In Framework’s first-party case, the PC begins at $1,099, which will get you a Ryzen AI Max 385 (that is an 8-core CPU and 32 GPU cores) and 32GB of RAM. A totally loaded 128GB with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration (16 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores) will run you $1,999. There’s additionally an in-between construct with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip and 64GB of RAM for $1,599. In case you simply need the mini ITX board to place in a case of your selecting, that begins at $799.
None of those are impulse buys, precisely, however they’re priced a bit higher than a gaming-focused mini PC just like the Asus ROG NUC, which starts at nearly $1,300 as of this writing and comes with half as a lot RAM. It is also priced effectively in comparison with what you may get out of a DIY mini ITX PC primarily based on built-in graphics—the Ryzen 7 8700G, an AM5 ITX motherboard, and 32GB of DDR5 can all be had for round $500 collectively earlier than you add a case, energy provide, or SSD, however for significantly slower efficiency.
The amount of the Framework Desktop’s first-party case is simply 4.5 liters—for reference, the SSUPD Meshroom S is 14.9 liters, a reasonably middle-of-the-road quantity for an ITX case that may match a full-size GPU. An Xbox Collection X is about 6.9 liters, and the Xbox Collection S is 4.4 liters. Apple’s Mac Studio is about 3.7 liters. The Framework Desktop is not breaking data, however it’s undoubtedly tiny.
Regardless of the non-upgradeability of the primary parts, Framework has tried to stay to current requirements the place it may by utilizing a flex ATX energy provide, ATX headers on the motherboard, common 120 mm followers that may be modified out, and naturally the mini ITX type issue itself.
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So the pitch for the system is simple: You get a fairly highly effective 1440p-capable gaming and workstation PC inside a case the dimensions of a small sport console. “If the Collection S might run Home windows, I might purchase it in a second” is a thought that has occurred to me, so I can see the attraction, despite the fact that it prices at the very least thrice as a lot.
But it surely does really feel like an odd match for Framework, provided that it is a lot much less upgradeable than most PCs. The CPU and GPU are one piece of silicon, and so they’re soldered to the motherboard. The RAM can be soldered down and never upgradeable as soon as you’ve got purchased it, setting it aside from almost each different board Framework sells.