Framework Laptop represents a revolutionary approach to computing — instead of buying a new laptop every 3-4 years, you upgrade the mainboard while keeping the chassis, screen, and keyboard. It’s the most repairable and upgradeable laptop ever made, earning a perfect 10/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale. Every single component is user-replaceable: RAM, SSD, WiFi card, battery, keyboard, screen, expansion cards for I/O customization, and yes — the entire mainboard can be swapped to jump multiple CPU generations. If you’re tired of “upgrading” by buying a completely new laptop, Framework is the answer.
Why Framework Laptop Is Revolutionary
Traditional laptops are designed for obsolescence. Apple solders RAM and storage, making upgrades impossible. Dell and Lenovo solder some components. Even when parts are technically replaceable, manufacturers make them difficult to access or use proprietary designs that limit options. Framework changed the playbook entirely.
Framework’s design philosophy: your laptop is a platform, not a product. You own the chassis. The mainboard (CPU, GPU, RAM slots) can be upgraded. Expansion cards (USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, storage) are hot-swappable without tools. A Framework Laptop 13 owner can:
- Upgrade from 12th-gen Intel to 13th-gen (new mainboard, £700-900)
- Swap to AMD Ryzen (new mainboard, £800-950)
- Replace battery, keyboard, screen, WiFi card in minutes with a screwdriver
- Customize I/O: swap expansion cards to add USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, or Ethernet on the fly
- Sell old mainboard on secondary market (£300-500 resale value offsets upgrade cost)
Total cost of ownership over 6-7 years: dramatically lower than buying new laptops. You get sustainable computing.
Framework Laptop Models & Mainboard Options
Framework Laptop 13
| Mainboard | CPU Generation | CPU Options | RAM Slots | SSD Slots | GPU | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framework 13 Gen 11 (Intel) | 11th-Gen Intel | Core i5-1135G7, i7-1185G7 | 2× DDR4 SO-DIMM | 1× M.2 2230 | Iris Xe (integrated) | 2021 |
| Framework 13 Gen 12 (Intel) | 12th-Gen Intel | Core i5-1240P, i7-1260P | 2× DDR5 SO-DIMM | 1× M.2 2230 | Iris Xe (integrated) | 2023 |
| Framework 13 Gen 13 (Intel) | 13th-Gen Intel | Core Ultra 5/7 | 2× DDR5 SO-DIMM | 1× M.2 2230 | Iris Xe (integrated) | 2024 |
| Framework 13 AMD (Ryzen 7040) | Ryzen 7040 Series | Ryzen 5 7640U, 7 7840U | 2× DDR5 SO-DIMM | 1× M.2 2230 | Radeon (integrated) | 2023 |
Framework Laptop 16
| Mainboard | CPU | CPU Options | RAM Slots | SSD Slots | GPU Options | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framework 16 Gen 13 (Intel) | 13th-Gen Intel | Core i7-13700H, H-series | 2× DDR5 SO-DIMM | 2× M.2 2280 | Iris Xe (integrated) OR RTX 4060/4070 discrete | 2023 |
| Framework 16 Gen 14 (Intel) | 14th-Gen Intel | Core i7/i9 HX series | 2× DDR5 SO-DIMM | 2× M.2 2280 | Iris Xe (integrated) OR RTX 4080 discrete | 2024 |
Key Points: Framework 13 uses M.2 2230 SSDs (shorter, unique form factor). Framework 16 uses standard M.2 2280 NVMe (industry standard). The biggest differentiator: Framework 16 offers optional discrete GPU modules (RTX 4060/4070/4080) for creators and gamers. Both models support mainboard upgrades.
Mainboard Upgrades — The Game Changer
What Is a Mainboard Upgrade?
A Framework mainboard is a removable module containing CPU, RAM slots, SSD slot, and integrated GPU. You can purchase a new mainboard independently and swap it into your existing Framework chassis. This lets you:
- Jump CPU generations: Own Framework 13 Gen 12 (12th-gen Intel)? Buy the Gen 13 mainboard (13th-gen Intel Core Ultra) and swap it in. Your chassis, screen, keyboard, and battery stay the same.
- Switch CPU brands: Prefer Intel, but want to try AMD? Swap from Intel mainboard to Ryzen 7040 mainboard in minutes.
- Extend lifespan: Instead of buying a new £1200 laptop every 3 years, spend £700-900 on a new mainboard every 3 years. Total cost savings: enormous.
- Sell your old mainboard: Framework mainboards retain good resale value (£300-500 used). This offsets your upgrade cost.
