Framework Laptop 16: The Ultimate DIY Gaming PC?

For decades, buying a gaming laptop came with a harsh reality: the hardware you bought was the hardware you were stuck with forever. If your graphics card became obsolete or your keyboard broke, you often had to replace the entire machine. The Framework Laptop 16 aims to shatter this cycle. It is a high-performance, fully modular laptop that allows you to swap out almost every component, including the discrete graphics processing unit (GPU) and the entire input deck.

This device represents a massive shift in how we view portable computing. It combines the power of a desktop rig with the form factor of a 16-inch notebook. Below, we break down the specifications, the unique modular features, and the real-world value of this ambitious machine.

The Expansion Bay: Upgrading the Impossible

The most groundbreaking feature of the Framework Laptop 16 is the “Expansion Bay.” In traditional laptops, the GPU is soldered directly to the motherboard. Framework solved this by creating a removable shell at the back of the laptop that houses the discrete graphics card and its cooling fans.

Currently, the primary offering for this slot is the AMD Radeon RX 7700S. This module slides into the back of the chassis. If you do not need heavy gaming performance, you can replace the GPU module with an “Expansion Bay Shell,” which houses empty space or additional storage, making the laptop lighter and thinner.

The implication here is significant for longevity. Three years from now, if a newer, compatible GPU module is released, you can theoretically unplug your old RX 7700S and slide in a new card without buying a whole new computer.

Completely Customizable Input Deck

Framework did not stop at internal specs. The entire surface area where your hands rest is modular. The “Input Deck” consists of a grid system that supports various modules.

You can configure the layout in several ways:

  • Keyboard placement: You can center the keyboard or shift it to the left to accommodate a number pad.
  • The Numpad: You can add a dedicated Numpad module if you work with data, or remove it for a cleaner look.
  • Spacers and LED Matrix: If you opt out of a Numpad, you fill the space with “spacers.” Framework offers standard aesthetic spacers or functional “LED Matrix” spacers that can display pixel art, battery levels, or notifications.
  • Touchpad: The touchpad module is also movable. You can align it directly under the spacebar for typing comfort or center it on the chassis.

The keyboard itself runs on open-source QMK firmware, meaning advanced users can re-map every single key to perform macros or custom functions.

Performance and Display Specifications

Under the hood, the Framework Laptop 16 is built to compete with upper-mid-range gaming laptops. It relies on the AMD Ryzen 7040 Series platform.

Core Specifications:

  • CPU: Options include the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS or the more powerful Ryzen 9 7940HS. Both are 8-core, 16-thread processors capable of heavy multitasking and gaming.
  • Graphics: The dedicated GPU module is the AMD Radeon RX 7700S with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
  • Memory: It supports two slots of DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM RAM. You can install up to 64GB (or even 96GB with non-binary modules).
  • Storage: There are two M.2 NVMe slots available. The primary slot supports standard 2280 drives (up to 8TB), while the secondary slot fits smaller 2230 drives (up to 2TB).

The Display: The screen is a 16-inch panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 (16:10 aspect ratio). It features a 165Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium support to prevent screen tearing during gaming. With a brightness of 500 nits and 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, it is suitable for both content creation and high-fidelity gaming.

Port Selection and Expansion Cards

Framework uses a system called “Expansion Cards” for its ports. Instead of being stuck with the ports the manufacturer chose, you have six slots on the sides of the laptop to mix and match.

Available cards include:

  • USB-C
  • USB-A
  • HDMI (2.0b)
  • DisplayPort (Second Gen)
  • Ethernet (2.5Gbit)
  • MicroSD Card Reader
  • Audio Jack (3.5mm)
  • Storage Expansion Cards (250GB or 1TB)

Because the 16-inch model has six slots, you can easily run power on one side, an external monitor on the other, and still have four slots left for peripherals.

Pricing: DIY Edition vs. Pre-Built

Framework sells this laptop in two configurations.

1. DIY Edition: This starts around $1,399. This base price includes the chassis and the Ryzen 7 processor but usually excludes the Operating System, RAM, and Storage. You bring your own parts and assemble it yourself. This is often the preferred route for enthusiasts who can find cheaper RAM and SSD deals on Amazon or Newegg. Note that adding the discrete GPU module adds approximately $400 to the total.

2. Pre-Built: Starting around $1,699, this version comes fully assembled with Windows 11 installed. It is ready to use out of the box but costs more than sourcing the parts yourself.

A fully specced model with the Ryzen 9, the Radeon GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage will typically cost between $2,400 and $2,600.

Is It Worth the Investment?

The Framework Laptop 16 is heavier and thicker than competitors like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 or the Razer Blade 16. It also carries a higher price tag for similar raw performance specs. However, you are paying for the ecosystem, not just the frames per second.

Pros:

  • Unmatched repairability (10⁄10 score from iFixit).
  • The ability to upgrade graphics without buying a new laptop.
  • Total control over keyboard layout and ports.
  • Excellent Linux support (official support for Ubuntu and Fedora).

Cons:

  • Battery life is average (typically 5 to 7 hours depending on workload).
  • The chassis is large and slightly flexible due to the modular parts.
  • Expensive compared to non-modular gaming laptops with similar specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put an NVIDIA GPU in the Framework Laptop 16? Currently, no. Framework only offers the AMD Radeon RX 7700S module. However, because the design is open-source, it is possible that Framework or third-party manufacturers could release NVIDIA modules in the future.

Is it hard to assemble the DIY Edition? No. Framework includes a specialized screwdriver in the box, and every component is labeled with QR codes that link to step-by-step video guides. It is designed to be assembled by people with no prior PC building experience.

Does the keyboard have RGB lighting? Yes. You can choose between a standard white-backlit keyboard or an RGB keyboard module. Both are fully programmable via QMK firmware or software tools like VIA.

How many monitors can it support? The laptop can support up to four external displays simultaneously depending on which Expansion Cards you use (HDMI or DisplayPort) and if you utilize the USB-C ports for video out.