Framework Refreshes the Laptop 16 with Ryzen AI Processors, Optional Dedicated NVIDIA Graphics

Modular, repairable, upgradeable computer specialist Framework has announced a refresh to its Laptop 16 lineup, now available with AMD Ryzen AI processors and the option for a Blackwell-class NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB dedicated graphics processor.

"We’ve spent the last two years working with the teams at AMD, NVIDIA, and Compal to not only make a new NVIDIA-powered Graphics Module, but also make it fully backwards compatible with the original Framework Laptop 16," explains Framework's Nirav Patel of the new hardware. "That means any current owner can pick up the new module and get the latest generation of graphics! This is a huge leap in performance and capability."

Framework announced the original Laptop 16 back in March 2023, as a larger-scale alternative to its popular Laptop 13 — with, as you might expect, a 16" screen to the latter's 13". The difference goes deeper than just the screen size, though: the Laptop 16 was the company's first to include a rear-facing "Expansion Bay" that allowed for the addition of a dedicated graphics card to boost performance — though only one model was available at launch.

The company's refresh changes that, offering a second option for both existing Laptop 16 users and newcomers: a Blackwell-architecture NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB, up from the AMD Radeon RX 7700S originally available, delivering a claimed 798 tera-operations per second (TOPS) for sparse minimum-precision artificial intelligence workloads. The Mainboard single-board computer driving the Laptop 16 has been updated, too, and now comes with the buyer's choice of AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, eight- and 12-core chips with a 45W thermal design profile (TDP) and integrated neural coprocessor for on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML and AI) workloads.

Other changes include a new power adapter delivering up to 240W over a USB Power Delivery 3.1 connection, up from the 180W model previously supplied, an improved webcam that matches the model used on last year's Laptop 13 refresh, a more rigid chassis top, and new artwork options for the modular keyboards — including the choice of a model that features a Microsoft Copilot-marked key, for those who want such a thing. A firmware update will also be provided to all Laptop 16 models that means accidental key-presses while the lid is closed will no longer wake the laptop.

The new specification Mainboards will be made available alongside the earlier AMD Ryzen 7 models, which have been reduced to start at $1,299, but replace the Ryzen 9 option — with "limited quantities" of remaining stock to be sold at a discount but not replaced once exhausted.

Pre-orders for the refreshed Laptop 16 are available on the Framework store now, starting at $1,499; the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB expansion add-on is compatible with both new and old Laptop 16 models, but no other device in the Framework line-up, and on sale at $699. Hardware is expected to begin shipping in November, though latecomers will find their orders bumped to later production batches.