The modular computing company, Framework, has unveiled its first desktop PC, the Framework Desktop, at a launch event in San Francisco. This marks a departure from the company’s usual focus on laptops and represents a significant step into the desktop market. The new PC is built around the powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max processor, a choice that highlights Framework’s commitment to performance and cutting-edge technology.
Framework founder, Nirav Patel, stated that the company shifted its entire product pipeline to design the Framework Desktop around the AMD Ryzen AI Max. This processor boasts impressive specifications, including up to 16 CPU cores, Radeon 8060 graphics, and up to 128GB of memory. Drawing inspiration from the DIY desktop building culture, Patel emphasized the Framework Desktop’s accessibility, calling it “the easiest PC you’ll ever build.” He further described the PC as “portable, small, quiet, and powerful,” highlighting the advantages of utilizing a laptop processor in a desktop configuration. Patel suggested various use cases, including gaming, CAD design, network server functionality, and workstation applications.
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True to Framework’s philosophy, the Desktop adheres to open PC standards, featuring the AMD Ryzen AI Max in a mini ITX form factor. It includes x4 PCIe 4.0 slots, 2x M.2 SSD slots, and a standard ATX power supply. Connectivity options are comprehensive, with two USB-A ports, two DisplayPort connections, one HDMI port, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G Ethernet.
For quiet operation, Framework partnered with Cooler Master to develop a large 120mm fan and heatsink. This cooling system can sustain 120 watts continuously while maintaining low noise levels. The only non-customizable component is the memory, which is soldered to the mainboard.
The AMD Ryzen AI Max chip brings a wealth of gaming capabilities to the Framework Desktop, leveraging Zen 5 architecture, RDNA 3.5 graphics, AMD software, and AMD FSR technology. Hundreds of games are supported out-of-the-box.
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Framework also highlighted the Desktop’s ability to run advanced AI models like Llama 3.370B in real time. Compared to other high-compute desktops like the Apple Mac Studio (priced at $4,800) and the Nvidia Digits desktop (price currently unavailable), the Framework Desktop offers a competitive price point, starting at $1,999 for the high-end 128GB configuration.
The Framework Desktop supports both Windows 11 and Linux operating systems, with a particular emphasis on Linux gaming support planned for 2025.
Aesthetics are also a consideration, with black and translucent side panel options available. The front panel is color-customizable, featuring seven swappable tiles for different logos and designs. Framework encourages open-source customization, noting that developers have already experimented with 3D-printed designs. A carrying handle adds to the Desktop’s portability.
The Framework Desktop is offered in two versions: a mainboard version and a DIY edition. The DIY edition allows users to supply their own fan, board, and operating system. Assembly is straightforward, taking less than five minutes with the included screwdriver.
In addition to the 128GB model, the Framework Desktop is available in 64GB and 32GB configurations, starting at $1,599 and $1,099 respectively.
Preorders are open now, with shipping expected in the early third quarter of this year.
