There's one problem I've had with the best gaming laptops since reviewing them over the years: upgradeability. But Framework has just fixed that issue with the announcement of its new modular laptop.
As announced, the Framework Laptop 16 has arrived, sporting the latest AMD Ryzen AI 300 CPUs and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. That's already a substantial upgrade over the previous Framework Laptop 16, but the real kicker is that the new graphics module with RTX 5070 power is backwards compatible with the older laptop model.
While the new Laptop 16 comes with its own pool of upgrades, including a revamped thermal system, a new hot-swappable modular input system, an updated 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 165Hz display now with Nvidia G-Sync and a new 240W USB-C power adapter, Framework has now solidified itself as the de facto laptop brand for upgradeable graphics.
With key components for performance being upgradeable, even for those who own the previous Laptop 16, Framework's latest Laptop 16 shows that this is the only gaming laptop I'll ever need to buy. It's the customization of the best gaming PCs now in a mobile device.
Pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 16, along with upgraded modules, are available to pre-order now, and shipments are expected to arrive by November and December. Otherwise, let's have a look at what's under the hood.
Upgradeable graphics
The biggest upgrades to come with the new Framework Laptop 16 are the default CPU and GPU module upgrades. That includes AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 options, along with the Expansion Bay Module now offering an RTX 5070 graphics module.
That takes the price up to $2,149, and that's without other additions, including two slots of DDR5 memory for up to 96GB and two M.2 slots, going up to a whopping 10TB for storage. However, the AMD Radeon RX 7700S is still available to keep that price down, and that will come with the updated thermal system.
Over the original Laptop 16's Radeon RX 7700S module, the new RTX 5070 edition is set to deliver up to a 40% increase in frame rates. Considering the performance I've seen in the RTX 5070-equipped Asus TUF Gaming A18, expect a huge boost in gaming (with DLSS 4 there to help, no less).
To power it all, Framework now offers a new default 240W USB-C power adapter with support for USB-PD (Power Delivery) 3.1. Plus, it should (hopefully) run cooler, as the Laptop 16 will use a "Honeywell phase change thermal interface material," along with "reoptimizing the fan blade geometry and controller IC for reduced noise."
Framework goes deeper into details on its new graphics module and more below, and even takes a dig at the Windows Copilot Key: "for all of you people that want that, for some reason."
There are some other updates Framework is bringing, including an upgraded webcam as found on the Framework Laptop 13, a reinforced CNC aluminum top cover and keyboard artwork from the recent Framework Laptop 12 (which we were also impressed with). Moreover, a firmware update will stop the laptop from waking up if keys are triggered while the lid is closed.
Further upgrades down the line?
Now that Framework has shown that it's all in on upgradeable performance and graphics, it will be interesting to see how the manufacturer progresses with its list of modules.
With AMD's latest Ryzen AI 300 series processors, that will give gamers, creators and those in need of reliable productivity machines the laptop performance they need. But there are more powerful graphics cards out there, and with rumors of RTX 50 SUPER GPUs on the way, Framework has more options to offer.
What's more, while we found the 16-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) 165Hz display bright and great for gaming, and the updated Nvidia G-Sync support will go a long way for smoother gameplay, it falls behind the latest gaming laptops on the market in terms of refresh rates, and response time at 9ms. That said, grabbing one of the best gaming monitors can go a long way, too.
That's all to say there is further room for upgrades, but as Framework has just shown, the possibilities may just be coming down the line — and there's no need for an all-new gaming laptop to take advantage of them.
Regardless, the Framework Laptop 16 brings a new level of upgradeability and repairability missing from the laptops I've tested, and if there's one gaming laptop that's on my radar, well, Framework has just made it.
Prefer a modular desktop? Check out our thoughts on the Framework Desktop (spoiler: it's a hit).
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