Framework Desktop (2025) Review: Powerhouse Performance Meets Evolving Design Philosophy

In the rapidly evolving landscape of personal computing, Framework has carved out a unique and commendable niche. Renowned for their commitment to modularity and repairability, Framework laptops have empowered users to take control of their hardware, extending device lifespans and minimizing electronic waste. This ethos, deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA, was directly inspired by the inherent flexibility of the traditional desktop PC. It is precisely this foundation that prompts a critical question when considering their foray into the desktop market: Why? If desktops are already inherently modular and repairable, what compelling new proposition does Framework bring to this established territory?

The genesis of the Framework Desktop stems from a powerful driver: the emergence of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max APUs. These groundbreaking chips, integrating CPU, GPU, and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) into a single package, similar to Apple’s Silicon, boast impressive performance claims. Specifically, the sheer volume of RAM support, potentially reaching 128GB, and the substantial memory bandwidth, up to 265GB/s, captured the attention of Framework’s founder, Nirav Patel. AMD themselves have positioned these as “workstation-level” processors capable of enhancing regular PC performance, with a starting price point that places them in serious consideration for demanding tasks. However, this leap in raw power necessitates a significant divergence from Framework’s foundational principles, raising the pertinent question of whether the pursuit of performance has led to a compromise of the very ethos that defined the brand.

Understanding the Framework Desktop’s Unique Value Proposition

Framework’s core mission has always been to provide users with the ultimate control over their technology. This translates into devices where nearly every component can be easily accessed, swapped, and upgraded. The Framework Laptop, for instance, allows for straightforward replacement of the mainboard, Wi-Fi card, storage, and even the battery, significantly extending its usable life and allowing for adaptation to evolving user needs. This commitment to user empowerment stands in stark contrast to the disposable nature of many modern electronics, where a single failing component often renders an entire device obsolete.

The desktop computer, by its very nature, has always embodied this spirit of modularity. Standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX builds allow for easy upgrades of CPUs, GPUs, RAM, storage, and power supplies. Users can select components based on their specific requirements and budget, building systems tailored to gaming, content creation, or general productivity. This inherent flexibility means that the entry of a company like Framework into the desktop space isn’t about reinventing the wheel of repairability; it’s about potentially refining it and, crucially, integrating cutting-edge processing technology within that familiar framework.

The pivotal moment for the Framework Desktop’s conception was the preview of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max series. These APUs represent a significant advancement in integrated processing power, aiming to deliver desktop-class performance with enhanced efficiency and specialized AI acceleration capabilities. The prospect of harnessing this new level of integrated graphics and AI processing within a system designed for longevity and user upgradability presented a unique opportunity for Framework. The ability to support substantial amounts of RAM and high memory bandwidth is particularly appealing for professionals in fields like machine learning, data science, and complex simulations, where such resources are critical.

Hardware: A Bold Leap with Inherent Trade-offs

The headline feature of the Framework Desktop is its adoption of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max APU. This choice, while delivering significant performance gains, introduces a fundamental shift in Framework’s design philosophy. Unlike previous Framework offerings where the CPU is part of a modular mainboard, the Ryzen AI Max is an integrated package. This means that the CPU, GPU, and NPU are soldered directly to the mainboard, forming an unchangeable unit. Consequently, users must commit to a specific configuration at the time of purchase, as these core components cannot be upgraded or swapped out independently later.

The available configurations for the Framework Desktop reflect this integrated approach:

This integration represents a departure from Framework’s usual practice. In their laptops, while the CPU and fan are attached to the mainboard, virtually all other components are designed for easy removal and replacement. With the Ryzen AI Max Desktop, if the APU itself were to fail or if user needs dramatically shifted towards requiring a different CPU or GPU architecture, the entire mainboard, including the integrated APU and its associated heatsink, would need to be replaced. Framework’s replacement mainboards typically range from $799 to $1,699. With the integrated APU, the recovery options in such a scenario are limited to the Wi-Fi module, the two M.2 SSD slots, the power supply unit, and the chassis itself.

