New Framework Laptop 16 to launch with swappable RTX 5070 GPU and Ryzen AI CPUs from $1,499

[Daniel Sims]

Something to look forward to: Two years ago, Framework promised that owners of its 16-inch laptop would one day be able to upgrade to more powerful discrete graphics cards without buying a new notebook – a dream once thought impossible. In a little over three months, customers will finally get to test that promise with the upcoming Nvidia RTX 5070 module.

Pre-orders are now open for the 2025 Framework Laptop 16. Starting at $1,499, it features upgrades across nearly every component of the modular notebook, including AMD Ryzen AI 300 Zen 5 CPUs and an Nvidia Blackwell graphics chip.

The new mobile RTX 5070 is the most significant addition, boosting framerates by about 40 percent compared to the previous model's AMD Radeon RX 7700S. It also supports power delivery and DisplayPort video output through the rear USB-C port. For customers who prefer Radeon (such as Linux users), Framework has also refreshed the 7700S with improved thermals to reduce throttling.

Owners of the original Framework 16 from 2023 can purchase and install all of the new model's upgraded parts individually, including the GPUs, which are inserted through a rear expansion bay. However, if socketable mobile graphics (much less modular laptops) are to catch on, they have a long way to go in regard to pricing.

Framework sells the RTX 5070 module for $699, a $150 premium over the desktop variant, which is more than twice as fast. Users who are content with integrated graphics can also swap the discrete GPU with a $39 SSD PCIe card to expand storage up to 16TB.

The 2025 update also introduces new mainboards with Strix Point processors. Customers can choose between an 8-core Ryzen AI 7 350 (5GHz) for $749 or a 12-core AI 9 HX 370 (5.1GHz) for $1,049.

Framework has refreshed several other components as well. The 2025 suite includes the world's first 240W USB-C laptop charger for faster charging, a Wi-Fi 7 module with Linux support, a 1080p webcam with microphone, a new CNC aluminum back frame, and a G-Sync display. Linux users who want to ditch the Windows key can also opt for keyboards with the Framework logo (or even the Copilot logo in case anyone really wants to).

System RAM is expandable up to 96GB, and internal storage up to 10TB without the PCIe card.

Framework will also reduce the base price of the original Framework Laptop 16 to $1,299.

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New Framework Laptop 16 to launch with swappable RTX 5070 GPU and Ryzen AI CPUs from $1,499

 

[toooooot]

How many times did we see companies try to standardize swappable GPUs? More than once for sure. And every time it failed.

This is something that I would love to see in my next laptop. This is something that would be extremely good for those who care about the planet.
It will be a very good thing if this thing sticks. But I do not believe it can. Making it replaceable is like losing money. They all look at Apple and see how much money those gain by soldering everything to the board. My book3 has everything soldered except SSD. I do not doubt those will be soldered soon as well. It is extremely profitable for laptop makers to make the user lose their laptop as soon as one tiny part fails.
Best luck to Framework because they will need it.

 

[Burty117]

How many times did we see companies try to standardize swappable GPUs? More than once for sure. And every time it failed.

This is something that I would love to see in my next laptop. This is something that would be extremely good for those who care about the planet.
It will be a very good thing if this thing sticks. But I do not believe it can. Making it replaceable is like losing money. They all look at Apple and see how much money those gain by soldering everything to the board.

Framework has been doing this for sometime now, it's not about "if this thing sticks", it's Frameworks whole business model, and has been from the very beginning.

Are you trying to say Framework will give up their entire reason for existing "because that's how Apple does it"? Just trying to understand your logic is all.

 

[Billybobjoey]

Great to see they're still supporting the 2023 model with these. I think once I need a new laptop it'll probably end up being one of theirs in a couple more years.

 

[ncsan]

Too much expensive. yes idea is great selling point but prices high.

 

[Burty117]

Too much expensive. yes idea is great selling point but prices high.

I don't disagree, however, how much would it cost to buy a whole new laptop to get a GPU upgrade?

I agree the GPU price is a bit much, but it's still far cheaper (and far less wasteful) than buying a whole new laptop to get a GPU upgrade.