The Framework Laptop 16 returns in its 2025 version, offering significant chipset upgrades while retaining its core as a modular, self-upgradable, and self-repairable device. Despite a notable leap in graphical performance, the device still faces some challenges that emerged with its initial release.

Key Upgrades and Promises Delivered for the Framework Laptop 16

Processor Options: The 2025 model of the Framework Laptop 16 comes equipped with new AMD Ryzen AI processor options.

AMD Ryzen AI Technology: These are dedicated processors for Windows laptops, featuring an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) based on AMD XDNA™ architecture, in addition to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and integrated Radeon graphics (iGPU). These specialized units effectively accelerate AI tasks, offloading the main processor and graphics, and providing improved power efficiency, speed, and quiet performance for AI-powered applications on the device.

Source: You can find more details via Source: AMD (Published: November 7, 2025).

Additional Upgrades: The device supports modern Wi-Fi 7 technology, comes with a more powerful USB-C charger, a completely redesigned cooling system, and an improved webcam.

Upgradeability: All these components are sold individually, allowing current Framework Laptop 16 owners to easily upgrade their devices.

Graphics Card: The most prominent upgrade is the user-replaceable graphics card, and Framework has delivered on its promise of future graphics upgrades by launching the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, which offers a significant improvement in graphics performance compared to the previous generation AMD Radeon card.

User Experience: A Mix of Strengths and Flaws in the Framework Laptop 16

Original Release Issues: The original Framework Laptop 16 suffered from issues of high heat and noise, and a general feeling of being unfinished, although some of these problems have improved over time.

New Model: It represents small steps forward in many aspects and a giant leap in graphics power, but it is still far from perfect in terms of overall user experience.

Key Advantages

• Full Repairability and Upgradeability: The device allows users to easily upgrade and repair all its components, extending its lifespan.
• Exceptional Gaming Performance: Significant increase in gaming performance thanks to the new RTX 5070 card.
• Amazing Customization Levels: From interchangeable ports to flexible keyboard and touchpad alignment.
• High-Quality LCD Screen: Features a high-resolution, high-refresh-rate display that provides an excellent visual experience.

Noted Disadvantages

• Sudden Crashes: A worrying number of sudden crashes (Blue Screen of Death) were reported during initial tests.
• Screen Lid Flex: The screen lid still has significant flex, which may affect durability.
• Side Bezel Issues: The side bezels are still uneven and produce sounds when handled.
• Auto-Brightness Fluctuations: Auto-brightness suffers from fluctuations and inconsistent performance.
• Assembled Feel: The device still gives the impression of being "assembled" or a "Franken-laptop" rather than an integrated unit.
• Screen Upgrade Cost: Original owners need to purchase a new screen to benefit from G-Sync technology with the Nvidia card, even if the current screen has identical specifications.

Performance and Expected Costs of the Framework Laptop 16

Review Unit Cost: The reviewed unit is a DIY Edition, with an estimated cost of $2,524.

Unit Components: This version includes an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 mainboard, an RTX 5070 graphics module, 16 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a 240W USB-C charger.

Upgrade Costs for Existing Owners: The device can be upgraded with improved second-generation parts:

• AMD Ryzen AI 300-series mainboards: (with Wi-Fi 7 support and improved heatsink design) range from $749 to $1,049.
• Discrete RTX 5070 graphics module: priced at $699.
• New 240W USB-C charger: priced at $109.

Screen Upgrade: It is worth noting that upgrading the screen to benefit from G-Sync technology with the new Nvidia card requires purchasing a new screen at $279, due to the inability to update the firmware of existing screens, even if they have identical specifications.

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 Mainboard Performance: It was modestly faster than the previous generation Ryzen 9 7940HS, with performance gains of up to 21 percent in some tests.

New Graphics Card Performance: Showed significant improvements in demanding graphical tests, increasing by 64 percent in Geekbench GPU benchmark and 34 percent in 3DMark Time Spy.

Gaming Performance: In demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong and Cyberpunk 2077, it achieved an increase of 36 to 50 percent in average frame rates, with further improvement when using advanced Nvidia DLSS 4 technology.

Cooling and Flexibility: Strengths of the Framework Laptop 16

Thermal Management System: The thermal management system in the Framework Laptop 16 has been redesigned with new heatsinks and fans, making a significant difference in noise levels and temperatures.

Operating Noise: The laptop still produces loud noise under heavy load, but it has become more like consistent white noise instead of a constant annoying airplane engine sound.

Framework Laptop 16's Flexibility: It is its greatest strength, featuring six interchangeable expansion cards that allow port customization on both sides according to user needs.

Keyboard Customization: The keyboard and touchpad can be aligned in the center or to either side, with the option to add an optional numeric keypad or macro pad for increased productivity.

Battery and Reliability: Challenges of the Framework Laptop 16

Battery Life: It is approximately 6 hours when using discrete graphics, which is an acceptable rate for gaming laptops.

Reliability Issues: The device faced reliability issues, experiencing several sudden crashes during the testing period, despite slight improvement after initial BIOS and driver updates.

Conclusion: A Future Vision for the Framework Laptop 16

Framework's Commitment: It demonstrates a commendable commitment to the concepts of user repairability and upgradeability.

Laptop 16's Status: While other Framework devices like the Laptop 13 and the Desktop PC have evolved into excellent packages, the Laptop 16 still feels like it's in a "beta testing" phase.

Necessary Improvements: Despite significant hardware upgrades for 2025, structural rigidity and build quality still need substantial improvement.

Future Expectations: There is hope for continued gradual improvements, such as providing a one-piece metal touchpad frame instead of the current bezels.

Added Value: Ultimately, it may be difficult to resist the allure of thinner, sleeker, non-upgradable gaming laptops, but Framework strives to offer a less compromising long-term design that provides greater sustainability value.