Framework is another kind of laptop manufacturer. It builds on the zeitgeist of the right to repair home appliances yourself. The philosophy is to build devices that can repair, replace or upgrade almost any part of the device.
My first experience with Framework 13 was with the 11th Gen Tiger Lake mainboard inside. In just over 15 minutes I had it apart and had a 13th Gen Raptor Lake system up and running with all my apps and files. in place. This is many times faster than replacing a desktop motherboard.
In the meantime I configured using a 12th generation mainboard (opens in new tab)which is also the fun of Framework’s modular notebook system.
This is a top-of-the-line Framework 13th generation mainboard, easy to upgrade like the rest. But this is certainly not an upgrade I would do now from an existing 11th or 12th generation system, but a victim of the Framework’s growing ambitions.
Core i7 1370p mainboard specs
Before I got my hands on this Framework 13 laptop for the first time, running a big update like this would have required a chunky notebook complete with a desktop CPU bolted together, ostensibly with an SSD and RAM. I thought it would. .
Not at all.of Framework 13 (opens in new tab) is a proper ultrabook-style 13-inch laptop with a simple style that is easy on the eyes. The Dell XPS 13 isn’t all that fancy, but I happily forgive the fact that it’s not all soldered to an untouchable PCB embedded within its tiny frame.
On Framework 13, just use the included double-ended tool to remove a few T5 screws. The screws remain in the chassis so they cannot be lost. You can then remove the just-installed keyboard and trackpad faceplate by simply lifting it up. by a magnet.
From there, you have free access to every part of your machine, and you can replace everything from standard parts found in most laptops, like RAM and SSDs, to things you can’t replace with anything else. Everything is replaceable: speakers, hinges, display, mainboard itself.
Plus you can easily find everything framework marketplace (opens in new tab) Easy to install as you literally only need one tool that ships with your laptop. This is probably a level of access in his PC environment other than the Steam deck that no other mobile device has. (opens in new tab).
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As part of the 2023 13th generation upgrade kit, this tiny laptop Theseus has a new Core i7 1370P mainboard. At its heart is a 14-core chip, consisting of 6 performance cores and 8 efficient cores for a total of 20 threads (thanks to the hyperthreading of the 6 powerful Raptor Lake cores) .
You could buy this mainboard on its own to upgrade your existing Framework 13 laptop, but if you want this top-end chip, you’re going to be in a mess. $1,049 | £1,049 (opens in new tab). That’s the price of an all-new laptop alone, but if you were to price the specs of this system as the all-new Framework 13, it would be double that price.
Please note that this is an upgrade for the Raptor Lake mainboard, so there is not much difference from the previous 12th Gen Alder Lake parts. The Core i7 1280P that replaced this Core i7 1370P is pretty much the same, except for slightly lower peak CPU and GPU clock speeds. So it doesn’t make sense to think of this as an upgrade to an existing 12th generation system.
Considering going from a quad-core, 8-thread chip to a 14-core, 20-thread chip, the difference in performance between 11th and 13th generation laptop processors is quite large. But that’s the same as upgrading to a 12th generation board.
With the release of the 13th generation mainboard, Framework is discounting the older generation. To me, the cheaper 12th gen option serves the same purpose for those with previous 11th gen devices.
benchmark
Framework test specification
RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200
Storage: 1TB Western Digital SN730
OS: Windows 11 22H2
Sadly, GPU performance hasn’t changed much in any generation of Intel, so don’t expect a game performance boost for your money from an upgrade.
This is very disappointing and honestly one of the reasons I don’t see this particular part as a good upgrade option. Second, the Framework is broadening its horizons to include AMD for the first time in this generation. Ryzen 7 7840U Mainboard Upgrade (opens in new tab).
This is basically the same chip used in ROG Ally (opens in new tab) It’s a handheld, a great computing device, and a very capable gaming machine. Considering the benchmarks we’ve taken from Asus’s excellent handhelds, a Framework 13 with that chip inside is a dream come true.
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If so please buy…
✅ If you have an aversion to AMD: The only reason to choose 13th Gen mainboards over top AMD alternatives is because of their barren tribalism.
Please do not buy if…
❌ Looking for more GPU performance: The 13th Gen mainboard still uses the same Intel Xe cores as its predecessor, and the Ryzen 7 7840U comes with 12 CUs and genuine 1080p gaming chops.
❌ If you want a cheap upgrade: This top board is pricey, especially considering similar performance 12th generation mainboards are currently discounted. And even considering the extra DDR5 RAM required, that AMD board is cheap.
And it will be more powerful and efficient than this Intel version. It goes without saying that it is cheap.
Even factoring in the fact that it requires a new Wi-Fi module and a set of DDR5 memory to go with it, the Ryzen 7 7840U upgrade kit sells for less than this Core i7 1370P mainboard alone.
So while it’s nearly impossible to recommend this 13th generation mainboard, it does highlight how powerful Framework 13 laptops are to consumers. AMD has announced a great new mobile his chip, and even if you’re switching, you don’t suddenly have to ditch your laptop entirely. No, you can update your existing machine in minutes by simply ordering a new AMD-based mainboard. And I got an Ultrabook that can play his real 1080p games.
This epitomizes what the Framework is trying to achieve, and shows what the Framework really delivers across generations. This choice is what makes Framework 13 such a great machine, and gives me hope that Framework 16 will be such a great machine. (opens in new tab) Gaming laptops will be able to do the same later this year.
