Framework Laptop Upgrade Guide (2026) — The Most Upgradeable Laptop Ever Made

Framework makes the most upgradeable laptops in the world. Every component is user-replaceable: RAM, SSD, WiFi, battery, screen, keyboard, mainboard, and even a discrete GPU (on the 16-inch model). The company received a perfect 10/10 repairability score from iFixit — something almost no modern laptop achieves. This is the direct opposite of a soldered MacBook or traditional ultrabook, where upgrades are impossible and repairs mean buying a new machine.

If you care about longevity, environmental impact, and true ownership of your hardware, Framework isn’t just another laptop brand — it’s a philosophy. You’re not locked into whatever RAM or storage came in the box. You upgrade what you want, when you want, and you keep the chassis for a decade if you choose.

This guide covers every Framework model, every compatible upgrade path, and every part that’s swappable. Whether you’re maximising RAM on a 13-inch, adding a GPU to a 16-inch, or planning a mainboard swap to jump two CPU generations, you’ll find the compatibility details here.

Why Framework is Different

Framework‘s design philosophy is radical by 2026 standards: modularity over thinness, repairability over sealed perfection, user choice over lock-in. Every internal component is accessible with basic tools — or none at all.

The standout innovation is the mainboard upgrade program. You can purchase a new mainboard with a newer CPU generation and swap it into your existing chassis in minutes. Your old motherboard doesn’t go to waste — the community has designed external enclosures that turn it into a standalone mini PC. This means a Framework Laptop 13 purchased in 2023 can be upgraded to 2025 CPU performance for a fraction of the cost of a new laptop.

Framework commits to 7-year parts availability and publishes open-source CAD files on GitHub. They’re serious about the right to repair. The company doesn’t artificially kill your device through software updates or parts scarcity. This is a laptop designed to last.

Every Framework model uses the same expansion card system: hot-swappable ports in bays around the chassis. Need USB-A today and Ethernet tomorrow? Swap the card. No dongles, no compromises.

Master Framework Laptop Compatibility Table

Here’s the complete model lineup for 2026. Every Framework is built on the same modular principles, but CPU generation, RAM type, and expansion options vary:

Framework Laptop 13 — The 13-Inch Modular Standard

The Framework Laptop 13 is the flagship 13.5-inch model that started it all. Six generations in, with CPUs ranging from 11th Gen Intel to AMD Ryzen AI, it’s the most versatile upgrade platform in the lineup.

Upgradeable Components on Laptop 13

• RAM: 2× SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 (early gens) or DDR5-5600 (13th Gen+). Maximum 64 GB (DDR4) or 96 GB (DDR5). User-accessible, tool-free.
• Storage: Single M.2 2280 NVMe slot. Any Gen 3 or Gen 4 SSD compatible. Hot-swappable, no reboot required.
• Expansion cards: 4 hot-swappable bays accept USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, Ethernet, or storage expansion cards.
• Battery: 61 Wh removable battery. Framework sells replacements on their marketplace. Degrades after ~3 years; swap for a fresh one.
• Display: 13.5″ 3:2 IPS panel, user-replaceable. Framework offers a higher refresh-rate option as a retrofit.
• WiFi card: M.2 2230 WiFi 6E module. Upgrade to 6GHz WiFi whenever you want.
• Keyboard: Fully removable, modular keyboard. Framework will support keyboard upgrades with different layouts and switches.
• Mainboard: Drop-in replacement for newer CPU generations. Jump from 11th Gen Intel to 13th Gen, or Intel to AMD, by swapping the mainboard.

Recommended RAM for Framework Laptop 13

For DDR5 models (13th Gen Intel and newer), choose any DDR5-5600 or faster SO-DIMM. Corsair, Kingston, and SK Hynix modules are widely tested and compatible.

Recommended SSD for Framework Laptop 13

Any M.2 2280 NVMe Gen 3 or Gen 4 SSD. Samsung 980 Pro, WD Black SN850X, and Corsair MP600 are all plug-and-play compatible:

M.2 2280 NVMe Gen 4 SSDs on Amazon UK

Framework Laptop 16 — The 16-Inch Powerhouse

The Framework Laptop 16 is the creator and gaming variant. Everything from the 13-inch applies, plus a discrete GPU module and dual storage expansion.

What’s Different on Laptop 16

• GPU module: Hot-swappable NVIDIA RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 7700S. Removable in 3 minutes without touching the CPU. This is unique to the Laptop 16.
• Expansion bays: 6 slots (vs 4 on 13-inch), giving you more port flexibility.
• Storage: Dual M.2 slots: one 2280 (primary) + one 2230 (secondary). More space without external drives.
• Battery: 85 Wh (vs 61 Wh on 13-inch). Longer runtime, user-replaceable.
• Charger: 180 W or 240 W USB-C PD (AMD Ryzen AI models). Much faster charging than the 13-inch.
• Display: 16″ 3:2 IPS panel, same upgrade path as 13-inch.

GPU Module Compatibility

The Framework Laptop 16 GPU module is the most exciting upgrade feature. It slots into a dedicated bay and connects via PCIe 4.0 + USB-C. Current options:

Future GPU modules are on the roadmap. Framework is committed to releasing new GPU options as hardware launches, so your 16-inch mainboard stays current without replacing the entire chassis.