Mainboard Upgrade Paths & Costs
| Scenario | New Mainboard | Cost (UK) | Old Mainboard Resale | Net Upgrade Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framework 13 Gen 12 → Gen 13 (Intel to newer Intel) | Framework 13 Gen 13 mainboard (Core Ultra) | £750 | £350 (Gen 12 used) | £400 | +CPU generation, +more efficient power, +better battery |
| Framework 13 Intel → AMD (Brand switch) | Framework 13 AMD mainboard (Ryzen 7840U) | £850 | £350 (Intel used) | £500 | +AMD battery life, +different ecosystem preference |
| Framework 16 Gen 13 Integrated GPU → Discrete GPU | Framework 16 GPU Module (RTX 4060/4070) | £450-700 | £200 (integrated module used) | £250-500 | +Gaming/3D rendering capability, keeps 13th-gen CPU |
| Framework 16 Gen 13 → Gen 14 mainboard | Framework 16 Gen 14 mainboard (14th-gen Intel) | £900-1000 | £400 (Gen 13 used) | £500-600 | +CPU generation, +more cores/threads, +new GPU options |
The Math: A Framework 13 Gen 12 owner spending £400 every 3 years on mainboard upgrades invests £1200 total across 6+ years. A traditional laptop buyer spending £1200 every 3 years invests £2400. Framework wins by £1200 + keeps you on modern hardware.
RAM Upgrades for Framework Laptop
DDR4 vs DDR5: Know Your Mainboard
This is crucial: Framework 13 Gen 11 uses DDR4 SO-DIMM, while all newer models (Gen 12, Gen 13, Framework 16) use DDR5 SO-DIMM. They’re physically incompatible — you cannot put DDR4 RAM in a DDR5 slot.
If you own a Framework 13 Gen 11, you’re locked to DDR4. When you upgrade the mainboard to Gen 12/13 (which use DDR5), your old DDR4 RAM becomes incompatible. This is one of the few upgrading gotchas — but it only matters when doing a mainboard swap, not for RAM-only upgrades.
RAM Recommendations
| Mainboard | RAM Type | Max Capacity | Recommended Upgrade | Cost (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen 11 (Intel 11th) | DDR4 SO-DIMM 3200 MHz | 32GB (2×16GB) | Upgrade to 16GB or 32GB at purchase | £80-150 |
| Gen 12 (Intel 12th) | DDR5 SO-DIMM 5600 MHz | 96GB (2×48GB) | 16GB stock → add 16GB = 32GB total | £70-100 |
| Gen 13 (Intel 13th, Core Ultra) | DDR5 SO-DIMM 5600 MHz | 96GB | Same as Gen 12 | £70-100 |
| AMD Ryzen 7040 | DDR5 SO-DIMM 5600 MHz | 96GB | Same as Intel DDR5 models | £70-100 |
| Framework 16 (13th/14th gen Intel) | DDR5 SO-DIMM 5600 MHz | 96GB | 32GB stock → optional upgrade to 64GB | £0 (stock adequate) or £200-280 for 64GB |
Specific Products: Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM (£70-100 for 16GB kit), Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 (£180+ for 32GB), or Corsair Vengeance DDR5 (£70-90 for 16GB). All are verified compatible with Framework models.
Browse DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM on Amazon UK →
SSD Upgrades — Form Factor Matters
Framework 13: M.2 2230 (Unique Size)
Framework 13 uses M.2 2230 NVMe SSD — a shorter, unique form factor. Most laptops use M.2 2280 (longer). This matters: you cannot install a standard 2280 SSD in a Framework 13. Options are limited to 2230-specific drives.
Available 2230 SSDs: Crucial P310 2TB (£150-180), Samsung 990 Evo 2TB (£120-150), or Kingston NV2 2TB (£90-120). All work in Framework 13. If you want maximum storage, 2TB is realistic; 4TB options exist but cost £400+.
Browse M.2 2230 SSDs on Amazon UK →
Framework 16: M.2 2280 (Standard Size)
Framework 16 uses M.2 2280 NVMe SSD — the industry standard form factor. This is excellent: you have hundreds of options at every price point. Samsung 990 Evo, WD Black SN850X, Crucial P5 Plus, all work perfectly.
Framework 16 has 2 SSD slots, so you can install dual 2TB drives for 4TB total internal storage. This is useful for creators working with large video files or datasets.
Browse M.2 2280 SSDs on Amazon UK →
Expansion Cards — Customize Your I/O
What Are Expansion Cards?
Framework Laptop features 4 hot-swappable expansion card slots along the left and right edges. Each slot can hold a different expansion card, letting you customize what ports you have available. Cards swap in seconds — no tools required, no restart needed.
