For years, the holy grail for PC enthusiasts has been the ability to upgrade the graphics card in a laptop. Unlike desktop PCs, where swapping out a GPU is a common and relatively straightforward task, laptops have largely been a black box – once you buy it, you’re stuck with its original components. But what if that wasn’t the case? Enter Framework, a company that has built its reputation on tackling e-waste by creating repairable and highly customizable laptops. Their latest offering, the Framework Laptop 16, takes this philosophy to a whole new level, especially with the introduction of an upgradable graphics module featuring the Nvidia RTX 5070.
The Dream of Upgradable Graphics, Realized
The Framework Laptop 16 isn’t just another powerful laptop; it’s a statement. From its initial launch in early 2024, it promised more than just powerful internals; it promised a future where your laptop wouldn’t become obsolete the moment a new component hit the market. The ability to swap out the graphics module is, quite frankly, revolutionary. It’s the kind of feature that makes you think, "Why hasn’t anyone done this before?"
A Design That’s Both Familiar and Functional
The aesthetic of the Framework Laptop 16 might not be a radical departure from its predecessors, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While Framework doesn’t explicitly market it as a gaming laptop, the design language certainly hints at it. The per-key RGB backlighting, the generous bezels that frame the display, and the substantial 0.71-inch chassis all contribute to a robust feel. The standout feature, however, is the Graphics Module located at the rear. This isn’t just for show; it houses the discrete GPU and acts as a clever ventilation system, akin to the thermal shelves found in many gaming laptops. It’s here that the magic of upgradability truly shines.
Getting Under the Hood: A Masterclass in Modularity
When it comes to upgrading components, the Framework Laptop 16 truly shines. I had the opportunity to test an upgraded unit featuring both the new mainboard and the RTX 5070 Graphics Module. The process was remarkably straightforward, a testament to Framework’s meticulous design and clear instructions. Forget fiddly screws and hidden latches; getting into the Framework Laptop 16 is designed to be intuitive.
The first step involves releasing the spacers on either side of the touchpad. Once these are disengaged, the touchpad and keyboard can be lifted away without any screws or delicate ribbon cables. Beneath this lies a metal plate, which does require removing 16 screws to access the core components. After this, it’s a matter of a few more screws to reach the battery and other internals.
Inside, you’ll find two cleverly stacked storage slots. The secondary SSD requires the more compact M.2 2230 format, while the primary slot accommodates the standard M.2 2280 drive. And of course, there are the six hot-swappable expansion slots, allowing you to customize your port selection to your heart’s content. The Graphics Module itself also boasts an additional USB-C port, bringing your total port count to a very respectable seven.
For those undertaking a more involved upgrade, like swapping the mainboard, there are a couple of points that require a bit more careful attention. The power button and speaker connections involve gently inserting small ribbon cables into their respective connectors. I also found the Wi-Fi module’s antenna cables to be a tad finicky, being so small and lacking the satisfying click of other connections. Despite these minor challenges, the overall experience of upgrading the mainboard was still impressively quick and manageable, especially compared to the more compact Framework Laptop 13.
The Graphics Module Upgrade: A Game Changer
But let’s talk about the star of the show: the upgradable graphics module. The option to slot in an Nvidia RTX 5070 is a monumental achievement. The upgrade process itself is elegantly simple. Once the top-level components are removed, it’s just three screws hidden within the compartment to release the old module. There’s no need to even remove the metal plate. The new module slides in and snaps into place with a satisfying click, much like many of the other modular components. In mere moments, you’ve gone from integrated graphics to a powerful discrete GPU. This is, without question, one of the most innovative and successful implementations of discrete graphics in a laptop we’ve ever seen.
Quality Where It Counts
All this modularity and upgradability would be moot if the core components weren’t up to par. Thankfully, Framework delivers. The touchpad is smooth and incredibly responsive, and typing on the keyboard is a genuine pleasure. While the per-key RGB backlighting might not be for everyone, it’s implemented with consistency and offers three brightness levels, adding a touch of flair without being overwhelming.
The keyboard customization options are also a neat addition. The ability to add a number pad or an RGB macropad module to the right side offers flexibility. However, I do feel there’s still room for growth here. I’d love to see Framework explore more keyboard layout options in the future, perhaps a full-size arrow key cluster or even a module with dedicated macro keys. The potential for keyboard customization is vast, but it doesn’t feel entirely complete just yet.