Dual Storage on Laptop 16

Laptop 16 has two independent M.2 slots. Use the primary 2280 for your OS and main applications, and the secondary 2230 for media storage or a fast secondary drive:

M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs on Amazon UK

M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs on Amazon UK

The Mainboard Upgrade Program — Framework’s Killer Feature

This is what separates Framework from every other laptop manufacturer. You can purchase a new mainboard with a newer CPU and swap it into your existing chassis in minutes. Your laptop doesn’t become obsolete; it evolves.

How the Mainboard Program Works

Framework sells mainboards independently. Want to upgrade from an 11th Gen Intel to a 13th Gen Intel mainboard? Buy the new mainboard (~$600), remove 4 screws, swap the board, reinstall screws. Your old mainboard doesn’t go to waste — the Framework community has designed external USB-C enclosures that turn it into a mini PC.

This model makes Framework a genuine 5–10 year investment. You’re not locked into your original CPU generation. You upgrade when it makes sense, not when marketing demands it.

Real-World Upgrade Examples

Compare this to buying a brand-new laptop: $1,200–$2,000 for the entire system. A mainboard upgrade costs a fraction of that and keeps your trusted chassis, proven keyboard, and familiar configuration.

The Expansion Card System

Every Framework has hot-swappable expansion card bays. Remove a card, insert a different one — no tools required, no restart needed. This is the flexibility traditional laptops abandoned years ago.

Available Expansion Cards

You can purchase extra cards and keep them in a pouch. Switching to a presentation? Swap the USB-A for HDMI. Moving offices? Swap for Ethernet. This is modularity done right.

Charger Compatibility

Framework Laptop 13 charges from any USB-C PD charger (60 W minimum recommended, 100 W for faster charging).

Framework Laptop 16 needs at least 180 W (AMD Ryzen 7040) or 240 W (AMD Ryzen AI) for full charging speed. Most universal USB-C chargers will slow-charge it, but dedicated Framework chargers guarantee optimal performance.

Compatible Chargers

• Official Framework 100 W charger for Laptop 13
• Official Framework 180 W charger for Laptop 16 (Ryzen 7040)
• Official Framework 240 W charger for Laptop 16 (Ryzen AI)
• Any third-party USB-C PD charger rated for the laptop’s wattage

Universal USB-C PD Chargers on Amazon UK

Framework Upgradeability Score: 5/5

Framework is the gold standard for upgradeable laptops in 2026. iFixit awarded it a perfect 10/10 repairability score — something MacBook, Lenovo, Dell, and HP can’t touch.

Why Framework Wins

• Open-source CAD files: Framework publishes design files on GitHub. The community improves and extends the platform.
• 7-year parts availability: Not a promise; a commitment. You can still buy batteries and modules for 2023 models in 2030.
• Mainboard upgrade program: No other brand lets you jump two CPU generations without replacing the entire laptop.
• Modular expansion: The card system is proven, expandable, and encourages ecosystem partners to build new modules.
• User-first design: Every decision prioritises repairability over thinness. Every component is documented and replaceable.

By comparison, a MacBook Pro has soldered RAM and storage, glued batteries, and no user upgrades. A Dell XPS has partly replaceable RAM but soldered storage. Framework treats you like an owner, not a customer locked into planned obsolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you upgrade the CPU in a Framework Laptop?

Yes. You can’t upgrade the CPU on the existing mainboard (it’s soldered), but you can purchase a new mainboard with a newer CPU and swap it in 5 minutes. Framework regularly releases new mainboards: 11th Gen Intel, 12th Gen Intel, 13th Gen Intel, AMD Ryzen 7040, Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI. This is the closest thing to a “future-proof” laptop.

What RAM does the Framework Laptop use?

Framework Laptop 13 (11th–12th Gen Intel): DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM, maximum 64 GB (2× 32 GB).

Framework Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel and newer) / Laptop 16: DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM, maximum 96 GB (2× 48 GB).

Any standard laptop DDR4 or DDR5 module fits. Corsair, Kingston, and Crucial modules are all compatible.

Can you add a GPU to the Framework Laptop 13?

The 13-inch model does not have a discrete GPU bay. Framework Laptop 16 is the only model with a removable GPU module (NVIDIA RTX 5070 or AMD Radeon RX 7700S). The Laptop 13 relies on integrated graphics (Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Graphics).

How long will Framework sell replacement parts?

Framework commits to selling replacement parts for 7 years after a model is released. So a Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel) launched in 2023 will have parts available until 2030. This covers batteries, expansion cards, displays, keyboards, and mainboards.

Is the Framework Laptop worth it vs a ThinkPad or MacBook?

It depends on your priorities:

• If upgradability and longevity matter: Framework is unmatched. You can use one chassis for 8+ years, upgrading CPU, RAM, storage, and GPU as needed.
• If price is the priority: ThinkPad and MacBook are often cheaper upfront. Framework costs more initially but saves money long-term because you don’t replace the entire laptop every 3 years.
• If ecosystem lock-in is acceptable: MacBook offers polish and integration if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. Framework is platform-agnostic (Windows, Linux).
• If you value repairability and right-to-repair philosophy: Framework is the only choice in the premium laptop market.

Can you use any USB-C charger with a Framework Laptop?

Almost. Framework Laptop 13 can use any USB-C PD charger rated 60 W or higher (100 W for faster charging). Framework Laptop 16 needs 180–240 W USB-C PD chargers.

Using a lower-wattage charger won’t damage the laptop, but it will charge slowly or not at all if the laptop is under heavy load. Using a higher-wattage charger is fine — USB PD negotiates the correct power.

Recommended Products

These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.

Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Guides

• Ram Compatibility
• Ssd Compatibility
• Charger Compatibility
• Dock Compatibility
• Framework Laptop 13 Amd