Hi,
I have asked framework support for some clarifications, and they kindly responded. If you read it and also follow all the URL links, I find one can get answers to most DP / DP+ / HDMI questions in relation to the FW16 and expansion cards. The information is scattered between multiple different URLs, but its enough to clarify any confusion resulting from the differences between DP and DP+ (Note: FW16 has DP, not DP+)
Previously my assumption had been that “get DP, and you can get cheap adaptors for any other output HDMI, DVI, VGA”, because DP has power output to power any adaptors whereas HDMI does not have power out, so its expensive to turn HDMI to DP.
But my assumption was not correct, it should have read “DP+” and not just “DP”.
The conclusion I have come to with the FW16 is:
- If you need DP, use the DP expansion card.
- If you need HDMI or DVI-D use the HDMI expansion card.
- I have not enquired about DVI-A, DVI-I or VGA output.
otherwise, quite expensive active converters are needed.
I am quite impressed as to how many DP / HDMI expansion cards you can plug into a FW16 and them all actually work at the same time. I don’t think any laptop on the market today can do that many displays attached to a laptop without external docks etc. See details in the URL links from the quote below.
The response from FW support is below:
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Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out to Framework Support. We are here to assist you with your inquiry.
Please refer to the links below for the answers to your inquiry:
DisplayPort Expansion card
DisplayPort (1st Gen) Expansion Card - Supports DisplayPort 1.4 for monitors up to 8k 60Hz resolution Supports up to 4 monitors at 4k 60Hz resolution (using 4 cards) 50% post-consumer-recycled aluminum 30% post-consumer-recycled plastic
DisplayPort (2nd Gen) Expansion Card - The DisplayPort (2nd Gen) Expansion Card has optimized firmware to reduce system power consumption, improving laptop battery life. Passes through DP Alt Mode directly from the Mainboard, enabling support for the maximum DisplayPort version and monitor resolution supported by the processor.
External monitor support on the Framework Laptop
The Framework Laptop 16 has 6 slots for Expansion Cards, and it is fully compatible with all Framework Expansion Cards available for the Framework Laptop 13. However, the functionality of each slot varies. Please refer to the image below
Expansion Card Slot functionality on Framework Laptop 16
We hope this information helps. Should there be anything else, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to assist.
Thank you for contacting Framework Support and have a good day ahead!
Regards,
Framework Support
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