By cryptoadmin 
Framework is right this moment saying a raft of latest merchandise, probably the most intriguing of which must be the Framework Desktop. Like the remainder of the corporate’s wares, it’s a modular desktop PC with a give attention to modularity, upgradeability and repairability. Naturally, the primary query is why, given PCs are already modular, upgradeable and repairable, however the focus right here is on making it accessible for the types of oldsters who may see the phrases “thermal” and “paste” and wish an pressing journey to the ER. It’s not the primary time one thing like this has been mooted: In 2014, Razer pitched Challenge Christine, a gaming PC with standalone elements clad in cartridges that might be swapped out and in.
The second purpose for this machine current was AMD’s new Ryzen AI Max chip, which was proven to the general public at CES in January. Ryzen AI Max is an all-in-one APU, packing a CPU and GPU in the identical bundle mirroring how Apple Silicon chips are designed. Ryzen AI Max guarantees some pretty spectacular efficiency regardless of the dearth of a discrete GPU, like 1440p gaming and native AI. However there’s one draw back to all of those positive aspects — the RAM is soldered to the mainboard to allow its staggering 256GB/s reminiscence bandwidth, which Framework says isn’t possible with normal RAM. To compensate, Framework has pledged to make sure to play honest with reminiscence pricing, making it “extra cheap than you may discover with different manufacturers,” i.e. Apple.
Framework is aware of it’s swimming in numerous waters with this product, and so has pledged to make use of as many normal elements as attainable. Inside that Mini-ITX case you’ll discover a {custom} mainboard with ATX headers, a PCIe x4 slot, two USB4, two DisplayPort, one HDMI and 5G ethernet ports. The PCIe NVME slots will allow you to spec as much as 16TB storage, and the case has two forward-facing enlargement card slots that may allow you to plug in your individual Framework Enlargement Playing cards. The case is provided with a semi-custom 400W energy provide that makes use of normal 120mm CPU followers or, once more, you may deliver your individual followers for those who’d desire. The case has both black or clear sides, and the entrance is made up with 21 tiles you may design your self, or 3D-print another for those who’d desire.
In fact, you too can simply purchase the mainboard and cram it into your individual case, do you have to desire to roll your individual.
Pre-orders for the Framework Desktop are opening now, however transport gained’t start till Q3 of 2025. You’ll be able to order the mainboard by itself for $799, or get the bottom mannequin with an AI Max 385 and 32GB RAM for simply $1,099. Must you need the flagship AI Max+ 395 with 128GB RAM, you’ll must fork over $1,999. All the methods are offered as “DIY Editions” with customers capable of seize their storage and OS from no matter provider they like, too.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/framework-builds-its-own-modular-desktop-191211936.html?src=rss