Interested parties have three options: they can buy a new, pre-built Ryzen AI 300 laptop, get a DIY edition assembled, or simply buy the motherboard itself. In any case, you can choose between Ryzen 5 340, Ryzen 7 350 or the flagship Ryzen 9 HX 370, which can use up to 96 GB of RAM. The greater your technical ambitions, the more the price will naturally rise.
I got a mid-range Ryzen 7 350, which took me about 11 minutes to upgrade to the existing AMD model. It’s funny because it took me almost an hour the first time I did it, but once you figure out how it works, it’s super easy. If, like me, you lost muscle memory for component replacement around the turn of the millennium, don’t think this is a mystery to you.
The performance of the Ryzen 7 350 is sufficient for the tasks you would expect from a 13-inch laptop. I found no obvious historical difference between what I did with it and the 7840U it replaced. If you use it for the usual stuff (work, surf and watch videos) it can handle everything very well.
As usual, the greater gaming power is the best reason to recommend the AMD model over its Intel counterpart. After all, in titles like B. easily 50-60 fps Fortnite AND Grand Theft Auto Vmaking it an effective multi-tool.
The framework’s modular approach has two drawbacks. One of them is that the hardware always seems more functional than the competitors. The second and most important point is that all CPU cooling must be integrated into the motherboard itself. Although many machines can be designed around thermal management, this is not possible because everything is modular. So the fan on top of the motherboard has to do all the work with one hand tied behind its back. As a result, the Intel and AMD versions of Framework laptops are noisier than more modern devices.
According to Framework, the noise problem was solved by redesigning the heatpipe, improving the fan algorithm and switching to Honeywell’s PTM7958 thermal paste. Unfortunately, despite the many hours the company has put into this, you’ll still have to deal with a lot of fan noise and heat under heavy load. And while AMD has promised that the 300 AI will be more energy efficient, the new processor will further reduce the battery life of this device. You won’t get through the day on a charge here, but that seems to be the case with so many laptops these days.
Input coverage (2nd generation)
I have always praised Framework for their commitment to continuously improve each piece of hardware. This time, the company has teamed up with manufacturing partner Lite-On to update the keyboard. The emphasis was on hard-to-see improvements, such as printing the lids slightly thinner, replacing the fingerprint sensor, and reshaping the Shift and Enter keys.
Fortunately, the 1.5mm button spacing hasn’t changed, and founder Nirav Patel told me years ago that he had no interest in trying to fix what wasn’t broken. This means that the keyboard itself remains as easy to use as before, albeit with a slightly quieter typing experience. The keys are no longer loose in their seats like with the old model, which again is a sign of better quality. Users can also choose between keyboards with a dedicated Windows Copilot key or a Framework key, depending on their operating system.
More importantly, the company gave feedback that the large keys vibrated when the speaker was used at high volume. There’s a new frame that supports the Shift and Space keys to reduce vibration when the sound gets louder. I think the first issue was overblown, but maybe my sound choices aren’t as important as others. Regardless, the changes here are welcome and when watching audio content at high volumes I noticed little to no clicking.
The obligations
Replacing an Intel motherboard with an AMD motherboard is not that easy because there are hardware compatibility issues. Also, AMD cards support different USB standards for different expansion card slots, as you can see in the picture. This applies to AMD motherboards regardless of manufacturer, but it’s something to keep in mind before you buy.
In summary
If you’re already part of the Framework ecosystem, feel free to leave this update alone. Yes, the AI 300 is better than the chip it replaces, but not so much that I’d suggest spending several hundred dollars on it. Otherwise, you will likely be more affected by the broader scope of the framework than by this particular update. I suspect that the company’s mature ecosystem is uniquely positioned to benefit from the current geopolitical crisis. Because with the cost of a laptop skyrocketing, being able to keep a device running longer is critical. And if you want to get started, grab one of the discounted Ryzen 7040 PCs early. Because if you notice a slight drop in performance within a few years, you’ll be in a good position to benefit from the next-generation upgrade when it becomes available.
I know some people think the underlying frame platform is a bit outdated, which I totally understand. Tech consumers are constantly clamoring for a new, flashier device, and when the Laptop 13 first came out, it seemed like it was already a generation behind 13-inch laptops in its class. When the Laptop 13 was first released, it already seemed a generation behind competing 13-inch laptops in the same category. Even five years later, no Dell, Acer or ASUS device will look or feel better.
But while it may not be as flashy or dazzling, it still has some staying power, and that will be a big plus for years to come. If you’re the kind of person who buys a Lenovo Thinkpad and lets it run until it falls apart, then this is the best option. After all, with a structure, you don’t even have to worry about it collapsing.
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