Framework has unveiled its first desktop computer, a compact yet powerful machine designed for gaming and local AI inference.
The most notable feature of this device is the integration of AMD’s newly announced Strix Halo architecture, also known as Ryzen AI Max processors. These all-in-one processing units promise exceptional performance, making the Framework Desktop suitable for gaming enthusiasts and those who want to run large language models on their own machines.
We talk about Linux a lot, but Framework Laptop 13 also works great with @freebsd! The team there just published their most recent report with a writeup on how they are refining laptop support using Framework Laptops: https://t.co/FwfZUg8v5M
— Framework (@FrameworkPuter) February 26, 2025
The Framework Desktop is a small 4.5L computer built around a mini-ITX mainboard, making it smaller than a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X. The front panel is customizable with 21 interchangeable plastic square tiles, allowing buyers to personalize their PC with different colors and patterns. The device includes various ports typically found on a mini-ITX mainboard and features the company’s recognizable expansion cards at the bottom—two in the front and two in the back.
As always, we’re following a batch ordering system for both the Framework Laptop 13 and Framework Desktop pre-orders. Ordering is open in all 32 countries we deliver to.
— Framework (@FrameworkPuter) February 25, 2025
Customers can choose from different modules, including USB-C or USB-A ports, a headphone jack, an SD card reader, and even a storage expansion card. Inside, the configuration is straightforward: the mainboard with AMD’s accelerated processing unit, a fan, a heat sink, a power supply, and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for storage.
"Framework has done it again — it’s built a new AMD-powered modular computer that fits into any previous version of its 13-inch laptop"
Check out coverage of the @FrameworkPuter Laptop 13 powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors from @verge. https://t.co/w8ZHNwUtvW pic.twitter.com/vNffPhuzKw
— AMD Ryzen (@AMDRyzen) February 26, 2025
Compact, customizable gaming and AI desktop
Framework offers two configurations: the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 and the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. The top-tier version includes 16 CPU cores, 40 graphics cores, and 80MB of cache, while the entry-level version has 8 CPU cores, 32 graphics cores, and 40MB of cache. One notable design choice is the soldered RAM, which offers between 32GB and 128GB of LPDDR5x memory.
Framework CEO Nirav Patel explained that this was necessary to achieve the high memory bandwidth of 256GB/s required by Ryzen AI Max, sacrificing upgradability for significant performance advantages when running large language models like Llama 3.3 70B. Framework also sells the mainboard without a case for users looking to build custom setups. The company has even developed a mini-rack with four Framework Desktop mainboards running in parallel for AI testing.
The Framework Desktop’s base model starts at $1,099, with the top-end version priced at $1,999. The desktop supports Windows and popular Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Bazzite, a Linux distribution focused on gaming. Preorders are open now, and shipments will start in early Q3 2025.
Image Credits: Photo by Linus Mimietz on Unsplash
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