Available Expansion Cards
| Card Type | Use Case | Price (UK) | Equivalent USB-C Hub Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB-A | Old USB peripherals, dongles | £20 | Same | Built-in, hot-swappable, no separate hub |
| USB-C | External drives, modern cables | £20 | Same | Redundant connectivity, hot-swappable |
| HDMI | Monitor, projector, TV connection | £40 | £30-50 (separate dongle) | Integrated, hot-swappable, no dongle |
| DisplayPort | High-refresh monitor, professional display | £40 | £50-80 (separate dongle) | Integrated, hot-swappable, better for gaming |
| Ethernet | Wired network (offices, servers) | £30 | £25-40 (separate dongle) | Integrated, no wireless interference, permanent |
| MicroSD Card | Camera card reader, portable storage | £15 | USB-C card reader (£20-30) | Integrated, hot-swappable |
| Storage Module (SSD expansion) | Extra internal storage in expansion slot | £0 (framework hardware only), + SSD cost | External USB-C SSD (£70-200) | Faster than external, integrated |
Example Configurations
Developer Configuration: 2× USB-C (for external SSD + docking), 1× Ethernet (wired network), 1× Blank (leave empty or add USB-A for legacy devices).
Creator Configuration: 2× HDMI or DisplayPort (dual monitors), 1× USB-A (peripherals), 1× Storage Module (extra SSD).
Business Configuration: 1× USB-A (legacy office equipment), 1× HDMI (conference rooms), 1× Ethernet (LAN), 1× Blank (keeps desk clean).
The brilliant part: you can change this configuration every day if you want. Traveling and need USB-A? Swap it in. Working in office with Ethernet? Swap USB-A for Ethernet card. No hub, no dongle mess.
Battery & Other Replaceable Components
Battery: Framework Laptop batteries are user-replaceable. A replacement battery (3-4 year lifespan) costs £80-120 and takes 5 minutes to swap. Compare this to traditional laptops where battery replacement requires sending to service (£150-250 + 2-week wait).
Keyboard: Framework 13 and 16 keyboards are replaceable. If a key breaks or you want a different layout (US, UK, German, French ISO), swap the whole keyboard. Cost: £80-150 for new keyboard. Most laptops glue the keyboard down — Framework lets you fix it yourself.
Screen: Cracked display? Framework sells replacement panels. Cost: £200-300 depending on panel quality. Again, most laptop manufacturers don’t offer this — you’re forced to ship for repair. Framework gives you the part and tutorial.
WiFi Card: Framework 13/16 include an Intel or MediaTek WiFi module in an M.2 E-slot. You can upgrade to newer WiFi 7 modules as they become available. This is rare — most laptops have soldered WiFi.
Charger & Power Delivery
USB-C Power Delivery Across the Board
Framework Laptop charges exclusively via USB-C Power Delivery. No proprietary connectors. Any USB-C PD charger with sufficient wattage works.
Power Requirements
| Model | Recommended Wattage | Minimum Safe | Example Charger | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framework 13 (All) | 65W | 45W (slow charging) | Anker Prime 67W GaN | £45-60 |
| Framework 16 (no GPU) | 100W | 65W (slow charging) | Ugreen Nexode 100W | £60-75 |
| Framework 16 (with RTX GPU) | 140W | 100W (limited performance) | Lenovo 140W USB-C or Ugreen 200W | £80-120 |
Big advantage: If you own a Framework 13, any £45 third-party USB-C charger works. No need for expensive proprietary Framework charger (though they offer one if you prefer). This saves money and reduces e-waste.
Framework 16 GPU Modules — Gaming & 3D
Framework 16 offers discrete GPU modules (NVIDIA RTX 4060, 4070, or 4080). These can be swapped into a special GPU compartment separate from the mainboard. This is unique in the laptop world: you can upgrade GPU independently of CPU.
Scenario: You own Framework 16 Gen 13 with integrated graphics. In 2025, you decide you want gaming/3D rendering. Buy the RTX 4070 GPU module (£600-700) and install it — no mainboard swap needed, CPU stays at 13th-gen. Later, when you want a new CPU, you can also upgrade the GPU in the new mainboard separately.
This modular GPU design means Framework 16 owners have upgrade paths competitors can’t match.
Framework Laptop Warranty & Repairability
iFixit Rating: Framework Laptop earned 10/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale (highest possible). This means: every component has official teardown guides, parts are available for purchase, and there are no proprietary screws or glued-together sections. You can repair almost anything yourself.
Warranty: Framework offers standard 2-year limited warranty on all models. Unlike some manufacturers, repairs are simple: buy the part online, follow the video guide, install it yourself. No service center required (unless you prefer professional installation).
Parts Availability: Framework commits to providing spare parts for 7 years after discontinuation. Your Framework 13 Gen 11 from 2021? You can still buy replacement batteries, keyboards, screens, and WiFi cards in 2028. Most laptop manufacturers stop supporting old models after 2-3 years.
