Modular, repairable, upgradeable laptop specialist Framework has introduced a refresh to its Laptop computer 16 lineup, now obtainable with AMD Ryzen AI processors and the choice for a Blackwell-class NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB devoted graphics processor.
“We’ve spent the final two years working with the groups at AMD, NVIDIA, and Compal to not solely make a brand new NVIDIA-powered Graphics Module, but additionally make it absolutely backwards suitable with the unique Framework Laptop computer 16,” explains Framework’s Nirav Patel of the brand new {hardware}. “Which means any present proprietor can choose up the brand new module and get the newest era of graphics! It is a large leap in efficiency and functionality.”
Framework has introduced a brand new Laptop computer 16 design, now obtainable with AMD Ryzen AI chips. (📷: Framework)
Framework introduced the unique Laptop computer 16 again in March 2023, as a larger-scale various to its fashionable Laptop computer 13 — with, as you may anticipate, a 16″ display screen to the latter’s 13″. The distinction goes deeper than simply the display screen dimension, although: the Laptop computer 16 was the corporate’s first to incorporate a rear-facing “Growth Bay” that allowed for the addition of a devoted graphics card to spice up efficiency — although just one mannequin was obtainable at launch.
The corporate’s refresh adjustments that, providing a second possibility for each present Laptop computer 16 customers and newcomers: a Blackwell-architecture NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB, up from the AMD Radeon RX 7700S initially obtainable, delivering a claimed 798 tera-operations per second (TOPS) for sparse minimum-precision synthetic intelligence workloads. The Mainboard single-board laptop driving the Laptop computer 16 has been up to date, too, and now comes with the client’s alternative of AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, eight- and 12-core chips with a 45W thermal design profile (TDP) and built-in neural coprocessor for on-device machine studying and synthetic intelligence (ML and AI) workloads.
Different adjustments embody a brand new energy adapter delivering as much as 240W over a USB Energy Supply 3.1 connection, up from the 180W mannequin beforehand equipped, an improved webcam that matches the mannequin used on final 12 months’s Laptop computer 13 refresh, a extra inflexible chassis prime, and new paintings choices for the modular keyboards — together with the selection of a mannequin that encompasses a Microsoft Copilot-marked key, for many who need such a factor. A firmware replace will even be supplied to all Laptop computer 16 fashions which means unintentional key-presses whereas the lid is closed will not wake the laptop computer.
An non-compulsory NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB GPU is backwards-compatible with authentic Laptop computer 16 items, too. (📷: Framework)
The brand new specification Mainboards will probably be made obtainable alongside the sooner AMD Ryzen 7 fashions, which have been decreased to begin at $1,299, however substitute the Ryzen 9 possibility — with “restricted portions” of remaining inventory to be offered at a reduction however not changed as soon as exhausted.
Pre-orders for the refreshed Laptop computer 16 can be found on the Framework retailer now, beginning at $1,499; the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB enlargement add-on is suitable with each new and outdated Laptop computer 16 fashions, however no different gadget within the Framework line-up, and on sale at $699. {Hardware} is predicted to start delivery in November, although latecomers will discover their orders bumped to later manufacturing batches.
