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We were fans of the Framework’s modular, upgradeable laptop when it was released last year, thanks to its beautiful design and user-replaceable RAM, SSD, and ports. Today, Framework folks can buy the motherboard that is the heart of a Framework laptop without buying any other laptop parts.
The base version of the board includes a Core i5-1135G7 CPU, to which you can add as much DDR4 RAM or as much M.2-based storage as you want. The Core i7-1165G7 configuration costs $549, while the high-end Core i7-1185G7 costs $799. Like a laptop, the motherboard is powered through its USB-C port, and you can add any other port modules you like from Framework’s Marketplace.
Framework also publishes documentation and schematics on GitHub to help people design their own enclosures for Framework boards and basic 3D printed enclosures that you can use to protect your board from the elements. One is a basic case and the other is a VESA mount option for strapping the circuit board to the back of a monitor or TV.
Enlarge / Framework’s 3D printed enclosure for the motherboard.
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Intel’s 11th-gen laptop CPUs still do well for general office work or light gaming, but at this point it’s still a bit difficult to recommend spending this kind of money on an older generation of laptop motherboards. But the 3D printable case and VESA mounting bracket should be useful for current Framework laptop owners who decide to upgrade their own motherboards and repurpose their old ones. Framework has yet to announce a 12th-gen version of the Framework motherboard, but presumably it will maintain compatibility with existing chassis and accessories as much as possible.
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