Framework Laptop computer 13 (2025) with AMD Ryzen AI 300 evaluate: The standard iterative improve

You would possibly know the story by now: Framework makes repairable, modular laptops the place you may sub in new components for previous or damaged ones. It’s been two years for the reason that firm debuted an AMD mainboard for the Laptop computer 13 and so it’s time for the primary substitute to reach. The brand new mannequin will get AMD’s Ryzen AI 300, a series of power-efficient chips for notebooks that may do all of the Copilot+ AI nonsense the trade insists individuals want and need.

Framework despatched me the brand new AMD mainboard to fit into the present chassis, together with a brand new bezel and enter cowl. Moderately than the same old stable colours, the corporate is now providing translucent plastic variations for all these late ‘90s youngsters who owned Sport Boy Colours. I want the tinted translucent model over the clear clear one, however you may choose for your self within the footage.

Mainboard with AMD Ryzen AI 300

Daniel Cooper for Engadget

Would-be consumers have three choices: They’ll purchase a brand new pre-built laptop computer with Ryzen AI 300, a DIY version to assemble or simply get the mainboard by itself. Both manner, you get the decide of a Ryzen 5 340, Ryzen 7 350 or the flagship Ryzen 9 HX 370 able to harnessing as much as 96GB of RAM. Naturally, the worth will begin to climb the better your technological ambitions.

I used to be provided with the midrange Ryzen 7 350, which took me about 11 minutes or so to swap into the present AMD mannequin. It’s amusing to assume it took me the higher a part of an hour the primary time I did this however when you’re fluent, it turns into easy. In case you, like me, misplaced the muscle reminiscence to swap parts on the flip of the millennium, don’t really feel like that is past you.

The Ryzen 7 350’s efficiency is okay for the kind of duties you’d count on to do with a 13-inch pocket book. I didn’t discover there was a transparent, epoch-shifting leap between what I bought out of this and the 7840U it changed. In case you’re utilizing it for the same old stuff — work, looking and watching movies — then it’ll deal with that every one with aplomb.

As regular, the most effective cause to advocate the AMD mannequin over its Intel equal is for its better power in gaming. In spite of everything, you may simply get 50 to 60 fps in titles like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto V, making this an efficient all-rounder.

There are two downsides to Framework’s modular strategy, considered one of which is that the {hardware} will all the time look extra practical than its rivals. The second, and extra crucial, is that the entire CPU cooling must be built-in onto the mainboard itself. Whereas quite a lot of machines might be designed round thermal administration, this one can’t as a result of the whole lot is modular. So the fan on high of the mainboard has to do the entire work with one hand tied behind its again. Consequently each the Intel and AMD variations of Framework’s laptops are noisy in methods extra fashionable machines aren’t.

Framework says it addressed the noise challenge by redesigning the heatpipe, bettering the fan algorithm and switching to Honeywell’s PTM7958 thermal paste. Sadly, as many hours as the corporate might have put in right here, you’re nonetheless going to should cope with loads of fan noise and warmth underneath heavy load. And whereas AMD promised the 300 AI was designed to be extra power-efficient, the brand new processor additional dents this factor’s battery life. I didn’t get something near a full day on a cost right here, however that appears to be the best way with so many laptops lately.

Enter cowl (Second technology)

Close up image of the Framework Laptop's second-generation input cover

I’ve all the time recommended Framework for its dedication to bettering each {hardware} element because it goes. This time round, the corporate labored with manufacturing companion Lite-On to provide its keyboard a makeover. It centered on hard-to-spot enhancements like printing the caps in a barely thinner weight, changing the fingerprint sensor and redesigning the Shift and Enter keys.

Fortunately, what hasn’t modified is the 1.5mm key journey, and founder Nirav Patel instructed me years in the past that he had little interest in attempting to repair what wasn’t damaged. This implies the keyboard itself stays as simple to make use of because it was earlier than, albeit with a barely quieter typing motion. The keys aren’t as free of their housing as they have been on the older mannequin, which is one other signal of upper high quality. Customers may decide from keyboards with a devoted Home windows Copilot key or the Framework key, relying in your working system loyalties.

Extra importantly, the corporate addressed suggestions that the huge keys would rattle when the speaker performed at excessive volumes. There’s a brand new scaffold supporting the Shift and spacebar to scale back vibration when the sound will get loud. I believe the unique drawback was overstated, however maybe my audio picks aren’t as bass-heavy as another of us. Regardless, the adjustments listed below are welcome and once I’ve watched explosion-heavy audio, I discovered little to no rattle in any respect.

The compromises

Image of the layout diagram from Framework's documentation for the Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen 300 AI

It’s not as easy to swap an Intel mainboard for an AMD one as there are points with {hardware} compatibility. Equally, the AMD boards assist completely different USB requirements for various growth card slots, as you may see within the image. This is true for AMD boards no matter the manufacturer, nevertheless it’s one factor to recollect earlier than you make your buy.

In abstract

Image of the Framework Laptop 13's top lid

If you’re already inside Framework’s ecosystem then be happy to sleep on this improve. Sure, the AI 300 is healthier than the chip it replaces however to not the extent I’d recommend you shell out a number of hundred {dollars} on one. In case you aren’t, then you definately’ll most likely be swayed by Framework’s broader pitch quite than this particular replace. My suspicion is that the corporate’s maturing ecosystem is ideally positioned to benefit from the present geopolitical brouhaha. In spite of everything, if the price of each pocket book is liable to leaping by means of the roof, having the ability to maintain one machine working for longer is compelling. And, for those who’re seeking to leap in, you need to seize one of many discounted Ryzen 7040 machines earlier than they go. In spite of everything, for those who discover the efficiency a little bit gradual in just a few years’ time, you’ll be well-placed to benefit from the following technology improve when it arrives.

I do know there are some who really feel Framework’s underlying platform is getting a little bit stale, which I do perceive. Tech customers are always clamoring for a more moderen, flashier doodad, and when the Laptop computer 13 first launched, it already seemed a technology behind rival 13-inch notebooks in the identical class. When the Laptop computer 13 first launched, it already seemed a technology behind rival 13-inch notebooks in the identical class. 5 years down the road, it received’t beat any machines from Dell, Acer or ASUS in look or really feel.

However whereas it might not have the razzle or dazzle, it does have the endurance, and that’s going to be a much bigger asset within the subsequent few years. In case you’re the kind of one that would purchase a Lenovo Thinkpad and run it till it falls aside, then it is a higher possibility. In spite of everything, with a Framework, you received’t even have to fret about it falling aside.

This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/framework-laptop-13-2025-with-amd-ryzen-ai-300-review-the-usual-iterative-upgrade-172031005.html?src=rss

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