In Framework’s first-party case, the PC begins at $1,099, which will get you a Ryzen AI Max 385 (that is an 8-core CPU and 32 GPU cores) and 32GB of RAM. A completely loaded 128GB with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration (16 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores) will run you $1,999. There’s additionally an in-between construct with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip and 64GB of RAM for $1,599. For those who simply need the mini ITX board to place in a case of your selecting, that begins at $799.
None of those are impulse buys, precisely, however they’re priced a bit higher than a gaming-focused mini PC just like the Asus ROG NUC, which begins at almost $1,300 as of this writing and comes with half as a lot RAM. It is also priced effectively in comparison with what you will get out of a DIY mini ITX PC based mostly on built-in graphics—the Ryzen 7 8700G, an AM5 ITX motherboard, and 32GB of DDR5 can all be had for round $500 collectively earlier than you add a case, energy provide, or SSD, however for significantly slower efficiency.
The quantity of the Framework Desktop’s first-party case is simply 4.5 liters—for reference, the SSUPD Meshroom S is 14.9 liters, a reasonably middle-of-the-road quantity for an ITX case that may match a full-size GPU. An Xbox Sequence X is about 6.9 liters, and the Xbox Sequence S is 4.4 liters. Apple’s Mac Studio is about 3.7 liters. The Framework Desktop is not breaking information, however it’s positively tiny.
Regardless of the non-upgradeability of the primary elements, Framework has tried to stay to current requirements the place it could by utilizing a flex ATX energy provide, ATX headers on the motherboard, common 120 mm followers that may be modified out, and naturally the mini ITX kind issue itself.
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So the pitch for the system is straightforward: You get a fairly highly effective 1440p-capable gaming and workstation PC inside a case the scale of a small recreation console. “If the Sequence S may run Home windows, I would purchase it in a second” is a thought that has occurred to me, so I can see the attraction, although it prices at the least 3 times as a lot.
However it does really feel like a wierd match for Framework, on condition that it is a lot much less upgradeable than most PCs. The CPU and GPU are one piece of silicon, they usually’re soldered to the motherboard. The RAM can also be soldered down and never upgradeable as soon as you have purchased it, setting it aside from almost each different board Framework sells.
