Framework Desktop

At 4.5 liters, the Framework Desktop is tiny and super easy to assemble, with AMD Ryzen AI Max mainboard options that are great for 2.5K gaming, local content creation, or AI work.

The Framework desktop is an interesting option for people who want or need a compact and easy-to-build workstation or gaming PC, or a Windows-or-Linux version of Apple's Mac Studio. It will fit comfortably under a TV or in a cramped office. It's too bad that it isn't easier to upgrade. But for people who would prefer the benefits of a socketed CPU or a swappable graphics card, I'm sure the people at Framework would be the first ones to point you in the direction of a good-old desktop PC.

Framework set out to revolutionize the laptop world with repairability and upgradability, and is now extending that to its first desktop PC. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor it uses is blazing fast and has an integrated GPU roughly as fast as an RTX 4060. Configurations with large RAM can also run large AI models, albeit slowly. However, with a dedicated processor and soldered memory, the distinctive Framework concept doesn't really shine, while the company is charging steep prices for both the PC itself and all its accessories.

If you are after a small form factor PC with powerful integrated graphics and very competent CPU potential with 16 cores / 32 threads (of Zen 5 with AVX-512, et al!), AMD Ryzen AI Max+ "Strix Halo" is the best option of 2025. While other PC vendors are coming to market with Strix Halo mini PCs as well, with Framework Desktop you have the modular expansion cards and other customization options that are unmatched by the other vendors. Framework also works to ensure good Linux support on their products too as another advantage compared to some of the other mini PC vendors.