Opt for Framework's novel modular desktop instead of the M4 Mac Mini - it's the compact PC that catches my interest
The tech world is abuzz with excitement over the latest offering from Framework, the Framework Desktop. This innovative mini desktop PC is designed for flexibility and power, making it an ideal choice for both professional and enthusiast users.
At its heart, the Framework Desktop boasts powerful AMD Ryzen processors, including the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 for high-end configurations. These CPUs are particularly well-suited for both gaming and AI workloads, making the Framework Desktop a formidable contender in the competitive desktop market.
One of the standout features of the Framework Desktop is its remarkable GPU/AI performance. It can run large AI models like Llama 3.3 70B Q6 in real-time at the desktop, and high-end configurations can be equipped with up to 128GB of system memory and substantial VRAM across multiple GPUs. This makes it possible to handle advanced local AI inference workloads that were previously limited by memory and cost constraints.
The Framework Desktop also offers a generous amount of DDR5 RAM, with up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 in the laptop version and even higher memory capacities in desktop configurations. Some setups even experiment with combined memory and VRAM totals reaching hundreds of gigabytes, making it a dream machine for AI tasks.
Storage options are equally impressive. The desktop version offers add-on modular storage expansion options, allowing users to scale storage based on workload requirements. For the laptop DIY edition, storage options start at 256GB or 500GB SSDs with possibilities for additional expansion.
Framework's hallmark is modularity. Users can pick and swap up to four expansion cards such as USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, card readers, headphone jacks, and even storage modules. This modularity extends to the desktop, allowing easy upgrades and customization of ports, memory, storage, and potentially GPUs to meet a wide range of use cases.
The Framework Desktop also offers customization options for side panels, RGB fans, and carrying handles. It supports multiple Windows editions (Windows 11 Pro, Home) or can be purchased without an OS to install custom systems. Moreover, it is compatible with popular Linux distros like Ubuntu and Fedora, and gaming-focused OSs like Bazzite and Playtron.
Pricing for the Framework Desktop is competitive. The top-end version with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB of memory costs $1,999, while the base model with an 8-core Ryzen AI Max 385 configuration and 32GB of memory starts at $1099.
In summary, the Framework Desktop is a modular, customizable PC that offers advanced AMD Ryzen CPUs with AI-optimized models, large DDR5 memory support, modular expansions for ports and storage, and capabilities for serious AI and gaming workloads. Its user-friendly upgradability and component swapping make it a versatile choice for a wide range of professional and enthusiast uses. Framework claims its desktop is "the easiest PC you'll ever build."
- The Framework Desktop, a flexible and powerful mini desktop PC, features high-end AMD Ryzen processors, such as the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, suitable for both gaming and AI tasks, enhancing its status in the competitive desktop market.
- With remarkable GPU/AI performance, the Framework Desktop can run large AI models like Llama 3.3 70B Q6 and boasts up to 128GB of system memory and substantial VRAM across multiple GPUs, making it suitable for advanced local AI inference workloads.
- Equipped with generous amounts of DDR5 RAM, the Framework Desktop offers up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 in its laptop version and higher memory capacities in desktop configurations, appealing to AI task enthusiasts with its potential for high memory and VRAM totals.
- Storage options in the Framework Desktop are impressive, with modular storage expansion options for the desktop version and 256GB or 500GB SSDs for the laptop DIY edition, offering possibilities for additional expansion.
- The Framework Desktop's modularity allows users to swap up to four expansion cards, including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, card readers, headphone jacks, and storage modules, enhancing its versatility for a wide range of use cases.
- Users can also customize the Framework Desktop's side panels, RGB fans, and carrying handles, with support for multiple Windows editions (Windows 11 Pro, Home) or the option to install custom systems, as well as compatibility with popular Linux distros and gaming-focused OSs.
- The Framework Desktop's pricing is competitive, with the top-end version priced at $1,999 and the base model starting at $1099, making it a cost-effective choice for professional and enthusiast users.
- In essence, the Framework Desktop is a modular, customizable PC that offers advanced AMD Ryzen CPUs, large DDR5 memory support, modular expansions for ports and storage, and capabilities for serious AI and gaming workloads, all while promoting user-friendly upgradability and component swapping.
