Framework 13 iGPU vs G14 2020?

Framework Laptop 13
1

I’m a software-engineering student and I’m re-considering my pre-order of a Framework 13 with AI 350 since I’m worried that the Radeon 860M GPU won’t hold up to my current G14 from 2020 with GTX 1660 TI MaxQ - similar perf to a GTX 1060-6G (I think), especially in future AI-related studies.

I also do a little gaming on the device, and my G14 can run new-ish demanding games (w FSR Performance) at 60 FPS on medium setting.

I’m looking for what I should do, since I want a repairable and upgradable laptop, but worry about going backwards in GPU performance

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Since your current laptop has a discrete GPU, maybe consider Framework 16? The built-in Radeon 780M is 30% slower than the mobile 1660 Ti, but the discrete add-on Radeon 7700S is actually 2-times more performant.

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I considered a FW 16, and was about to pull the trigger, but the 7700S is .2 cm too wide for my Osprey Nebula 32 backpack.
Do you think the GPU module could be packed seperately or is the module fragile?

4

The g14s are a ton of performance in a compact package, it’s going to take a few generations before (non strix halo kind) igpus outperform a laptop 1660.

Might be worth riding that one out a couple more years if you can.

Edit: I almost bough one a while ago before I realized they messed up the keyboard.

5

My G14 needs a replacement. The battery especially. Can’t hold a charge for 30 minutes. It’s 4.5 years old.

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Well the 13 has a much stronger cpu but much weaker gpu and the 16 is physically way bigger.

If you don’t need as much gpu grunt the 13 is pretty nice but if you need the gpu and the 16 is too big you may need to look elsewhere.

Or just replace the battery in the g14.

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There are a couple of 3d-printed cases for carrying dGPU module. But removing and installing the dGPU on the 16 isn’t a process you’d want to do all the time.

Seems like if you want a Framework, you’d need to compromise on something, up to you if that would still be worth it.

I know a couple of backpacks which fit the 16 with dGPU which I can recommend, and there are threads here as well where people list other backpacks as well :slight_smile:

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especially in future AI-related studies.

what does your workload actually look like?

IME as a cs major, a faster CPU has been much more relevant (in reducing project compile times) than a faster GPU. /shrug

I also do a little gaming on the device, and my G14 can run new-ish demanding games (w FSR Performance) at 60 FPS on medium setting.

can you give an example of some of those games? a 780m will be able to run some recent games at 1080p low 60FPS.