Looking for advice on building a (cheap) DDR4-compatible Framework 13

Framework Laptop 13
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I need a good laptop that will either last me for years or be easily repairable if anything breaks. I’ve landed on Framework hoping for both.

My main constraint is being poor, so I’d like to reuse as many parts as I can. I have a dead laptop that was using a 16GB DDR4-3200 stick of RAM and a 512GB 2280 NVMe SSD.

I’d like to reuse those parts in a Framework 13, but there is no stock of DIY Intel gen 11/12/13.

My options (I believe) are the following:

  1. Wait for more stock (will they ever be back in stock? according to framewiki, they are discontinued). Factory seconds for Intel’s 11th Gen shows an option to get notified for new stock.
  2. Wait until someone sells theirs: I’m already following the Community Market waiting for anything to show up.
  3. Buy parts separately and assemble them, either through the Framework Shop or Community Market. (once more, will intel’s 11th gen mainboards be available? I’m able to get notified for new stock because more stock will come?

When looking for mainboards (or DIY kits), my criteria are getting a) the oldest generation available (11th gen performance is more than fine) and b) the lowest tier available (I’m more than happy with an i5). In other words, the cheapest option available to me.

Best case scenario for a mainboard (from the Framework shop) would be the aforementioned Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7, at 339€. With the current stock, the cheaper mainboard I was able to find is an Intel® Core™ i7-1280P, at 719€ (no way I’m paying this much for the mainboard, this would be more than I’d be able to pay for the whole computer).

If you have read through my whole ramble, I’d like to know your opinion on what should I do.

Thanks in advance.

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Check your local eBay site - eg Frameworks and parts sometimes turn up on eBay UK. If you have that or another popular local marketplace, worth setting some alerts so you’re notified if anything is listed.

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I would also put a ‘would like to buy’ note on the community forum here. It may just tip someone who is looking to upgrade to take the plunge, especially if you are prepared to purchase an FL13 case seperately, you could then take on someones mainboard upgrade. Then through Framework purchase the complete case kit they sell for those who have purchased a RISC-V board.

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