Framework 13 AMD: Due for a refresh?
Framework 13 AMD: Due for a refresh?
I'm curious about when we might see the next AMD refresh for the Framework Laptop 13. The current top-spec option is the Ryzen 7 7840U, which was introduced in early 2023 and started shipping in Q3 2023. Given AMD's latest offerings and Framework's history of timely updates, soon we might expect to see a new mainboard featuring AMD's newer CPUs, like those from the Ryzen 8040 series or the upcoming Ryzen 9000 series.
- Ryzen 7 7840U:
- Architecture: Zen 4
- Cores/Threads: 8/16
- Base/Boost Clock: 3.3 GHz / 5.1 GHz
- TDP: 15-28W
- Integrated GPU: Radeon 780M
Potential New CPUs:
- Ryzen 8040 Series: Higher base and boost clocks, improved power efficiency, and enhanced RDNA 2 or RDNA 3 integrated graphics.
- Ryzen 9000 Series: Zen 5 architecture, up to 16 cores and 32 threads, improved AI processing capabilities, and better power efficiency.
Framework has consistently updated its laptops with the latest Intel and AMD CPUs, so it seems we might be due for a refresh soon.
What are your expectations for the next AMD mainboard refresh?
Given the prospects of strix point and halo, I think a refresh would bode well particularly given the issues some people have with module power use.
That said, I think strix point has four fewer pcie lanes than its predecessor, I'm wondering if that would prevent a SP version of the Framework 16.
My primary wish for all framework mainboards right now is LPCAMM2.
On the other hand, I believe lunar lake will only offer on-package memory.
Could you tell me more about the module power use issues?
Some expansion cards use more power in certain slots.
My guess would be that Framework releases a model/mainboard featuring Ryzen AI 300 (Zen 5). It'll probably be a while as they are in the process of releasing Core Ultra Series 1 right now, and these CPUs have been out since mid-December 2023.
So I wouldn't expect a new AMD model to be released before 2025. Maybe it'll be announced at the end of this year though.
The Ryzen AI 300 apparently only uses soldered RAM, so probably not.
It's definitely supported (although many manufacturers will use LPDDR5 for faster speeds at the cost of upgradability/repairability), see https://www.amd.com/en/products/processors/laptop/ryzen/300-series/amd-ryzen-ai-9-365.html
I'd love to see a newer AMD version, especially if it means the older model gets cheaper. I've been having battery issues with my current laptop (battery degradation (battery health at around 60% or less) + charger seems to not charge laptop at full power, meaning it's slower when plugged in lol). So, my next machine could easily be a Framework.