Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
| Manufacturer | Framework |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 2023 |
| Introductory price | USD 1399 to 2400 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home (Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro or Linux) |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS |
| Memory | 16 (2x8) or 32 (2x16) GB DDR5-5600 (supports up to 64 GB) |
| Memory slots | 2 user accessible |
| Storage | 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB M.2 NVMe SSD (supports up to 10 TB) |
| Storage slots | 2 user accessible |
| Removable storage | MicroSD expansion card reader |
| Display | Screen size: 16 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Anti-glare Resolution: 2560 x 1600 Refresh rate: 165 Hz Brightness: 500 Nits Contrast ratio: 1500:1 DCI-P3: 100 % Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSync |
| Graphics | Radeon 780M Graphics Radeon RX 7700S 8 GB GDDR6 |
| Sound | Stereo Bi-amp speakers with 1W high frequency driver and 2W wide band driver |
| Camera | 1080p 60fps with hardware privacy switch |
| Touchpad | 122.6mm x 76.6mm Windows Precision Touchpad |
| Connectivity | AMD RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.2 6x user-selectable Expansion Cards: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DP, Ethernet, 250GB, 1TB, MicroSD, Audio |
| Dimensions | W: 14 inches (36 cm) D: 11.4 inches (29 cm) H: 0.82 inches (2.1 cm) |
| Mass | 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg) |
| Power brick | 180W GaN USB-C power adapter |
| Battery | 85 Wh Li-Polymer |
| Keyboard | Per-key RGB backlit |
| Chassis | Color: Silver Materials: CNC aluminum top cover; Magnesium alloy thixomolded bottom cover Cooling: Dual 75 mm fans, three heat pipes |
| Number pad | Optional |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Website | Framework |
All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is a highly customizable and upgradeable laptop designed to combat obsolescence. It features AMD Ryzen 7040 series processors and offers a range of configurations for memory, storage, and graphics. The laptop is designed for easy repair and personalization, making it a unique offering in the market.[1]
Primary Hardware
Processor
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) can be configured with the following processors[1]:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz, 24 MB cache.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS with 8 cores and 16 threads, up to 5.2 GHz, 24 MB cache.
The Ryzen 7 7840HS delivers strong performance across productivity benchmarks, efficiently handling demanding tasks. It achieves high scores in PCMark 10, Cinebench R23, and Geekbench 5.4 Pro, showcasing its capabilities in various applications.[2] However, it falls behind similarly priced competitors with more powerful processors in some benchmarks.[3]
The Ryzen 9 7940HS offers strong performance, competing well with Intel's 13th gen processors. It operates with a base clock of 4.0 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.2 GHz, with a PL2 power limit of 79 W for short bursts and a sustained PL1 power limit of 54 W.[4]
Benchmarks:
- PCMark 10 (7840HS): Leading score of 8,049 indicates strong overall system performance.[2]
- Cinebench R23 Multi Core (7940HS): 16867 Points[4]
- Geekbench 6 (7840HS): Single-core score of 2,547, Multi-core score of 11,983.[3]
Graphics
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) offers the following graphics options[1]:
- Integrated Radeon 780M Graphics
- Discrete Radeon RX 7700S with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 100W TGP.
The addition of the RX 7700S module more than doubles the performance of the Integrated Radeon 780M Graphics. The RX 7700S is capable of handling heavy-duty graphics applications and modern games at high settings, even with ray tracing enabled,[4] though it trails behind the mobile GeForce RTX 4060 in some scenarios.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Fire Strike Score: 21865 Points[4]
- 3DMark Time Spy Score: 10294 Points[4]
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 86 fps at 1080p, 49 fps at 2560 x 1600.[3]
Memory
The Framework Laptop 16 officially supports up to 64 GB of DDR5-5600 memory, with Limited Validation for 96GB[5], with pre-configured options of 16 GB (2x8) or 32 GB (2x16).[1]
Benchmarks:
Storage
The Framework Laptop 16's primary storage can be configured with None, 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. Secondary storage can be configured with None, 500 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD, providing up to 10 TB of storage. The storage provides fast boot and load times, contributing to overall system responsiveness.[1]
The 512 GB SSD offers serviceable performance for most tasks, transferring 25GB of files at 1,689.24 MBps.[3] The 1 TB WDC PC SN810 NVMe SSD maintains high transfer rates without throttling.[4]
Benchmarks:
Co-processors
The Framework Laptop 16 does not include any dedicated co-processors.[1]
Input Devices
Keyboard
The Framework Laptop 16 features a customizable, keyboard module with 1.5 mm key travel, with one version providing RGB backlighting. The keyboard can be rearranged or replaced easily, allowing for personalization with options like RGB macro pads and spacers.[1]
The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with customizable backlight brightness levels. However, some users may find the keys a bit mushy, which could detract from the typing experience.[3]
Touchpad
The touchpad is a 122.6mm x 76.6mm Windows Precision Touchpad with a matte glass surface. It is customizable and can be positioned in multiple spots, allowing for flexibility in user setup.[1]
The touchpad is functional but could benefit from marked zones for left- and right-clicking. It worked as expected, including multi-finger Windows gestures, though there were occasional issues with responsiveness.[2][3]
Webcam
The Framework Laptop 16 is equipped with a 1080p 60fps webcam with a hardware privacy switch.[1]
The webcam captures fine details but has flat color and some noise in lower light conditions. It is suitable for video calls but not ideal for high-quality video recording.[2] A second generation webcam module has been released, offering a 87 degree field of view, and better low light performance.[6]
Microphone
