Framework’s Most-Repairable Gaming Laptop May Be the Only One You’ll Ever Need

When we talk of “desktop replacement” laptops, we usually speak in terms of raw performance, not upgradability. Framework, the company behind several generations of ultra-repairable and modular laptops and mini PCs, is the only company that can call its devices an option if you demand true customizability. The company is back again with a new iteration of its Framework 16, packing new CPU and GPU options. If the feel is as good as it was with the Framework Laptop 13, the new model could prove to be the last laptop you’ll ever need, literally.

The revitalized Framework Laptop 16 now comes with an option for up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070. Nvidia’s mid-range GPU is at its best with gaming at around 1440p resolution. The GPU is mostly limited by its 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM, which is going to hinder it for higher resolutions and for real future-proofing. If you don’t want to upgrade for a while, you’re better off with a discrete graphics processing unit with at least 16GB of VRAM. Normally, I would caution anybody with this fact if they thought about a system with these limited graphics. Instead, Framework’s modularity means that you could upgrade your GPU rather than having to buy an entire new and increasingly expensive gaming laptop.

On the CPU side, you still have options of AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series CPUs, which will either be a Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9. The higher-end 12-core CPUs will be necessary if you expect to do any intensive tasks up to and including gaming.

If you have the older Framework Laptop 16, the new RTX 50-series module should be backwards compatible, according to Framework. Even beyond the graphics uplift, the new module has numerous other benefits, including power and external monitor support through the rear USB-C port. This module will support up to 100W TDP, which on older modules would push the fans to jet engine levels. Framework claims it reengineered its thermal design to keep the device cool while being less noisy. There’s also a new 240W power brick to supply the necessary power and—better yet—it’s using USB-C rather than any proprietary port.

The last-gen Framework 16 made use of an AMD Radeon RX 7700S graphics module. It was enough for some graphics scenarios, but in the end it wasn’t nearly as capable as a full discrete Nvidia GPU. While AMD still has not offered any hint it plans to bring its Radeon RX 9000 series desktop graphics cards to laptops, gamers’ only choice for mobile graphics capable of playing the latest AAA releases is still Team Green. Now that it’s inside a removable module built for Framework’s laptops, I can already see it becoming a go-to for DIY builders trying to come up with their own unique PCs.

If you eschew the new graphics module, you can still opt for the Radeon RX 7700S. If you don’t want either, you can go for the Expansion Bay shell with room for other components. The device will support four display outputs through its four expansion card slots. These dongles stick into the open expansion slots on the laptop shell for any version of I/O your heart desires. As for RAM and storage, you can opt for RAM up to 96GB and up to 10TB of storage through the two M.2 SSD slots.

I’m still using my Framework Laptop 13. There’s something intrinsic about knowing you put something together—that you know what’s inside it and how to take it apart if necessary. That sense of ownership unfortunately comes at a premium. The Framework Laptop 16 starts at $1,500 without the GPU. The device comes stock with a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS LCD panel that goes up to a 165Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync. Gaming laptops that range from $2,000 on up normally offer mini LED or OLED displays with better contrast and/or brighter screens.

The starting price is $100 more than the 2023 model, and you can expect individual modules will cost more, as well. Still, the thought of finally having a true gaming-ready laptop with Framework’s customizability is enough to spark a hint of joy, even from somebody who has clacked away on way too many gaming laptops in 2025 alone.