The chassis design of the Framework Desktop is a distinct departure from utilitarian, industrial aesthetics. Occupying a 4.5L Mini-ITX footprint, it offers a compact and potentially portable solution. The inclusion of an optional carrying handle further emphasizes this portability, a nod to the origins of the company’s laptop designs. The exterior is predominantly a stark black, but Framework has introduced a highly customizable front panel. This panel features an array of 21 plastic tiles, allowing users to express their individuality through a vibrant palette of colors, including black, green, orange, and lavender. This mosaic-like approach to personalization enables users to create unique visual compositions. Furthermore, Framework offers individual tiles with printed logos of key partners like Framework, AMD, and Linux, as well as thematic designs, such as a pride heart. For the creatively inclined, the option to design and print custom tiles is also available, truly putting personalization in the hands of the user.

Below the front panel, nestled beside a somewhat diminutive power button, are two of Framework’s signature expansion card slots. These versatile USB-C ports allow users to tailor their front-panel I/O to their specific needs, selecting from a range of available expansion cards. While this level of front-panel customization is a hallmark of Framework laptops where front I/O can be more critical, its utility on a Mini-ITX desktop is perhaps less about immediate front-access necessity and more about maintaining the consistent Framework modularity. Around the back, a comprehensive selection of ports is provided, including two USB-C ports, two DisplayPort outputs, two USB-A sockets, dedicated HDMI and Ethernet ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This robust connectivity ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and displays.

Installation: A Streamlined Assembly Experience

Framework continues its tradition of user-friendly assembly with the Desktop. Offered exclusively as a “DIY Edition,” this designation is far less demanding than the company’s laptop counterparts. While Framework’s DIY laptops require users to install virtually every component from scratch, the Desktop simplifies the process considerably. The vast majority of components, including the mainboard with its integrated APU and cooling solution, are pre-assembled. The primary task for the user involves installing the SSD. This requires a brief intervention: temporarily removing the substantial heatsink, slotting the M.2 SSD into its designated bay, and then reattaching the heatsink. Following this, the large 120mm fan needs to be affixed to the heatsink, the protective cowl secured, and finally, four screws tightened.

Framework’s typically meticulous iFixit-style guides estimate a 30-45 minute assembly time for their DIY products. In our experience, the Framework Desktop assembly was remarkably swift, completed in just 15 minutes and 15 seconds. This speed suggests that even novice builders will find the process straightforward and efficient. Once the hardware is assembled, the final step is the installation of the operating system of choice, after which the system is ready for immediate use. This streamlined approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry for users who might be intimidated by the complexity of traditional PC builds.

Performance: Powering Productivity and Beyond

The Framework Desktop is strategically positioned to appeal to two primary user groups: gamers seeking a high-performance machine with minimal assembly hassle, and developers eager to leverage the advanced capabilities of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max APU, particularly for AI and machine learning workloads.

For gamers, Framework’s proposition is straightforward: a fast PC that requires minimal setup. The integrated Radeon 8060S GPU is claimed by AMD to be competitive with NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. During our testing, we pushed a variety of demanding titles, and the Desktop handled them with aplomb, even with graphical settings maxed out. Titles like Hardspace: Shipbreaker ran flawlessly. While the APU’s capabilities make it more than capable of handling mainstream gaming, it’s important to note that the true strength of this system likely lies beyond casual gaming. The focus on integrated graphics, while powerful, might not align with the preferences of hardcore PC gamers who often prioritize the raw power and dedicated VRAM of discrete graphics cards.

The system’s capabilities in AI and machine learning are particularly noteworthy. While not AI developers ourselves, we experimented with LM Studio, running Google’s Gemma 3 27B model. Performance was commendably smooth, albeit slightly slower than web-based AI clients. Crucially, LM Studio indicated that the process was utilizing only about a third of the Desktop’s CPU power, suggesting ample headroom for running even larger and more complex AI models. This indicates that the Framework Desktop, especially with the higher RAM configurations, is well-suited for serious AI experimentation and development.

Where the Framework Desktop truly excels is in demanding workstation-style productivity tasks, such as video editing and exporting. We took a substantial 39GB, 2-hour HD video file, performed minor trims, and then compressed and exported it as an MP4. The process of reducing the file size to 6GB was completed in an impressive 1 hour and 12 minutes. This is a remarkable speed, especially considering that similar tasks on lesser hardware could easily take half a day. It’s vital to remember that this result was achieved using the mid-tier 64GB RAM configuration, suggesting even greater potential with the 128GB model.

