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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

#482

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That is not a framework choice, that is an AMD architecture that doesn't use regular RAM modules as it requires wider data bus

The architecture was their choice. It's completely possible to build a PC with that form factor which does not have soldered RAM, so it's strange that they went with it. Their brand with laptops is supposed to be 'more repairable' but they've chosen to make a desktop PC that's less repairable than their laptops are? It doesn't make any sense with the rest of their lineup. The person who would want this product is the…

> The person who would want this product is the opposite of the person who would want their other products.

That's me! I'm that person! \o/

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

#483
post #395

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Some new laptops cannot actually fully suspend to ram. It sounds crazy but I had this issue even after installing Linux on a laptop. It’s a hardware limitation. You can thank Microsoft for trying to make sure they can sneak in OS updates when you think your laptop is asleep.

By the way, how do people carry those laptops on airplanes if regulations mandate that every radio equipment must be off?

They don't. Only cellular connectivity. Most airlines even offer WiFi now

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

#484

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.

They just got me as a new customer with this AI miniPC. It's the first Framework product I've bought.

I'm thinking of buying one as well, and I never would've purchased any of their other products. But I have to agree with people who say this goes against Framework's mission.

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

#485
post #165

I’m happy to answer questions folks have on the Framework Desktop (though probably not until later today).

If I prepurchase this now, will I be able to run the following on it efficiently:

1. Some kind of quantized version of DeepSeek R1?

2. Flux image generation models via popular tools like A1111 or Comfy?

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

#486
post #165

I’m happy to answer questions folks have on the Framework Desktop (though probably not until later today).

If I prepurchase this now, will I be able to run the following on it efficiently: 1. Some kind of quantized version of DeepSeek R1? 2. Flux image generation models via popular tools like A1111 or Comfy?

You’ll be able to run distills of DeepSeek R1. For the full model, you can network together multiple and use exo or llama.cpp RPC.

You can do image generation as well! AMD has some demos of this, and they are maturing PyTorch support to broaden the software ecosystem.

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

#487

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can it run Qubes OS?

Why not? This is a fully capable x86 desktop.

Qubes OS doesn't run on any "fully capable x86 desktop". It's based on Xen and hardware virtualization. There are very few desktop computers recommended to run Qubes [0]. Does Framework support suspend on Qubes? If it works, it could become popular in the Qubes Community.

[0] https://forum.qubes-os.org/t/community-recommended-computers...

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

#488
post #163

It is a weird product for the Framework brand. The pitch for the Framework laptop is that it is repairable/upgradable/modular. Something that is uncommon for laptops nowadays. This is the opposite. Desktops are modular by default, so much is that my computer is like the Ship of Theseus, I never changed it, but upgrade to upgrade, it is a completely different machine than it once was (it started off as a 486!). This o…

I agree. I was an early adopter and have a Framework 13 11th gen intel (batch 4) and have been generally happy with it. Except the keyboard stopped working and I had to replace it, ~100 tiny screws later (and one stripped screw). And the battery drains fast (~24 hours) when suspended. And except that it won't turn on anymore without plugging into a particular USB-C port with a "dumb" USB cable (the basic 5V 900mA typ…

In case it helps someone: my Framework had rapid battery drain in suspend. Around 10% per hour.

Turns out the Samsung EVO NVMe I installed had really high power draw (I guess it's meant for performance desktops?). I replaced it with a WD Blue and now I lose negligible power while suspended.

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

#489
post #477

Sad that Framework laptops are still not available in Northern Europe, but I guess having regulation that makes new and small players unfeasible is important for some reason.

Framework is available in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania. I think they are only missing Norway. One of the issues in Europe is that each country has their own language and custom keyboard.

RIP Norway (where I am). I thought it was all of Northern Europe. Most keyboards for Norway are the same as Swedish and Danish. Maybe I can do a gray import from Denmark or Sweden.

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

#490
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-...

I like the concept of being able to upgrade the mainboard, the problem I have is that the support needs to come with it. I've had a framework 13" intel 13th gen since September 2023 and it's "mostly" ok. There's a weird battery charging issue where it discharged while plugged in which I raised shortly after getting it and it's still there I've been told to wait for a response. That one I can live with. But for the past few months the CPU gets stuck at 400Mhz and I have to boot into the BIOS and disconnect the battery and power cable to get it to clear which isn't great when I'm in the middle of something important. Support have been prompt and polite but it's been like getting blood out of a stone getting somewhere, from previous experience with other manufacturers it would have been RMA'd by now. I'm not writing them off yet but I'm not filled with confidence.

On the plus side I'm hoping that it's the existence of framework that have convinced lenovo to stop soldering components in their new laptops, that's what put me off buying one and why I went with a framework.

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