Hi,
I have a Framework Laptop 13 with Amd 7040 Series and Windows 11.
My Problem is that when I connect my Bluetooth earbuds (Samsung Buds Pro1) after some time the Bluetooth connection gets lost. It’s not just a simple disconnect but Windows doesn’t even recognise any Bluetooth module in my laptop anymore. WiFi still works after that, which is strange. It only happens when I listen to something with my earbuds, not when I just use my BT mouse and keyboard and i don’t think it happens when my earbuds are just connected but don’t play any sounds. (not 100% about the last part, didn’t test this enough)
The time it takes for this error to appear is different: Sometimes it takes like 20 min but sometimtes only 2 min.
Sometimes BT just disappears for like 10 secs and then appears again but in the end I always need to at least reboot because after like 2 or 3 times of short BT disconnects it disappears comletely. Sometimtes i even have to go as far as to open the laptop and take out the module and put it back in which is also strange and can’t be good for the longevity of the connectors.
I already installed the latest BIOS and other drivers from the framework website.
I also got in contact with the Framework support and got a new WiFi/Bluetooth module.
Nothing helped so far.
Welcome to the community! This is a known issue with the drivers/firmware? on the RZ616 card. Mine does the same thing but comes back most of the time. When it is no longer recognized by the laptop I have to do a full power down in order for it to come back. I should probably have just replaced it with the AX210 Intel module that does not have this issue.
Hi @pkunk,
ty for the answer. So is the RZ616 just incapable of audio transmission for extended time?
(I was thinking that it might be an issue with my motherboard because I had the same problem with both RZ616 modules.)
Can you just exchange the RZ616 with a module from another brand? Are there no compatibility issues and do i have to download new drivers beforehand to install a new module from another brand?
Also shouldnt there be some kind of recall if the RZ616 really is that bad at BT audio transmission?
It is capable of extended periods of time of Bluetooth working, though it just appears that Windows has this problem. I do not recall anyone from the Linux side saying this has happened to them. Again, this is just my opinion on what is going on from a hardware/driver standpoint. It could be driver related or a bug in the firmware for the Bluetooth portion of the RZ616.
The Intel AX210 that Framework offers is a drop in replacement. No extra drivers needed. It is $19 new. Sometimes they have refurbished ones in stock too. I would just purchase the $19 one and call it good. Next time I order something from Framework I am probably going to buy an extra AX210 and swap mine out. I have been happy with the RZ616 other than the Bluetooth dropping out randomly and sometimes permanently until it is fully power cycled (this is what makes me believe there is a Firmware bug at play).
Do NOT buy the AX211? (I think that is the next generation model) It ONLY works with Intel processors because it is dependent on hardware exclusive to Intel processors. There are two Intel models for sale and only the AX210 is the one you want.
I am curious if the new Wifi module they announced with the Framework 13 that I thought was another MediaTek chip, will avoid all these issues. Though, it is too new to tell. It likely does not share the same drivers and will have its own firmware that would have been developed custom to it just like most components. The RZ616, AX210, and AX211? have been out for a number of years. Ideally the newer chipset would be more robust with maybe even some lower power consumption.