2' (though it's a generation older), but still achieved speeds below 8Gbps on Linux. He downloaded the Realtek driver, but it couldn't be compiled, possibly because the Linux kernel of his distribution was too new.

So Gearing switched the OS of Framework 12 to Windows 11 and tested it again.

After installing the Realtek driver, I achieved a speed of 9.4Gbps, which I believe is close to the practical limit.

Instead, the temperature of the 10GbE expansion card also rose to nearly 70°C. According to WisdPi, this surface temperature still meets

the temperature safety standard of IEC 62368-1 , but prolonged exposure to this temperature could cause low-temperature burns.

Gearing stated, 'If you intend to use it for more than 10 seconds, I wouldn't recommend using it on your lap.'

Below is a performance graph of the WisdPi 10GbE expansion card created by Gearing. It states that a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 compatible port and the latest Realtek drivers are required for optimal performance.