Just fried my FW16 mainboard?

Community Support
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1

I already contacted actual support but trying to understand if I would be able to ask for a goodwill replacement based off of any known similar issues.

My set-up: 1 thunderbolt 4 cable hooked up into usb-c slot 4 (right far back) that is connected to a Caldigit TS4, with 2 other monitors.

What happened: I was using my laptop normally not even load, until it just died? like black screen didn’t respond to power off button. I ended up holding the power off button for like 20 seconds before it actually shut off. After that I realized that the area underneath my usb-c port was super hot. so disconnected and let it cool off.

Tried to turn it on, nothing. the led light on the power button won’t even flash. fans won’t even try to spin. literal brick. plugged in framework’s OEM charger to the other side (left far back) charging indicator works fine, it was constantly orange color until it turned white to indicate battery is fully charged.

What i tried:

I tried resetting mainboard, re-seat battery, disconnect battery + power into expansion module + pressing SW1 switch, reconnect battery + disconnect power from expansion module + pressing SW1 switch. but none of them worked.

took out the mainboard to see this, is this normal??

Image_261012_202316
Image_261012_2023161920×2560 1.04 MB

IMG_1340
IMG_13401920×2560 1.07 MB

  • NixOS
  • latest distro as of 10/12/2026
  • Framework 16 7040, with rtx 8gb expansion module
  • bought September 29 2025 (sad just got out of warranty)
2

obviously not. Is it possible it got water in it? If not, it looks like that chip exploded.

3

No water got into it as far as I’m aware. It always sits on an elevated laptop stand and kind of lives there.

4

Urgh, sorry to hear this. The woefully inadequate warranties in the US are something I’d like FW to fix. That really isn’t enough for a product of this type.

5

You did not cause this. The part failed.

6

Update: support responded after i sent in these photos.

They came in clutch and said “Your product is OOW (out of warranty) but we are pleased to offer you to make an exception and send replacements for the mainboard and bottom plate cover.”

Really grateful that they did this. So it looks they are open to sending replacement even if product is OOW

7

That’s great news. Are they asking you to send the old board back to them?

8

Glad to hear of them making an exception. Probably just a component that failed prematurely.

So the OP and others are aware. Many Credit Card companies offer automatic “extended warranties” matching the factory warranty. I.e. my card will warranty something purchased on months 13-24 on products that have a 12-month warranty. Use that benefit if it is already available to you. Everyone pays for these perks but they sometimes get forgotten about!