Expansion Bay Prereq
Tools
These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.
Background
Announced in March of 2023, the 16" Framework Laptop is Framework's largest, fully reconfigurable laptop. Unlike the standard 13" Framework laptop, the 16" Framework laptop features six module bays, along with an expansion bay system designated for graphics cards. The keyboard and trackpad are also modular, and can even be offset.
Beyond the hardware itself, Framework's developer program allows you to get started with designing Input Modules and Expansion Bay Modules with open source design documentation available on Framework's official GitHub Page.
Identification
The 16" Framework laptop is fully customizable, so the components may differ depending on the build. However, there are certain features that are consistent for all devices:
- The case is a silver, with a distinct gear-shaped logo on the top cover.
- The bezel around the screen is magnetic and can be switched out easily with different color options (currently black, orange, and lavender).
- You will find the serial and model number either on your laptop's original box or on the metal midframe under the trackpad:
Repairability
For a detailed look at the pros and cons of repairing the Framework Laptop 16, see the attached report.
Repairability Snapshot Framework Laptop 16
Specifications
Processor Options:
- "Performance:" AMD Ryzen™ 7 7840HS (up to 5.1GHz, 8-core/16-thread, 24MB Cache)
- "Performance Pro:" same as above
- "Overkill:" AMD Ryzen™ 9 7940HS (up to 5.2GHz, 8-core/16-thread, 24MB Cache)
Thermals:
- 45W continuous processor power
- Liquid metal thermal interface for processor
Graphics:
- Integrated: Radeon™ 780M
- Discrete: Radeon™ RX 7700S / 32 compute units / 100W TGP / 8GB 18Gbps GDDR6 memory / USB-C port with DP Alt Mode
Operating Systems:
- Pre-built:
- "Performance:" Windows 11 Home
- "Performance Pro:" Windows 11 Pro
- "Overkill:" Windows 11 Pro
- DIY Edition:
- Linux Fedora 39 (Officially Supported)
- Linux Ubuntu 22.04 (Officially Supported)
- Windows 11 Home
- Windows 11 Pro
Primary Storage:
- Pre-built:
- "Performance:" 512 GB M.2 2280 SSD
- "Performance Pro:" Same as above
- "Overkill:" 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD
- DIY Edition supports any M.2 2280 SSD (Framework recommends Western Digital)
Secondary Storage:
- Neither the Pre-built or DIY Edition come with secondary storage
- Supports any M.2 2230 SSD (Framework recommends Western Digital)
Memory:
- Pre-built:
- "Performance:" 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR5-5600
- "Performance Pro:" Same as above
- "Overkill:" 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-5600
- DIY Edition supports any DDR5-5600 (Framework sells their own branded RAM)
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: AMD RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth: 5.2
Display:
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Brightness: 500 nits
- Rise & Fall Time: 9 ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1500:1
- Pixels: 2560 x 1600 px
- RGB Color Space: 100% DCI-P3
- FreeSync: Yes
- VRR: Yes
- Anti-glare matte display
I/O:
- You can choose six "Expansion Cards" that act as interchangeable ports:
- USB-C
- USB-A
- HDMI
- Display Port
- Ethernet
- MicroSD
- Audio (3.5 mm headphone jack)
- Storage Expansion (250 GB and 1 TB)
Refer to this chart by Framework for which slots are compatible with specific Expansion Cards:
For example, you can't have a display output Expansion Card in slot 3, 5, or 6. |
Audio:
- Speakers: Stereo Bi-amp speakers with 1W high frequency driver
- Driver: 2W wide band driver, powered by an ALC1318 smart amp
- Microphones: 2 x MEMs microphones with hardware privacy switches
Power:
- 85Wh battery with 80% at 1000 cycles
Camera:
- 1080p 60fps webcam with hardware privacy switch
Biometrics:
- Fingerprint Reader compatible with Windows Hello and libfprint in Linux
Touchpad:
- 122.6mm x 76.6mm Windows Precision Touchpad with matte glass surface
Power Adapter Compatibility:
- 180W GaN USB-C
Physical Dimensions:
- Width: 356.58 mm
- Length: 270.00mm
- Height: 17.95mm
- Weight: 2.1kg
- Length w/ Graphics Module: 290.20mm
- Height w/ Graphics Module: 20.95mm
- Weight w/ Graphics Module: 2.4kg
Keyboard:
- Backlit: Yes
- Key Travel: 1.5mm
- Firmware: QMK and NKRO support
Keyboard Layout Options:
- All keyboards are backlit with 1.5mm key travel, run QMK firmware and support NKRO
- Find their list of supported keyboard types here.
Mechanical:
- Top Cover: CNC Aluminum
- Bottom Cover: Magnesium Alloy Thixomolded
- Hinges: 155° with 6.1kg force profile