Thermal Management: A Surprising Success

Framework’s history with thermal management in their laptops has, at times, been a point of contention, with claims of quiet operation sometimes falling short in real-world use. However, the Framework Desktop appears to have successfully addressed these concerns. Nirav Patel described the Desktop as “silent while sitting on your desktop under normal loads, and even under gaming, it’s impressively quiet.” This statement, given past experiences, might have initially invited skepticism. The Ryzen AI Max APU is designed to operate efficiently, with sustained power draw around 120W and capable of boosting up to 140W. Despite these power figures, which might suggest a potent heat generator, the 120mm fan remained remarkably quiet. Noticeable fan noise was only perceptible during intensive AI model processing in LM Studio and during the demanding video export task. This achievement in maintaining a relatively quiet operation under load is a significant improvement and a testament to effective thermal engineering in this desktop design.

Pricing: A Premium for Integrated Power

The pricing structure of the Framework Desktop reflects its unique positioning and the cost of its advanced APU. The base model, featuring the Ryzen AI Max 385 with 32GB of RAM, starts at $1,099. This price includes the chassis, power supply, and the mainboard with its integrated Wi-Fi module. However, Framework lists several essential components as optional extras, including the SSD, the CPU cooler fan, the operating system, and even the power cord. When factoring in these necessary additions to create a fully functional, out-of-the-box system, along with decorative front panel tiles and two expansion cards, the total cost for the base configuration rises to approximately $1,386.

Opting for the mid-tier configuration, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 64GB RAM, adds an additional $500 to the base model price. For the high-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 128GB RAM, the premium increases by $900 over the base price. This brings the total for a fully configured, top-tier system to around $2,286.

Direct, apples-to-apples comparisons with traditional pre-built PCs can be challenging due to the integrated nature of the Ryzen AI Max APU. However, for a budget of approximately $2,000, comparable systems offer robust performance. For instance, Lenovo’s Legion Tower 5 with a Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti with 12GB VRAM is available. Alternatively, the ASUS ROG G700, also within a similar price bracket, features a Ryzen 7 CPU, a Radeon RX 9070 XT Prime (16GB VRAM), 16GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. The key differentiator for the Framework Desktop in these comparisons is the significant advantage in memory bandwidth and speed offered by the AI Max APU, which can be a crucial factor for specific professional workloads.

Framework also offers the Desktop’s mainboard as a standalone purchase. The base model mainboard is priced at $799. This option presents a cost-effective route for existing PC builders who possess compatible Mini-ITX cases and other necessary components. It also represents the most economical path for power users planning to build clusters of boards for large-scale projects, such as distributed computing or complex AI training. While pre-orders are currently open, Framework has stated that standalone mainboard sales will commence only after all system orders have been fulfilled, ensuring a consistent supply for complete system purchases first.

Conclusion: A Niche Powerhouse, Not for Everyone

After extensive use, our assessment of the Framework Desktop has involved a degree of internal debate. Framework has been transparent about the development of this desktop as a project inspired by a particularly compelling new chip, operating somewhat outside their primary mission of modular laptops. While the integrated nature of the APU represents a departure from the absolute pinnacle of repairability seen in their laptops, the rationale behind its adoption for the Ryzen AI Max is understandable.

Where we believe Framework may have misjudged the market is in their positioning of the Desktop as a means to make “PC gaming more accessible” by reducing the complexities of building a PC. While the assembly is indeed simple, and the performance for gaming is strong, the price point is substantial. Many gamers looking for a powerful, hassle-free experience could likely find pre-built systems with discrete GPUs for a comparable cost. Furthermore, many gamers will still gravitate towards systems featuring dedicated graphics cards rather than relying on integrated solutions, even powerful ones.

Ultimately, emphasizing gaming as a primary use case might be a disservice to the Framework Desktop’s true strengths. The system’s real power lies in its effortless handling of demanding productivity tasks, particularly in areas like running complex AI models and high-throughput video processing. The ease with which it tackles these intensive workloads is reminiscent of compact creative powerhouses like the Mac Studio. It is precisely these capabilities that Framework should have highlighted as the system’s leading advantage, with gaming being a secondary benefit.

Therefore, we cannot unequivocally recommend the Framework Desktop to individuals simply seeking a powerful PC or a dedicated gaming machine. Instead, it is a highly specialized tool designed for a specific demographic of users who can truly capitalize on the unique benefits of the Ryzen AI Max APU, fulfilling needs that would typically require a dedicated workstation. While the Framework Desktop earns a high marks when evaluated on its own technical merits and performance, its suitability is ultimately contingent on whether your specific computing requirements align with its specialized capabilities.

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