Does the 304 mainboard upgrade have fingerprint unlock?

Framework Laptop 12
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I couldn’t really find this answer in the docs or YT video.
Since the i3 1315u is really laggy on the latest Zorin OS and I could use a battery life upgrade I wanted to get the 304 mainboard upgrade but does it also make the fingerprint unlock work? or only if I get a 320?

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If I understand what you’re asking correctly, no.
No mainboard-only upgrade will give you fingerprint.

Fingerprint requires a fingerprint reader, and previous models of FWL12 did not have a fingerprint reader inside the power button, which was just “disabled” or something. Framework doesn’t do things like that.

For fingerprint you’d need to upgrade your power button to one which has a fingerprint reader inside. Or buy a new model FWL12, if you’d be interested in a whole new one. As a separate part for upgrades, the new fingerprint reader would become available once FW has extra stock of them, which would be after new model FWL12 preorders are fulfilled.

frame.work/products/laptop12-fingerprint-reader-kit. Enter your email on that page & FW will notify you when it’s available.

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Yeah. That info is bit fresh and might be confusing to understand.

As @MJ1 said - fingerprint reader capability needs a physical fingerprint reader. They linked the reader in the Framework shop, which basically is a hardware that replaces the power button and makes it read fingerprints. Currently not yet available to order as part. But will likely be available some time after the first new FW12 units were delivered. No clear timeframe on that.

A bit more context though:

  • Right now the quickest way to get a FW12 with fingerprint reader is to buy a full series 3 core 5 or core 7 laptop. Those two include the fingerprint reader.
  • The series 3 core 3 does not include it out-of-the-box, but you could later order the fingerprint reader separately (once it’s available).
  • You should also be able to upgrade older FW12 with the fingerprint reader (once it’s available).
  • Also if you buy a mainboard upgrade you’ll need to buy the fingerprint reader separately (once it’s available)

The gist is - it has nothing to do with the mainboard. It most likely only looks that way to you, since framework bundles the fingerprint reader with the two more powerful mainboard options out-of-the-box. But I read a (reddit or here in the forums?) comment from Framework staff that the reader is compatible with any FW12. It’s just a waiting game until they make it available as standalone product in the shop, unless you buy a new laptop that includes it.

Edit: If you scroll down a bit in the fingerprint reader shop listing it also lists compatibility. Intel® Core™ Series 3, 13th Gen Intel® Core™ - so not just a rumor that I am spreading :slight_smile:

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Thanks for the reply!
@wolfie thanks as well, think I get it now.

so it just needs the fingerprint power button part to make it work, new FW12 laptops(core series 5 320 and higher) already come with that part included but for older ones I’d have to order it separately.

Ok I’ll wait until the part becomes available so I can get the 304 mainboard + fingerprint power button together so I don’t need shipping twice :slight_smile:

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I just ordered the Core 3 upgrade for my i3, Framework 12. I’m on the email list for a fingerprint reader and back lit keyboard…
for convenience. :smiley: :+1: