Framework Desktop evaluate: A robust AI PC, made with love

Finest Costs Right now: Framework Desktop

The Framework Desktop DIY Version is exclusive: a do-it-yourself desktop with out the complexity of constructing from scratch, forming a compact, personalised “AI workstation.” In case you’re nervous a few less-familiar model, don’t be. Framework obsesses over particulars, from manuals to useful hints etched into the supplies themselves. A number of images present tighten a thumbscrew–that’s how comfy they need you to be.

I can level to a couple issues that I believed wanted enchancment: soldered reminiscence, a beta driver bundle that ought to be finalized by the point you purchase it, and a prime panel which didn’t clip in as simply as I might have favored. Inserting the SSD careworn me out a bit, too.

However Framework’s eye for personalisation (coloured tiles you possibly can design and set up your self, plus your alternative of I/O) lends itself to enjoyable and productiveness. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ (Strix Halo) chip inside is barely out of the extraordinary, with its do-everything design. I’ve excessive reward for the Framework Desktop, and assume you’ll too. Let me let you know why.

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Framework Desktop: Specs

Framework permits you to decide and select which elements you wish to add… type of. Our evaluate mannequin was a DIY Version, which asks you to construct the PC your self. Framework additionally sells a wholly pre-built mannequin, too.

For every Desktop, you’ll want to pick out which Ryzen AI Max processor (with an built-in GPU) you like: the Max 385, an 8-core chip with 32GB of LPDDR5x reminiscence hooked up, as much as the Max+ 395, a 16-core processor with a whopping 128GB of reminiscence. Every processor is pre-mounted on the Framework mainboard, contained in the Desktop’s case and with an influence provide. It’s all upgradable, with one exception: the reminiscence is soldered on to the motherboard.

Due to this, costs start at $1,099 for AMD’s Ryzen AI Max 385 and climb to $1,999 for the Max+ 395 possibility. Whereas this DIY Version permits you to cease and contribute your individual storage, you in all probability gained’t.

So begin tacking on the extras: WD Black SSDs bought by Framework (between $69 and $699 for 500GB to 8TB) function main and non-obligatory secondary storage, as much as $199 for a Home windows 11 Professional license, and choices like a translucent aspect panel, customized tiles, and so forth add value. You’ll want to choose considered one of three 120mm CPU followers, too, or provide your individual. Our evaluate mannequin (detailed under) value somewhat over $2,500.

To recap: assuming you provide your individual SSD and working system, you possibly can spend as little as $1,099 for the Framework Desktop. However you’ll in all probability wish to purchase some storage from Framework, too. Simply don’t overlook the non-obligatory growth playing cards ($11-$39 apiece) and the coloured tiles ($10-$15 for a pack of seven monochrome tiles, and $5 apiece for emblem tiles). They’re non-obligatory however make the Framework enjoyable.

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Framework’s Framework Desktop configuration web page spells all of it out. Bear in mind, although, that Framework makes the Desktop in batches, and the web page reveals the Framework Desktop at present bought out by means of someday after October.

(As of press time, Framework had not issued any up to date steering on President Trump’s proposed chip tariffs of one hundred pc. Examine the Framework tariff weblog for up to date info.)

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max 385/Max+ 395
• Graphics: Radeon 8060S (built-in)
• NPU: Sure, 50 TOPS
• Reminiscence: 32GB (Max 385)/64GB (Max+ 395)/ 128GB (Max+ 395), LPDDR5X-8000, soldered to motherboard
• Storage: 500GB to 8TB NVMe PCI 4.0 SSD (2TB as examined)
• Energy provide: 400W, Gold (110V), or Silver (230V)
• Ports: 2 USB-C (USB 4 40Gbps), 2 DisplayPort 2.1, 2 USB-A 10Gbps, HDMI 2.1, 5Gbit Ethernet, 3.5mm jack
• Safety: none built-in
• Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
• Working system: Consumer-supplied (Home windows 11 Professional as examined)
• Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.1 x 3.9in.
• Weight: 6.8 kilos
• Shade: Black
• Worth: Beginning at $1,099, $2,515 as examined

Framework Desktop: Construct course of

Our evaluate unit of the Framework Desktop arrived in what virtually gave the impression to be a “flat pack” field such as you’d discover from Ikea. (Framework requested the way it ought to be custom-made; I responded with a picture of our PCWorld emblem and a request to “make it cool.”)

Mark Hachman / Foundry

Every part got here individually boxed, with the highest field bearing an HTML glyph and hyperlink to the web quick-start construct directions. This course of was extraordinarily simple, insanely detailed, and leaned into the a part of my psyche that appreciates exact, well-documented directions. In case you’ve ever struggled by means of an Ikea guide, your soul will probably be soothed by the Framework guides, assured.

The Framework Desktop measures 8.9 x 8.1 x 3.9 inches, which interprets into 4.5 liters of area. The Desktop will match inside an extraordinary backpack, although not as conveniently as a laptop computer.

As my construct article notes, Framework’s DIY Version actually doesn’t provide you with that a lot to really do, apart from insert the SSD, connect the fan, and mount the aspect panel, tiles, and growth playing cards. Usually, “constructing” a PC entails putting the CPU on the motherboard, making use of thermal paste and a cooler, and inserting/attaching the motherboard to the case. Not right here.

Framework does this all for you already, mounting the mini-ITX Framework Mainboard contained in the metallic chassis, together with a FlexATX 400W energy provide with both a Gold (110V) or Silver (230V) score. You’ll have to set up the SSD your self; the first M.2 slot is properly inside the case, making it a bit difficult to put in. A secondary slot is on the underside of the motherboard and simply accessible through a aspect panel.

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Framework’s specs web page goes into extra element than you would possibly want however will in all probability admire, such because the acoustic noise and airflow rankings of the three non-obligatory CPU followers from Cooler Grasp and Noctua right down to the size and design of the heatsink. Talking of airflow, the Desktop operated quietly with little or no noise. Inside, the entire cables had been tightly wrapped and out of the way in which.

Framework even goes as far as to publish different guides that you could be by no means use, reminiscent of eradicating the Framework mainboard from the Framework case and putting in it in a wholly new, customized case. In case you’re thinking about a extra detailed dialogue of the construct course of, contemplate studying my separate article.

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Framework says that the entire course of will take you about 45 minutes, which sounds about proper. Bear in mind, that features putting in an working system like Home windows, which may simply take 20 to half-hour by itself.

My set up additionally shipped with beta drivers that AMD hadn’t totally signed off on. That not solely meant that I needed to set up a driver package deal (for Wi-Fi, audio, and the like) in addition to the working system, however that they affected the efficiency as properly. (Framework stated the night time earlier than this evaluate printed that it had begun delivery finalized drivers.)

Since AMD’s Ryzen AI Max CPU is a cell half, the chipset is built-in into it. That definitely helps the Desktop from an upgradability standpoint, as that side is taken care of.

Many of the aspect panels connect to through a mixture of magnets and/or tabs, which went on easily, however required a little bit of fiddling. The one challenge I had was with the highest panel. Framework used some sliding tabs to carry the highest panel down, together with two thumbscrews. For no matter purpose, the tabs both refused to slip in for minutes at a time, or did so instantly. I’d encourage Framework to seek out one other resolution.

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Don’t overlook to order and set up the coloured tiles! These are the soul of the Framework desktop, and are available numerous colours. Every tile (save for among the customized, logoed tiles) has just a few slim slits for airflow. I considered these as a mud display screen of types till I observed that air is sucked in by means of the grillwork on the aspect panel, pushed throughout the CPU utilizing the CPU fan, then pushed out by means of the back and front.

Many individuals like to embellish their laptops utilizing stickers. I hate doing so, however actually had enjoyable utilizing the coloured tiles to create a enjoyable little mosaic highlighting the PCWorld customized tile that Framework commissioned.

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Once more, the tiles are non-obligatory. Airflow is sucked in by means of the aspect grille and pushed out by means of the back and front, so make sure and reserve many of the slatted tiles for the highest of the entrance panel to keep away from blocking the airflow because it exits the case.

Framework requested us for a customized tile design with our PCWorld emblem. It doesn’t lengthen customers the identical alternative, a minimum of but.

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The Desktop’s rear ports embody an HDMI 2.1 port, a pair of DisplayPort 2.1 ports, two USB4 connections, a 5Gbit Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Thunderbolt ports utilized by Thunderbolt docks are simply branded USB4 ports, so the 2 USB4 ports will hook up with a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 dock at 40 Gbps speeds.

Framework additionally permits you to purchase a number of I/O connectors, often called Growth Playing cards, which plug into two entrance receptacles. Every growth card is basically a passive USB-C dongle, and you should buy USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jacks — all the things apart from a show port. Every growth card slots into the slot, then latches utilizing a small lock on the underside of the case. Every little thing labored completely when it comes to efficiency and swapping them in or out.

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Framework Desktop: Efficiency

Testing the Framework Desktop is a problem, if solely as a result of it could actually accomplish that many issues properly. It’s each a productive (and quiet) desktop machine, however its built-in GPU is highly effective sufficient for after-hours gaming. However the actual purpose the Framework Desktop could exist is due to its huge quantities of VRAM, which lends itself to downloading and working numerous iterations of AI, together with AI artwork and chatbots, or LLMs.

AMD’s Ryzen AI 395+ helps a TDP of 55 watts, present as each a cell processor in addition to a desktop CPU. So far, the one different machines to make use of AMD’s chip have been gaming tablets just like the Asus ROG Circulation Z13 or extra conventional clamshell notebooks just like the HP ZBook. Producers have begun to check with a few of these as AI workstations, regardless that they don’t actually mirror the massive, cumbersome workstations of previous. Framework’s Desktop positive doesn’t.

Desktop graphics playing cards ship with devoted video RAM; in laptops, VRAM is allotted a unique manner. The truth that the Ryzen AI Max (Strix Halo) is a cell processor is extra vital than you would possibly assume.

In AI, the video RAM hooked up to a GPU is basically the RAM the AI algorithm makes use of. Laptops with Intel chips inside divvy up the system RAM equally between the GPU and the working system: an Intel Core Extremely pocket book with 32GB of RAM makes use of 16GB to execute packages and assigns 16GB to the GPU as VRAM. AMD does it in a different way: the BIOS assigns what VRAM it thinks it wants, however you possibly can manually regulate it, one thing that you may not do with most Intel-based laptops.

Why is that vital? Out of the field, the Framework Desktop wasn’t actually optimized to reap the benefits of its huge quantities of RAM. Bear in mind, Framework issued reviewers early drivers. Because it turned out, these drivers didn’t ship the perfect efficiency, particularly on AI purposes. AMD (coincidentally or not) printed a beta driver to its Adrenalin software program package deal, which permits the 128GB of RAM hooked up to the AI Max+ 395 to assign 32GB to the working system, leaving a whopping 96GB as VRAM for graphics or AI.

Principally, what I’ve completed is first examine the Framework Desktop to plenty of present “Strix Halo” PCs, all within the cell area, to show its comparative efficiency. Subsequent, we’ll examine the Framework Desktop to plenty of gaming laptops — not a lot to level out which is healthier, however to can help you mentally classify the place the Desktop and its Strix Halo chip sits within the grand scheme of issues. Which gaming laptops does it examine to? I feel that’s as helpful as anything.

For the primary batch of comparisons, we’re pitting the Framework Desktop towards the HP ZBook Extremely G1a, primarily a direct comparability with a Ryzen AI Max+ Professional 395 chip inside and 128GB of RAM; the $2,299 Asus ROG Circulation Z13 gaming pill with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 however with solely 32GB of RAM; and a model of the $1,699 Asus ZenBook S16, with a a lot lower-performance Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and 32GB of RAM.

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In sure purposes, we’d count on that the higher cooling of the Desktop would possibly make a distinction; in different benchmarks, the extra VRAM would possibly give it an edge. Cinebench is a purely CPU-driven benchmark, which may be run on a single thread — the place efficiency is statistically equal — and throughout the entire cores and threads.

On condition that three of those gadgets use very related CPUs, you would possibly count on that these numbers could be nearly equivalent. However there’s a 19.6 p.c improve from the ZBook to the Framework Desktop in CPU efficiency alone. In a case like this, I might attribute the distinction when it comes to the Desktop’s superior cooling.

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I didn’t have private entry to all of those gadgets; we preserve a critiques database, and sure gadgets are shipped backwards and forwards. On this case, we did have entry to the Blender benchmark, which makes use of the open-source 3D creation software to generate three totally different scenes. This take a look at measures each the CPU and GPU.

Once more, we’re seeing an identical division between all 4 gadgets. Trying solely on the Monster benchmark (proven in blue), the Desktop improves by 27.6 p.c over the HP ZBook, with no change to the scores due to the improved driver. That can change.

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This was after I began to ask questions on whether or not Framework’s driver made a distinction. Procyon’s Picture Technology take a look at merely creates a collection of 16 1024×1024 photos, utilizing a standard immediate. Framework’s Desktop wasn’t sluggish to take action, but it surely fell behind a few notebooks, which made me increase my eyebrows. Because it turned out, AMD’s driver made extra RAM obtainable to the processor and the picture era algorithm.

Right here, the Framework Desktop improves by 26 p.c over the HP ZBook, roughly constant to the way it behaved within the Blender benchmark. The Framework Desktop generated a picture about each ten seconds, which is fairly good and not using a discrete GPU. Clearly, you’ll see higher (or worse) efficiency working AI artwork on different fashions not utilized by this benchmark.

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I didn’t have the entire gadgets obtainable to me to run this benchmark, which approximates an AI chatbot / LLM, working 4 comparatively previous fashions. The take a look at measures the pace of the output, asking related questions or prompting related duties.

This benchmark was fairly shut utilizing Framework’s driver, however with the improved AMD driver the efficiency soar on the Phi 3.5 benchmark will increase simply 8.7 p.c. Typically talking, chatbot efficiency might be going to be fairly related throughout these gadgets, even these we didn’t take a look at.

Mark Hachman / Foundry

Mark Hachman / Foundry

We’ll have some extra gaming benchmarks a bit decrease down, however these two video games point out that gaming is definitely doable at excessive ranges on the Framework Desktop. We’re exhibiting right here each common framerates in addition to the “minimal” one p.c framerates, indicating that if and when your recreation stutters, even a framerate drop will put it at playable ranges. Most players contemplate 60 fps to be absolutely the minimal, with above 90 fps most popular.

At over 90 fps for each video games on the highest visible settings, each of those comparatively latest video games are definitely playable on this PC.

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For different video games, we use 3DMark’s benchmarks as a proxy for a way properly the system will carry out.

On this case, developer UL recommends that we use the Metal Nomad Gentle benchmark as the suitable one for this {hardware}. Right here, the Framework Desktop demonstrates a 16.5 p.c improve versus the HP ZBook.

Subsequent, we in contrast the Framework Desktop to plenty of gaming laptops. Once more, the aim right here was to not confirm whether or not the Framework Desktop was the perfect in any explicit class, however to provide you with a way for the place the Desktop and its Strix Halo chip stands when it comes to {hardware} that you just already know and perceive.

For this, we in contrast the Desktop to the $1,499 Alienware 16 Aurora, which makes use of a Core 7 240H chip on Intel’s Raptor Lake structure, and a Nvidia GeForce RTX5060; in addition to two Intel “Arrow Lake” notebooks. The primary, the $3,299 Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, comprises a Core Extremely 9 275HX and an RTX 5080. The opposite, the $4,499 MSI Raider 18 HX A2XW, features a Core Extremely 9 285HX and an RTX 5080 as properly, and is without doubt one of the quickest notebooks we’ve seen.

Lastly, we’ve added the slower $1,199.99 Dell G15 with an Intel Core i7-13650HX chip and an RTX 4060 chip inside, plus the $2,699 Razer Blade 14 with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU and an RTX 5070 GPU.

The AMD Ryzen Max+ 395 consists of 16 cores and 32 threads, and runs as much as 5.1GHz within the turbo mode. That truly places it forward of the Core Extremely 9 contained in the MSI Raider, which has 24 cores and 24 threads. The distinction is that these threads run as much as speeds of 5.5GHz, in all probability giving the Raider the sting right here.

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We usually, select PCMark 10 as our “how properly will this method carry out on a regular basis duties?” take a look at. It’s a conglomerate of checks starting from video chat to net looking, workplace work, with capabilities like CAD thrown in for good measure. Most laptops and desktops excel right here, however the extra “heavier” duties like CAD can drag down underperforming techniques.

There aren’t any points right here. Normally work, the Framework Desktop will probably be one of many quickest machines on the planet.

