Framework Laptop 16: Upgradable, Repair‑Friendly Power for Gamers and Creators

Framework has cultivated a reputation as a pioneer in sustainable laptop design, offering repairable and upgradable devices that confront the global e‑waste problem. The latest addition to its lineup, the Framework Laptop 16, is the most powerful model available and introduces an ambitious upgrade path for discrete graphics – a feature normally exclusive to high‑end gaming rigs. ## Design and Modularity The chassis of the Laptop 16 has remained true to the original 13‑in‑chassis blueprint: a 0.71‑inch tall body, generous bezels, and per‑key RGB backlighting that signals its gaming pedigree. A distinctive feature is the rear “graphics module” slot, modeled after the thermal shelves that support discrete GPUs in conventional laptops. This module allows users to swap the integrated graphics for a dedicated Nvidia RTX 5070 and is fully detachable with a few screws, preserving the system’s repairability. The serviceability guide is methodical: unlocking the side spacers adjacent to the touchpad removes the touchpad, keyboard and a metal plate that protects the internals. Beneath the plate are 16 screws that secure the logic board, ribbons that connect essential hardware, and a battery connector. Removing the mainboard and replacing it with the newer version is a relatively quick operation, requiring only a handful of additional screws for the power button and speaker ribbons. ## Storage and Expansion The laptop houses two storage slots: a smaller 2230‑format M.2 SSD beneath a 2280‑format one. In total, the platform provides six hot‑swappable port modules, allowing users to configure the front ports to meet their workflow – the new graphics module adds yet one more USB‑C port, raising the total to seven. ## Core Performance The RTX 5070 graphics module offers an 8‑GB GDDR6 memory interface and supports the latest PCIe 4.0 bandwidth, giving the Laptop 16 competitive performance in AAA titles. Benchmarks show respectable frame rates at 2560 × 1600, 165 Hz, with Cyberpunk 2077 producing 93 fps on maximum settings. The small VRAM footprint is the only drawback; games such as Black Myth : Wukong struggle at full resolution with 8 GB. CPU options ascend to the AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370, a mobile six‑core processor that pairs well with the GPU. The base system starts at $2,449 after the extra cost of the graphics module ($650) or $699 as a top‑end upgrade from the original machine. When compared with high-end gaming laptops—such as the Razer Blade 16, priced around $2,300—Framework commands a premium, justified by the long‑term upgrade path. ## Display, Audio, Webcam The 2560 × 1600 IPS panel offers 480 nits of brightness and near‑full coverage of sRGB (100 %) and Adobe RGB (99 %). Calibration delivers an average color error of 0.88, making the screen attractive for content creators despite its matte finish. Audio comes from a stereo speaker pair, adequate for video calls but not on par with 6‑speaker arrays in comparable models. The 1080p webcam is modest, delivering clear video for everyday use. ## Battery Life and Power Battery endurance remains respectable. In video playback tests the machine lasted nearly nine hours, with real‑world usage reducing this figure to roughly five hours. Users can dettach the GPU module to save additional power when traveling. The laptop consumes power exclusively over two USB‑C cables; the included 240‑W GaN charger supports the entire system, including the discrete GPU. ## Overall Assessment Framework’s Laptop 16 demonstrates a successful marriage of modular design and consumer‑grade performance. Its hot‑swappable GPU module is a rare, innovative feature that transforms a fundamentally repairable platform into a viable gaming machine without compromising upgradability. While the upfront cost is higher than many mainstream offerings, the ability to swap out components—CPU, GPU, memory, storage—provides a compelling future‑proofing rationale for sustainability‑minded professionals and gamers alike.