A Display That Dazzles
The display on the Framework Laptop 16 is a real highlight. It’s exceptionally sharp, boasting a 2560 x 1600 resolution and a silky-smooth 165-Hz refresh rate. While some gaming laptops might push higher refresh rates, 165 Hz is more than sufficient for an RTX 5070 and offers a fantastic visual experience. Beyond gaming, this is one of the finest IPS panels you’ll find on a laptop. It can reach a peak brightness of 480 nits, and its color accuracy is outstanding, covering 100 percent of sRGB and 99 percent of Adobe RGB. The factory calibration is impressive, with an average color error of just 0.88. While content creators, photographers, and video editors might prefer a glossy finish, the matte display is still a beautiful canvas for any task.
The webcam and speakers, however, are merely adequate. The 1080p webcam performs as expected for its resolution, which is to say, it’s a bit subpar. The stereo speakers are decent enough for video calls and casual music playback, but they lack the depth and richness found in high-end creator laptops like the Dell XPS 16 or Razer Blade 16, which often feature multi-speaker arrays.
The Price of Progress: Performance and Power
Upgradable discrete graphics are a monumental step forward, and Framework deserves immense credit for achieving this. However, the RTX 5070 Graphics Module comes at a significant cost. Adding it to a new system tacks on an extra $650, and if you’re upgrading an existing Framework Laptop 16, it’s a $699 investment. Factor in the optional $300 upgrade to the AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 CPU, and you’re looking at a starting price of $2,449, before even considering RAM and storage.
To put this into perspective, a high-end Razer Blade 16 with an RTX 5070 can often be found for around $2,300, and frequently dips below $2,000 during sales. With the Framework Laptop 16, you’re paying a premium for the unparalleled ability to upgrade and repair your device.
Gaming Performance: A Solid Experience
Despite the premium price, the gaming performance offered by the RTX 5070 is solid. You can comfortably game at the native 2560 x 1600 resolution in some titles, such as Cyberpunk 2077, achieving around 56 frames per second with the highest graphics preset. The benchmark results, tested without upscaling or ray tracing, indicate that further frame rate gains are possible by adjusting graphical settings. This flexibility allows gamers to prioritize either smoother gameplay or sharper visuals depending on their preferences and the demands of the game. The only title among those tested that struggled at maximum settings was Black Myth: Wukong. A significant limitation for the RTX 5070 in AAA titles is its 8 GB of VRAM, a notable deficit compared to the 12 GB found in its desktop counterpart.
Battery Life: A Surprising Compromise
Adding a discrete graphics card often comes with a substantial hit to battery life, but the Framework Laptop 16 manages this compromise remarkably well. Even with its powerful GPU, it offers approximately 25 percent more battery life than many cheaper gaming laptops. In local video playback tests, I managed to squeeze nearly nine hours out of it. In more demanding real-world usage, I was seeing closer to five hours, which is still respectable for a laptop of this caliber.
A unique advantage of the Framework Laptop 16 is the ability to remove the graphics module entirely if you’re traveling and don’t anticipate gaming. This simple act can net you a few extra hours of battery life, which is a clever solution for extending your unplugged time.
Powering the Future: USB-C Charging
One of the most impressive feats of engineering is that the entire Framework Laptop 16 system, including the discrete graphics, runs off USB-C power. The included 240-watt GaN charger is surprisingly compact, no larger than a standard laptop charger, yet it has the grunt to power this demanding machine. Just ensure you’re utilizing both outputs on the charger to achieve full performance.
The Verdict: A Premium for Sustainability and Modularity
Framework laptops were designed before the recent shifts in laptop pricing, where excellent machines can now be found for under $700, especially during sales. Framework’s pricing remains relatively static, and they largely avoid third-party retailers. However, for a segment of the market that values repairability, sustainability, and the ability to upgrade their hardware, the Framework Laptop 16 presents a compelling, albeit premium, option. Whether you’re a Linux enthusiast or a Windows user, if you’re willing to pay for the privilege of a laptop that won’t become obsolete overnight, the Framework Laptop 16 with the RTX 5070 is a significant step towards that future.