I can confirm that 25.3.1 works on my Framework 13 7840 with 96GB of RAM, BIOS 3.07. Chipset driver update was also successful.
I am on Gaming mode, which in this case translates to 8GB of RAM allocated.
I don’t do hybernation though, for I am machine.
Steven, thank you! I was able to get it working on my FRWK16 with 48GB of RAM and 96GB of RAM. I installed it in auto GPU mode using one stick of RAM, and everything works without any black screens. I installed the second stick after the fact, and everything is working as others have reported.
Most importantly, for my use case running Solidworks 2024 (note that it mentions 2020 because I upgraded from an older version), the dGPU mux position switches correctly when in laptop mode (using only the laptop display), as shown below.
LAPTOP MODE (ONLY USING LAPTOP DISPLAY)
I’m not entirely sure why the mux position doesn’t change when I connect a 4K display to the back of the 7700S, as shown below. However, the performance indicates that the 3D rendering is being handled by the correct dedicated GPU. Perhaps this is just a software glitch?
DGPU CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO 4K MONITOR
When I use my OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock with 4K and 1080P monitors connected to the upper right USB4 port, the mux position shows APU. However, the performance indicates that the 3D render is utilizing the correct dGPU. This might be just a software glitch.
USB4 PORT TO OWC PRO DOCK TO 4K/1080P MONITORS
It works well in this configuration.
The next issue to address is rendering with SolidWorks Visualize. This software does not work with the Adrenaline package. In the past, I was able to get it working by installing an older version of the AMD PRO software, but this process came with many challenges and less-than-optimal performance. I will retest this situation and report my findings.
In the future, it would be fantastic to have the ability to install either package or for the Adrenaline versions to be compatible with AMD PRO Render technology.
I have always preferred AMD graphics in SolidWorks over NVIDIA, as they have consistently performed better for me. In the past, NVIDIA would often create graphical imperfections while I was designing. However, with newer drivers, the latest version of SolidWorks (2021 and onward), and advancements in GPUs, these issues are less noticeable with NVIDIA cards, provided the hardware isn’t outdated. Currently, I am using my RZR16-4090 to render all of my projects.
It’s also possible that these issues stem from the limitations of SolidWorks Visualize. Perhaps SolidWorks could explore ways to utilize the NPU, CPU, and DGPU, maximizing the capabilities of FRAMEWORK platforms for development, gaming, and workstations alike, especially with the upcoming FRWK DESKTOP on the horizon.
I almost forgot that my main request is to be able to select the dedicated GPU (dGPU) in the BIOS. This change would alleviate many of the issues I’m facing. However, with the introduction of USB4, I’m unsure if this is still possible. From my previous experience with Dell and my Razer 16 (intel based), I know that it is possible to switch the dGPU.
