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Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

arstechnica.com

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Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#181

Up to 128 GB RAM available for running AI models. Theoretically awesome, but this might have some interesting market consequences for everyone else.

The bandwidth still doesn't quite compare to a GPU, and 128GB doesn't fit DeepSeek R1, however. If they bump it to 512GB for $5000 or so, that will disrupt the market.

[deleted]

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#182
post #156
post #22

Two other Framework announcements: New 12-inch laptop form factor with 360 degree hinge (ie "tablet mode") and a touchscreen. No price announced, but it is aimed at students: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/02/frameworks-laptop-12... New mainboard upgrade options for Framework 13 models: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/02/framework-gives-its-...

Still no haptic trackpad!

Why would you want haptic trackpads? Having used modern Macbook trackpads they feel like a massive downgrade compared to either of my Frameworks. The vibration-based simulation of haptics feels uncanny and unsatisfying compared to the real deal.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#183

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yet another 1080p garbage screen. Please! I had tablets with higher DPI 10 years ago!

1920x1200 / 16:10. It's perfect for a 12" IMO.

The way to analyze this is using pixel density: 1900x1200 on a 12" display is only 187 PPI, which is frustratingly below the "retina" range at the usual distance of a laptop screen (much less a tablet one, and this one is part tablet). The resolution you want for a 12" screen is 2560x1600, which is also 16:10 but at a much more usable 251 PPI.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#184
post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There is a balance between forgetting your purpose and thinking too narrowly about your business. At first, Framework is "laptops that are repairable". But if you broaden what they are, they are a disruptor of direct-to-consumer computing equipment, with a core competency of repairability and upgradability. An integrated CPU/RAM is a decrease in that measure, but it is for a valid benefit - a large improvement in per…

> I wonder if modular memory will continue to evolve and be competitive bandwidth wise with soldered. That's the promise of CAMM2, which is supposed to enable socketed LPDDR with almost the same performance as soldered-down LPDDR. It's still pretty bleeding-edge though so it's hard to blame Framework for sticking with soldered memory for now.

Apparently that AMD CPU isnt even compatible with CAMM2 because of technical reasons. Framework CEO explained it in LinusTechTips video.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#185

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yet another 1080p garbage screen. Please! I had tablets with higher DPI 10 years ago!

1920x1200 / 16:10. It's perfect for a 12" IMO.

It's a downgrade in DPI compared to even the 16, let alone the 13. Does it at least correspond to a higher refresh rate like with the 16?

Hopefully that's upgradeable someday in any case.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#186
The Framework website right now:

    You are now in line.
    Thank you for your patience.
    Your estimated wait time is 7 minutes.

    We are experiencing a high volume of traffic and using a virtual queue to limit
    the amount of users on the website at the same time. This will ensure you have 
    the best possible online experience.
What the hell, Cloudflare? CDN with a wait time, really?

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#187

Soldered memory and no x16 PCIe slot on a desktop are interesting choices. Not sure who the target market is. Seems like the interconnect between boards is also pretty slow compared to Nvidia Digits or even thunderbolt 5.

Probably geared towards being a LLM workstation in a small format, similar to a Mac Studio.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#188
post #114

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So don't make it then? If a particular vendor's product isn't in line with the company's mission, the CEO is the one to make the call to proceed with manufacturing. edit: it's not for me and I can totally just not buy one, but if one identified with their original mission and sees this as betrayal of that, it'd be hard to justify getting a framework laptop when it's their turn to upgrade.

I think their ethos is more about being user- and developer- friendly. RAM upgrades at reasonable prices, being able to buy the main board sans case, and supporting multiple OSes all point in that direction, without strictly being modular

> RAM upgrades at reasonable prices…

The RAM is not upgradable.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#189

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Reserved one of the updated base model 13’s. Battery life for this gen of Ryzen seems solid in other laptops so I’m hoping it’ll do reasonably well at stretching the FW13’s 61Wh battery for low intensity tasks, particularly in power save mode under Linux.

I really want to get a Framework to replace my aging IdeaPad, but they don't ship to my region yet. I was planning on ordering the 7840U version to where I'm staying in a trip to the US, but now it feels a bit of a let down to order a last-gen model since the new one might not arrive in time for my trip in mid-April.

Have you considered looking into a personal freight forwarder? I used these a few times while traveling through Europe.

Re: Framework's first desktop is a strange–but unique–mini ITX gaming PC

#190

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That is ideal, but also pretty unnecessary. The only thing AMD has to support on their end is Vulkan, and the work on that front is effectively finished. What Valve can offer is HID support for handheld hardware and potentially shader caching servers for huge swaths of identical hardware models. With a desktop there's a limit to what Valve can commit to. There's not a single controller firmware to support, and probab…

This misses the point. The whole idea of a first party partnership or similar is that there is a known set of hardware and support for it.

The "support" is complete. Proton has only a few critical dependencies and they are officially supported by AMD's GPU drivers already. I cannot name a single part of their hardware stack that would not get supported on-parity with the Steam Deck.

Valve as a company could shut down tomorrow, and AMD users could still use Proton to play Windows games as long as their GPU is Vulkan 1.2 compliant.

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