There’s something uniquely satisfying about building your PC. You pick out the components, carefully assemble everything, double-check every connection, and finally hit the power button. When that first screen flickers to life, it’s a rush—a feeling of pride and ownership that’s hard to match. But, until recently, that experience was limited to desktops. That changed for me with the 2024 Framework 13, powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H. It’s made me a believer in what Framework is doing.
Specs and Features: What’s Under the Hood?
- Processor Choices: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (up to 4.8GHz, 6+8 cores) or AMD Ryzen 7 7840U (up to 5.1GHz, 8 cores).
- Memory: 32GB DDR5-5600.
- Camera: 9.2MP webcam with 30fps, plus privacy switches for camera and mic.
- Display: 13.5″ Matte 2880×1920, 120Hz, 3:2 aspect ratio.
- Storage: 1TB WD Black SN770 NVMe SSD.
- Battery: 61Wh with a 60W power adapter
- Keyboard: Backlit with a fingerprint sensor.
- Weight: 2lb 14oz (1.3kg).
- Extras: Orange bezel and 4 customizable expansion cards.
- Price: $1,723 for the Intel version, $1,593 for the AMD version
Future-Proofing Laptop That Grows with You
Imagine you bought the first Framework laptop back in 2021. It had a basic 4-core Intel CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a standard 60Hz display—perfect for browsing and light work. But now it’s 2024, and your needs have changed. Maybe you’re dabbling in software development, or perhaps you’ve caught the gaming bug. With most laptops, you’d be stuck. You’d have to spend over $1,000 on a brand-new machine to get the performance you need.
But with a Framework laptop, you don’t have to start from scratch. You can just swap out the mainboard for one with the latest Intel or AMD chip, maybe even upgrade to a 120Hz display. And that old mainboard? Instead of tossing it, you can repurpose it—turn it into a home server or a slim gaming PC. It’s not just about upgrading; it’s about making sure your investment keeps paying off for years to come.
Design and Modularity
Now, you might be thinking that a modular laptop would look clunky or outdated. But the Framework 13 is anything but. The aluminum chassis feels solid, with just the right amount of heft. It’s not trying to be the thinnest or flashiest laptop out there—it’s just well-built and practical.
One of the coolest features is the Expansion Cards system. You get four ports that you can customize with different modules—HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, extra storage, you name it. On the Intel version, you even get Thunderbolt 4.
These cards are affordable, too, ranging from $9 to $29. And the best part? They’re hot-swappable, so you can change them out on the fly. This kind of flexibility is a game-changer, especially if you’ve ever wished you could move a port to the other side of your laptop or add an extra USB port.
Performance: Intel vs. AMD—Which Is Better?
One of the highlights of this review was testing both the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U in the same Framework 13 chassis. With identical RAM, storage, and display, it was a true head-to-head comparison.
In day-to-day tasks, both processors perform admirably, but when it comes to multi-core workloads, AMD has the edge. If you’re into gaming, AMD’s integrated graphics also deliver better performance, with smoother frame rates and less stuttering compared to Intel’s offering
Intel’s Core Ultra series does bring some neat AI capabilities to the table, but unless you have a specific need for those, AMD seems to be the better all-around choice.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re buying your first Framework laptop and don’t have a specific need for AI features, the AMD Ryzen 7000U series is the way to go. It’s a bit cheaper, and the performance—especially in gaming—is hard to beat. If you’re already a Framework user and considering an upgrade, the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H offers a significant boost over older Intel models, but again, AMD’s option might give you more bang for your buck.
