Build a Framework Mainboard Cluster with this Rackmount
Put Framework mainboards in a FrameCluster rackmount and give them another life.
Framework has very quickly gained traction for being what is essentially the only practical modular laptop company. That has appeal, because it means you can easily swap modules, like mainboards, to upgrade or repair your laptop. But what do we do with all of those old mainboards that are left after people upgrade? We put them in a FrameCluster rackmount and give them another life.
FrameCluster just launched on Kickstarter and is Fady Faheem’s answer to a common request seen on the Framework community forms. Users there wanted to a way to build a Framework-based computing cluster in a server rack, using either new or used Framework mainboards.
Current Framework mainboards start at $299 new and though they aren’t common yet, used mainboards do come up for sale. FrameCluster comes in both 10” and 19” versions. Both of them allow you to cram a whole bunch of Framework mainboards into a server. Connect power to those and you’ve got a substantial computing cluster to use for …things.
At this time, FrameCluster consists solely of the rackmount chassis. But there is a stretch goal for the PCB edition, which would add an option for a power button, status LEDs, and expansion header.
The Kickstarter campaign will run until January 2nd, 2026. Early Birds can get the 10” kit for $65 or purchase an STL pack to build their own for $10.