The Framework Laptop is an adaptable and repairable portable computer. It features a 13.5-inch screen displaying 2256 x 1504 px. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor (8C/16T), its configuration can be customized to your preference. The Framework Laptop 13 also boasts a motherboard equipped with an AMD Ryzen processor, allowing it to harness the efficiency and versatility of the Ryzen 7040U while retaining its modularity.
Technical Specifications of Framework Laptop 13
| Specifications | Details |
| Screen Size | 13.5 inches |
| Screen Resolution | 2256 x 1504 |
| Dimensions (Width, Length, Thickness) | 296 x 228 x 15.85 mm |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Graphics Card | Radeon 780M |
| Video Memory | NA |
| Storage | 1024 GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Panel Finish | Matte |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Hybrid | No |
| Cooling System | Fan |
| Repairability Index | 9.7/10 |
| Price | US$1049.00 |
Framework Laptop 13 Overview
The Framework Laptop 13 has successfully advanced over the years. As a reminder, Framework’s ambition is to offer a modular laptop through the customization of its ports, but primarily to be evolutionary with the ability to easily change its motherboard, and consequently the processor, since it is soldered to the board.
Anticipation and Fulfillment
With the announcement of the laptop 13, Framework was highly anticipated. The company lived up to expectations, delivering as promised, motherboards with 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. However, Framework went beyond providing the promised upgrades. Other improvements emerged, such as the matte display, a larger capacity battery, sturdier hinges, and even more powerful speakers. This complements a catalog of spare parts covering the entire Framework Laptop 13.
Read Also: MSI Raider GE67 HX Gaming Laptop Review, Specs and Features
Meeting Community Demands
One of the main community requests was the availability of a motherboard equipped with an AMD Ryzen processor. This allows for the efficiency of the Zen architecture in terms of both performance and battery life, as well as the graphic capabilities derived from Radeon. Thus, two AMD processors now complement the Intel offering on the Framework Laptop: the Ryzen 5 7640U (6C/12T) and the Ryzen 7 7840U (8C/16T), introducing AMD’s latest Zen4 cores, fabricated on 5nm.
Testing and Transition
Framework provided us with a motherboard powered by the Ryzen 7 7840U, which we installed in place of the Intel motherboard. Therefore, we did not retest the unchanged elements. We invite you to refer to the sections on Construction, Screen, and Audio in the review of the Framework Laptop with the Intel Core i7-1360P.
Related: ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 2023 Gaming Laptop Review
Construction : Framework Laptop 13
The only significant difference from the Intel model is that the motherboard houses four USB-C ports conforming to the USB 4 standard instead of Thunderbolt 4. Framework recommends installing the USB-C modules near the hinges to avoid unnecessary battery drain, as these ports are constantly polled to check if a device is connected.
Framework Laptop 13: Cooling System and Thermal Performance
Changing the processor leads to a different behavior from the cooling system, especially when transitioning from Intel to AMD. We subjected the Framework Laptop 13 to the scrutiny of our thermal camera. During our usual encoding task, which fully engages all processor cores, the temperature never exceeds 44 °C at the keyboard level. The WASD keys remain cool (less than 34 °C) as they benefit from the fan located just below. The touchpad remains free from any heat, with a temperature not exceeding 30 °C.
In terms of noise levels, the fan in the Framework Laptop 13 is much quieter during office use compared to the Intel version. However, we did reach 41 dB during our encoding test (41.5 dB for the Intel version). This can be attributed to Framework’s chosen behavior for its cooling system. By pushing the ventilation, performance is not limited, unlike what some other manufacturers do, especially on their very slim models. If you need silence, you can switch the performance mode of Windows 11 to “Best Energy Efficiency” in the power settings.
Read Also: Review of ASUS ROG Flow X13
Motherboard Installation
Installing the AMD motherboard poses no particular difficulty if you have successfully disconnected and reconnected electronic ribbons before—this is the only truly daunting aspect of changing a motherboard. Access is still achieved by separating the keyboard, then unscrewing the five motherboard screws. Framework provides numerous resources (photos, videos, detailed tutorials, etc.) to accomplish this replacement. With all of its components easily accessible and replaceable, Framework can boast a reparability index of 9.7/10.
Performance of Framework Laptop 13
The Framework Laptop 13 houses an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, accompanied by 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The Ryzen 7 7840U itself features 8 multithreaded Zen4 cores and can reach a boost frequency of 5.1 GHz. Its power envelope is only 28 W, promising impressive efficiency on paper.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its Ryzen 7 7840U, achieves a performance score of 149. This positions it as the most powerful among current ultraportable. It proves to be 12% more robust than the Framework Laptop model with an Intel Core i7, and 33% more powerful than the Apple M2 in the MacBook Air 15. To find a model more powerful than this Ryzen 7 7840U, one would need to turn to Intel’s -H series or AMD’s -HS series processors, which have significantly higher power envelopes. The Intel-based Framework Laptop is thus well-equipped for all tasks, including the most creative.
Related: Best Lenovo Laptop of 2023
The graphics component also impresses. Named the Radeon 780M, it incorporates 12 RDNA3 compute units from the desktop Radeon 7000 graphics cards. According to our synthetic benchmarks evaluating graphic capability, the Radeon 780M scores 35,187 on OpenCL and 31,007 on Geekbench 5.4’s Vulkan API, compared to 31,283 and 25,463 for the Radeon 680M of the Ryzen 7 6800U, representing respective increases of 12% and 21%.
The installed SSD is a Western Digital SN750, achieving speeds of 5.2 GB/s in read and 4.8 GB/s in write. It contributes both to the responsiveness of the operating system and to the swift transfer of your latest video rushes.
Mobility / Battery Life of Framework Laptop 13
The measurements of the Framework Laptop 13 remain unchanged after its transition to a motherboard equipped with an AMD processor. It will easily find its place, and the 65 W charger remains just as compact.
With its 61 Wh battery, the same one used during our review of the model with an Intel Core i7, the Framework Laptop 13 Ryzen 7 lasted nearly 8 hours and 40 minutes while streaming video on Netflix in the Chrome browser (screen set to 200 cd/m², headphones plugged in at 50% volume, Bluetooth and backlighting disabled). This is nearly 2 hours longer than the Intel model, representing a 28% increase in battery life. This allows the Laptop 13 to last the day away from an electrical outlet, without the need to worry about the charger. It will also be possible to extend this autonomy by putting the Laptop 13 in Best Energy Efficiency mode in Windows 11.
Related: Review Of the MSI Cyborg 15 A12V (Core I7 12th Gen, RTX 4060) Laptop
Pros and Cons of Framework Laptop 13
Pros
Well-calibrated screen.
Top-notch repairability.
No pre-installed software.
Modularity of ports.
Performance.
Cons
Disappointing 1080p webcam.
Audio performance falls short.
Related: Review of ASUS ROG FLOW X16 (2022) GV601 Gaming Laptop
Framework Laptop 13 Review Conclusion
The Framework Laptop 13 equipped with its Ryzen processor benefits from all the strengths of AMD’s CPU. It is both highly performant and capable of impressive gaming feats, while also exhibiting autonomy. Added to this is a consistently excellent screen, and of course, all the qualities of the concept: customization, modularity, and scalability.