Full Performance in stand alone mode with 7700s

Framework Laptop 16
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1

Hello all,

I’m using a Framework 16 with the 7940HS mainboard and Gen 1 7700s graphics card running in standalone mode within a 3D printed case.

After performing a clean Windows installation, I’ve noticed the system appears to be underperforming and not drawing full power from the GPU. I’m utilizing the official 180W Framework charger and connecting via HDMI to the USB-C port on the back of the GPU. The system does not have a batter connected to it.

Is this level of performance normal and expected?

Screenshot 2026-07-07 180235
Screenshot 2026-07-07 1802351831×889 352 KB

2

I had actually drafted up a post this morning to ask if anyone has done this exact thing, but I never sent it because I couldn’t figure out how to word it in a way that I like. So, thanks for sharing! Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer you’re looking for as I run linux and 3D mark doesn’t work on there. I’d be curious to hear what your experience is like during a long term heavy gaming session where the CPU is also heavily utilized, as those cases have a tendency to drain the battery while plugged in… but you don’t have a battery to drain from.

3

I just grabbed the 240w and tested with that and no difference. Not sure if the machine can’t accept that amount of power or if just needs the battery.

4

Check the dGPU and mainboard FPC connector—if there is any dust, it might cause an impact.

5

Didn’t think of that. It all looks good though.

6

Maybe try to use the latent drivers from AMD to see if there is a difference. I haven’t experienced problems whatsoever though.

7

I think I only have the latest Framework bundle installed and not updated through AMD. Are you running it standalone like that as well?

8

I run with the Framework bundle, but it cannot hurt trying the newest from AMD.

9

Hi. The FW16 is kind of designed to have a battery. It will be mostly crippled without it.
The cpu and gpu peak power draw higher than 240W. At the peaks it fills in, adding from the battery as well.
Without the battery it is likely to have brown outs. To avoid brownouts, it reverts to a sort of limp mode when battery is not present.
I don’t think FW have spent much time optimizing it in this “without battery” configuration, and you are probably the only person using a FW16 this way.
You would probably need to experiment with the EC source code and try different PMF profiles. Maybe reducing P3T to 160W or something like that.