The laptop includes 2x MEMs microphones with hardware privacy switches.[1]The second generation webcam module offers 2x 67 dB SNR microphones.[6]
The microphone quality is decent for regular calls, capturing unexceptional but clear audio.[3]
Output Devices
Display
The Framework Laptop 16 features a 16-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 (16:10), a 165 Hz refresh rate, and VRR & FreeSync support. It offers a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1500:1 contrast ratio, and 500 nits brightness.[1]
The display provides impressive color quality and brightness, with excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for multimedia tasks. It features a variable refresh rate with FreeSync support, enhancing gaming performance.[2][4]
Benchmarks:
Audio
The Framework Laptop 16 is equipped with stereo Bi-amp speakers with a 1W high frequency driver and a 2W wide band driver, powered by an ALC1318 smart amp.[1]
The speakers provide balanced sound but could be louder. They are suitable for casual listening but may not satisfy audiophiles.[4]
Connectivity
WiFi
The laptop is equipped with an AMD RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E module and Bluetooth 5.2, providing strong and stable wireless connections suitable for online gaming and streaming.[1][2]
USB
The Framework Laptop 16 features six user-selectable Expansion Cards, allowing for extensive customization of ports. Options include USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DP, Ethernet, 250GB Expansion, 1TB Expansion, SD, MicroSD, and Audio.[1]
The flexible port selection allows users to configure the laptop according to their needs, though some limitations on power handling exist.[2]
Display Outputs
The laptop supports HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4, allowing for external display connections. It can support up to four monitors and TVs at up to 4K 60Hz using four Expansion Cards.[1]
Case
This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.
The Framework Laptop 16 features a CNC aluminum top cover and a magnesium alloy thixomolded bottom cover. The design allows for easy repair and customization, with 155° hinges and a 6.1kg force profile.[1]
The chassis is sturdy yet lightweight, measuring 0.82 by 14 by 11.4 inches and weighing 5.3 pounds with the GPU module. The design allows for extensive personalization, but noticeable seams where the modules and spacers are separated may detract from the overall aesthetic.[3]
Maintenance
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The Framework Laptop 16 is designed for easy repair and customization, with replacement parts available in the Framework Marketplace. The laptop is fully accessible, with clear instructions provided for assembly and disassembly.[1]
Upgradeable components:
- Memory
- Storage
- GPU
- Battery
- Motherboard
Cooling System
The cooling system includes dual 75 mm fans and three heat pipes, developed in collaboration with Cooler Master. It features a Coollaboratory liquid metal thermal interface, keeping CPU performance stable and quiet.[1]
Heat
The laptop can reach high temperatures under load but remains manageable. The cooling system effectively dissipates heat during intensive tasks.[4]
Benchmarks:
Noise
The laptop is quiet under light loads but can become loud under heavy loads, reaching up to 53.7 dB(A) during gaming.[4]
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The Framework Laptop 16 ships with a 180W GaN USB-C power adapter. The laptop consumes more power under load compared to competitors, with a maximum draw of 176 W during gaming.[1][4]
Battery Life
The laptop is equipped with an 85 Wh Li-Polymer battery. It lasts over 9 hours during web browsing, making it suitable for all-day use.[4]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Websurfing: 9h 08min[4]
Biometrics
The Framework Laptop 16 includes a fingerprint reader compatible with Windows Hello and Linux's libfprint.[1]
Software
The Framework Laptop 16 ships with Windows 11 Home or no OS, with community support for DIY installation of Linux distributions like Fedora or Ubuntu. The laptop is designed with Linux compatibility in mind, allowing users to install their preferred distributions.[1]
Preinstalled Software
The laptop includes links in the Start menu to Framework support and a dedicated Framework Laptop 16 webpage, which has guides to setup your system, downloads for new drivers and firmware updates, and instruction manuals on input modules, expansion cards, customization, and more.[3]
Accessories & Warranty
The Framework Laptop 16 comes with a paper Manual and screwdriver. Framework provides a one-year limited manufacturer warranty.[1]
Reviews Summary
Overall Sentiment
The Framework Laptop 16 is praised for its high level of customization and upgradeability, making it a standout option for users who value repairability and personalization. It offers strong performance for productivity and gaming, though it may not match the raw power of competitors in its price range. The laptop's modular design allows for extensive personalization, but it also introduces complexity that may not be suitable for all users.[2][3][4]
Problems Summary
- The modular design introduces complexity that may not be suitable for all users.[3]
- The keyboard may feel mushy to some users.[3]
- The touchpad could benefit from better marked zones for left- and right-clicking.[2]
- The speakers could be louder and provide better balance.[4]
- The webcam quality is lower compared to competitors.[4]
Links
Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon RX 7700S, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: PCMag
Ryzen 7 7840HS, Radeon RX 7700S, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: Tom's Hardware
Ryzen 9 7940HS, Radeon RX 7700S, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 "Framework Laptop 16 Specifications". Framework.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Framework Laptop 16 Review". PCMag.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 "Framework Laptop 16 Review". Tom's Hardware.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 "Framework Laptop 16 Review". NotebookCheck.
- ↑ https://knowledgebase.frame.work/en_us/what-dram-memory-is-supported-by-framework-laptop-16-ryS2Xr3ch
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 https://frame.work/blog/framework-laptop-13-deep-dive---a-laptop-webcam-with-smartphone-technology