Total Cost of Ownership: Framework 13 Over 6 Years
| Year | Action | Cost | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 0 | Buy Framework 13 Gen 12 (16GB/512GB base) | £1100 | £1100 |
| Year 0.5 | Upgrade RAM: add 16GB DDR5 module | £70 | £1170 |
| Year 1 | Upgrade SSD: 512GB → 2TB (add second drive if needed) | £120 | £1290 |
| Year 3 | Upgrade mainboard: Gen 12 → Gen 13 (Core Ultra) | £750, sell Gen 12 (£350) | £1690 |
| Year 3.5 | Replace battery (natural degradation) | £90 | £1780 |
| Year 6 | Final mainboard upgrade: Gen 13 → Gen 14 (future) | £900, sell Gen 13 (£400) | £2280 |
Total after 6 years: £2280
vs Traditional Laptop:
- Year 0: Buy new £1200 laptop
- Year 3: Buy new £1200 laptop (old one declining)
- Year 6: Buy new £1200 laptop (old one obsolete)
- Total: £3600 for 3 machines
Framework savings: £1320 over 6 years. That’s 37% cheaper for staying on modern hardware the entire time.
Framework Laptop vs MacBook Air / Dell XPS
| Aspect | Framework 13 | MacBook Air 14″ | Dell XPS 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | £1100-1300 | £1499 | £1300-1500 |
| RAM Upgradeable? | Yes (SO-DIMM) | No (soldered) | No (soldered on many models) |
| SSD Upgradeable? | Yes (M.2 2230) | No (soldered) | Limited (proprietary) |
| CPU Upgradeable? | Yes (mainboard swap) | No | No |
| Battery Replaceable? | Yes (user-replaceable) | No (requires Apple service) | No (glued down) |
| Screen Replaceable? | Yes (parts available) | No (requires Apple service) | No |
| Keyboard Replaceable? | Yes (full keyboard swap) | No (butterfly mechanism, no swap) | No |
| Expansion Ports | Hot-swappable cards (USB-A, HDMI, etc) | 2× Thunderbolt 4 fixed | 2× Thunderbolt 4 fixed |
| Repairability Score (iFixit) | 10/10 | 3/10 | 4/10 |
| 6-Year TCO | £2280 (with mainboard upgrade) | £3000+ (buy 2 new machines) | £2800+ (buy 2 new machines) |
Winner for Upgradeability & Sustainability: Framework by a landslide. MacBook Air and XPS are designed for planned obsolescence — you upgrade by buying a new machine. Framework lets you keep your chassis and upgrade the internals.
Sustainability & Ethical Computing
Framework’s mission is reducing e-waste. Instead of discarding 3 laptops over 9 years, you own 1 Framework and upgrade its internals. You keep the chassis, screen, keyboard — all the components that take energy and rare materials to manufacture. This is genuinely more sustainable than buying new laptops.
Additionally, Framework publishes open-source design files. Independent manufacturers can build compatible modules. This prevents vendor lock-in and enables an ecosystem of third-party upgrades.
Common Questions About Framework Laptop
Can I upgrade Framework 13 Gen 11 to Gen 13? Yes, you can buy the Framework 13 Gen 13 mainboard and install it. But note: Gen 11 uses DDR4 RAM, Gen 13 uses DDR5. Your old RAM becomes incompatible. You’ll need to buy new DDR5 modules.
Is Framework Laptop repairable by users? Yes, absolutely. Every component has official guides. Repair is designed to be DIY. No specialized tools required (just Phillips screwdriver). iFixit 10/10 score backs this up.
Can I swap expansion cards while the laptop is on? Yes, Framework expansion cards are truly hot-swappable. No restart needed, no damage risk.
What happens to old mainboards after upgrade? Sell them on secondary market (eBay, Framework marketplace, or private buyers). 2-3 year old Framework mainboards still have value (£300-500 used). This offsets your upgrade cost significantly.
Is Framework 13 or Framework 16 better? Framework 13 for ultraportability and lower cost. Framework 16 for creators needing bigger screen and discrete GPU option. Both are equally upgradeable.
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.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Best overall DDR4 upgrade kit | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Reliable alternative with tight latency | View on Amazon UK |
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Top-rated DDR5 kit for gaming & productivity | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Excellent DDR5 alternative with XMP support | View on Amazon UK |
| WD SN770M 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe | Best 2230 SSD for Dell, Surface, Steam Deck | View on Amazon UK |
| Sabrent Rocket 2230 1TB | Fast 2230 alternative | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung PM991a 1TB 2230 | OEM-grade 2230 at good prices | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