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Handbrake converts a feature-length movie of about 90 minutes right into a format appropriate for a pill. It’s an outdated benchmark from the standpoint that streaming is widespread on airplanes and elsewhere. However Handbrake nonetheless pushes the entire CPU cores to their restrict, and does in order a take a look at of their extended efficiency.

Notice that there are various newer and optimized variations of Handbrake which can ship improved efficiency, however we use the older model for consistency’s sake. Right here, the Desktop nonetheless performs properly.

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As anticipated, we’ve included the outcomes of two distinction video games to enrich the gaming outcomes we printed above.

By now, Metro: Exodus could also be six years previous, however the engine punishes previous and new GPUs alike. It’s price noting that we’ve turned off body era and upscaling for these, offering (within the phrases of my colleague Adam Patrick Murray) “farm to desk frames” that measure precisely what these GPUs can render.

The Framework Desktop can’t obtain what most players contemplate to be the minimal 60 fps that makes a recreation playable, and it falls to the underside of the rankings. Nonetheless, for an all-around resolution like AMD’s Strix Halo chip, it’s spectacular.

Mark Hachman / Foundry

Mark Hachman / Foundry

One of many key causes to think about a Framework Desktop, nevertheless, is that it lends itself to the usage of AI. Right here, the efficiency issues to some extent, but it surely’s the dimensions of the mannequin that makes it significantly engaging. Because the huge quantity of accessible VRAM may be allotted to loading and storing the AI mannequin, our Desktop evaluate unit can load fashions others can’t.

An area AI mannequin is non-public, and doesn’t endure from any restrictions on what number of instances you possibly can ask questions. You possibly can obtain no matter fashions will match inside the reminiscence limitation, and prepare them to reply your individual private questions.

Because it seems, two fashions debuted late in our testing interval: Meta’s Llama 4 Scout 109B (109 billion parameters) mannequin, a 67GB obtain, and the primary OpenAI mannequin to run regionally, often called OpenAI-gpt-oss 20B (20 billion parameters), which took up 11.3 GB of area.

When offering a pattern question (“How a lot wooden might a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck might chuck wooden? Be express, and let’s faux that solely pine timber are used.”) the Llama 4 Scout mannequin generated 12.64 tokens per second, with 0.62 seconds to first token. OpenAI’s mannequin was a lot quicker, at 53.9 tokens per second, and a pair of.27 seconds to the primary token.

What do these numbers imply? An AI prints textual content like a dot-matrix printer, spitting out line by line. How acceptable the pace is is dependent upon how shortly you learn: as a quick reader, 12 tokens per second is quick sufficient. The time to first token is how lengthy a mannequin “thinks” earlier than producing its response.

Normally, AI fashions with extra parameters have a tendency to present higher, extra inventive responses, although there’s some variation in that relying on the way it’s educated. Smaller fashions have a tendency to present less complicated responses. I tended to love OpenAI’s responses higher, as Meta’s wanted a little bit of followup at instances.

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Framework Desktop: Conclusion

You’ll all the time be capable to put collectively a PC with precisely the elements you would like, and aggressively store for every one. Laptops are definitely an efficient use of the area, and embody a show besides.

However there’s one thing I actually love contained in the Framework Desktop. Sure, Framework soldered down the reminiscence, which is a disadvantage in comparison with, properly, many of the competitors. However I used to be very charmed by the care and element Framework put into the meeting course of, full with the private contact that the tiles provide.

But the Desktop isn’t only a gimmick, both. After I reviewed the Asus ROG gaming pill with an identical AMD “Strix Halo” chip inside, I struggled to know why Asus selected a pill over a clamshell, and even higher, a desktop. The Framework Desktop is what I feel all of us wished: a compact, small-form-factor desktop that packs severe energy and can be utilized for productiveness, gaming, and AI alike.

Ought to I take advantage of the time period “love” right here? I virtually wish to. Failing that, there’s a way of thoughtfulness that’s rarer right now than ever. The Desktop looks like a product designed for somebody that desires to make that leap into changing into a tech fanatic, with just a bit assist getting over the hump. May a mother or father construct a Desktop with their little one? Completely.

I very a lot loved my time with the Framework Desktop. In case you select to purchase the Framework Desktop, I feel you’ve made a wise and pleasurable choice.