Dead On Arrival: DeepComputing DC-ROMA RISC-V III

Framework Laptop 13
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1

I’ve been interested in getting a RISC-V Framework laptop for a little while, and despite needing a new laptop today, I’ve been holding out for the DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard III, which is taking pre-orders. As someone who doesn’t already own any Framework hardware yet, there’s just one problem:

The DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard III is dead on arrival.

The product page linked above is for the mainboard. I looked around for how to order an assembled, ready-to-use laptop with the new mainboard, but I couldn’t find such an offering. But the whole idea is that you can assemble it yourself, right? I’m ready and willing!

Except I can’t. As best I can tell, there’s no way for me to obtain a Framework 13 shell. The Framework Laptop 13 Chassis (2nd Gen) has been out of stock for months. The new Pro offerings are no better. For someone who’s trying to get into Framework via the RISC-V route, the proposition is a nonstarter.

DeepComputing is supposed to start shipping the mainboards this month, and I’ve been holding off on ordering one because I just don’t know if I’ll be able to get a working laptop out of it. I do need a new laptop sooner rather than later, and it won’t be long before I give up and buy a competing product.

DeepComputing, if you’re listening, I want to buy your product. Why can’t I?

2

What is the point of this post? Nothing is dead. You will be able to purchase the chassis and mainboard, both from deep computing, once it is ready.

3

Prove it.

4

I don’t understand, Prove what?

That shows deep computing selling a
Mainboard: Risc-V mainboard,
Standard: mainboard + case,
Pro: mainboard + FW 13 chassis.

When the new mainboard III comes out, there will likely be the same 3 options.

5

I’m not going to make purchasing decisions based on your speculation.

6

You don’t have to get the 2nd gen chassis kit from Framework. You could just buy a top cover, bottom cover, display, speakers, input cover, etc. Basically, just buy all the parts separately. Or wait until the 2nd gen chassis kit is available. Or wait to see if DeepComputing starts offering the board in a chassis. Or just buy a used Framework 13 from someone and swap the mainboard to the RISC-V board.

7

Thanks! I appreciate your suggestions. Is there an exhaustive list of parts that comprise a complete chassis? I don’t want to miss anything. Also, just curious if you know off hand, is buying all the parts separately and assembling them myself more cost-effective?

8

I know people on here have worked out before what it would cost to built an entire laptop from parts. I don’t think it was drastically more than buying a complete machine, but I don’t think it was cheaper either. That’s just the unfortunate nature of buying separate parts. The savings on the labor of building it is more than offset by the fact that all the parts are made, packaged, shipped, and stocked separately.

I don’t have the full list of parts needed off-hand. But here is a thread that should help you get started. Granted, there are probably some you could do without, depending on your needs.