Framework Laptop computer 13 (2025) assessment: getting higher with age

On the surface, Framework’s new Laptop 13 seems about the identical because it has for the previous 4 years. However the modular, upgradable, easily-repairable laptop computer has modified a lot the place it counts: on the within. It’s getting a chip bump for 2025, which might usually be fairly boring for some other laptop computer. However for the Framework, an enchancment for brand new customers can also be an improve for anybody who’s purchased one since 2021.

That’s the fantastic thing about a Framework: A brand new mannequin means an entire new processor and principal board you’ll be able to drop into the pc you already personal.

Now outfitted with AMD Ryzen AI 300-series chips, the Laptop computer 13 continues to ship on a longshot promise Framework made years in the past, providing a laptop computer that lets you decide your ports and substitute practically each part — from RAM and the SSD to a different keyboard, small cosmetic touches, and even a new screen. Its design could also be practically unchanged, however the place different laptops make us really feel fortunate to get a user-accessible M.2 SSD slot, the Framework 13 lets you construct to your individual spec.

The largest change for the 2025 Framework Laptop 13 is its AMD chip choices, which now begin prebuilt with the Ryzen AI 5 340 for $1,099, the Ryzen AI 7 350 beginning at $1,529, and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 from $2,099. The mainboards are additionally out there individually, for individuals who have already got a Framework 13; at $449 for the Ryzen 340, $699 for the 350, and $999 for the HX 370.

Our assessment unit is a DIY Edition with the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 chip, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, an elective 120Hz 2880 x 1920 matte show, and a pair translucent bezels (I opted to put in the inexperienced one for a contact of Halo vibes). The Laptop computer 13 has 4 growth card slots, and my assessment unit got here with 5 swappable playing cards: two USB-C, one USB-A, DisplayPort, and an ethernet jack that juts out from the skinny chassis.

Except for some new colour choices for the bezel and the growth playing cards, the laptop computer seems similar to earlier generations. It has some tiny updates: Wi-Fi 7, a brand new thermal cooling system with a bigger heatpipe, and a tiny refinement to the keyboard stopping longer keys from buzzing when blasting the audio system. The Framework’s audio system are mid at finest, however any individual should be jamming out sufficient to get the friggin’ keys rattling. My assessment unit additionally contains updates Framework launched with its Intel Core Extremely mannequin final yr, just like the 120Hz display and an improved webcam, each out there as upgrades for current laptops.

Just like the last-gen AMD mannequin, the brand new Framework 13’s 4 USB-C-based growth slots aren’t all the identical pace. The rear two slots assist USB4 whereas the entrance two are USB 3.2. All 4 assist DisplayPort, although the left entrance one is DP 1.4 whereas the remaining are 2.0. So, sure, you’ll be able to doubtlessly push video out to 4 shows. The Intel mannequin doesn’t have these limitations; all 4 of its growth slots assist USB4.

I like to recommend the DIY Version, even for those who’re not the tinkering kind. It’s cheaper and provides you extra configuration choices. It’s additionally the most affordable solution to get the 120Hz display — the prebuilts solely include the 60Hz show.

Establishing our DIY assessment unit was easy and enjoyable. It took me round half-hour to open it up, clip within the RAM, screw within the M.2 SSD, and fasten the keyboard deck and magnetic bezel. Even for those who’re fully new to this, Framework’s step-by-step guides, with clear footage and video clips, make it a breeze. It took longer to set up Windows 11 the way I like it.

The brand new Framework stays a good-looking little laptop computer. Its 3:2 display side ratio is nice for productiveness, providing you with extra vertical house than the extra widespread 16:9 and 16:10 screens, and its battery lasts via a full eight-hour work day. It feels simply as snappy because the last-gen Intel and AMD fashions, with a contact of added smoothness at 120Hz when plugged in (by default, Home windows bumps you all the way down to 60Hz on battery, although you’ll be able to override this).

Its trackpad stays squarely within the passable-to-fine vary, nevertheless it nonetheless feels ripped from a less expensive laptop computer. I by no means had any points with rattling keys on the previous-gen fashions (I assume I used to be by no means cool sufficient to pump the audio system loud sufficient), however I proceed to benefit from the Framework’s keyboard. It has 1.5mm of key journey that feels good general, although a contact spongier than I’d choose.

I not often hear the fan utilizing Slack and Google Docs with dozens of Chrome tabs open, and it simply will get somewhat heat to the contact on its underside. (The fan additionally doesn’t appear to spin up randomly as usually because the Intel mannequin does.)

The eight-core AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 chip is as much as 22 % quicker than the final Framework fashions in multicore CPU efficiency, although it falls somewhat brief for graphics work on account of its much less highly effective built-in GPU. The 350 chip’s Geekbench 6.4 GPU rating is 34 % decrease than the Intel Core Extremely 7 155H mannequin, and 23 % decrease than the last-gen AMD mannequin with Ryzen 7 7840U. However the Framework 13 can also be out there with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 for $430 extra; that’s the identical Strix Level chip we’ve seen within the Asus Zenbook S 16, amongst others, with a way more highly effective built-in GPU than both of the outdated Frameworks.

The Ryzen AI 350 is highly effective sufficient for light-duty Photoshop and Lightroom Traditional work, however the Framework 13’s display — whereas satisfactory — is just a bit too washed out for color-dependent duties. I really like that this 2880 x 1920 matte panel is 120Hz, however the colour and distinction are lackluster, like Framework’s authentic 60Hz, 2256 x 1504 show that’s nonetheless the one possibility for prebuilts. The 2880 x 1920 panel will get fairly shiny at 500 nits, however colour high quality is squarely within the mediocre vary.

Framework’s configurator costs our assessment unit at $ 1,781 (not counting a Home windows 11 license). That’s nicely into entry-level M4 MacBook Professional territory and about the identical as an even bigger Asus Zenbook S 16 with the HX 370 CPU; Framework fees $2,099 for a prebuilt with that chip.

The $999 M4 MacBook Air blows the Framework 13’s chips out of the water in single-core efficiency, has a nicer display, and lasts for much longer on battery. However there’s no upgrading something in a MacBook after you order it — ever.

For those who worth repairability and upgradability in a laptop computer, there’s no competitors for the Framework 13. I’m a giant fan of what this firm stands for, and with the Framework 13, it continues to ship on its promise of a modular, repairable, upgradeable laptop computer.

Positive, a few of the parts within the Framework 13 are middling for the cash. However no different laptop computer maker launches new fashions alongside standalone components that current house owners can purchase to improve their laptops. Think about if Apple let M1 MacBook Air house owners purchase simply the M4 mainboard when it launched, as a substitute of a complete new laptop computer?

What started as an unproven startup in 2021 has matured into an intriguing and viable various to the massive laptop computer manufacturers and a standard-bearer for the precise to restore. The Framework Marketplace was as soon as a ghost city, however now it’s brimming with substitute components and at-the-ready upgrades.

The Framework Laptop computer 13 is a confirmed platform now. The fates of the corporate’s upcoming Desktop and funds 12-inch laptop computer are much less clear. Will they be enduring hits just like the Laptop computer 13 regardless of ongoing tariff chaos? Or will they be ongoing, unproven experiments, just like the Laptop computer 16? I can’t say but, however the extra modular, the merrier.

Images by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge