I apologize but the tagging system doesn’t work for this question, so the tag is wrong.
I am interested in buying a Framework Laptop 16, but I am trying to understand how the upgrading works because that will help me figure out which configuration to purchase.
On a very high level, I am trying to figure out, if I get a 7040 configuration, and then later want to upgrade to an AI 300 configuration, how do I go about doing that? Let’s say I keep it simple and just order all parts off of the Framework website. Can I just order the AI 300 chip? Or do I also have to upgrade the motherboard? Or would I even have to upgrade the case? And where on the Framework website do I find that information? Like, is there some tool where I can save my current configuration (to my account maybe?), and then select an upgrade, and then it shows me all the other parts that need to be upgraded and what the options are to make that upgrade work? Or do I have to have the knowledge level of a computer engineer to figure out the dependencies?
On a more detailed level, there are several options that are really unclear. For example, the AI 300 series does not mention a webcam anywhere, but given how much remote work I do, that is a non-negotiable feature. Is that because it is automatically built in? If so, where is that specified because I don’t see that anywhere. If not, does that mean I should get a 7040 because that has a built-in webcam, and then upgrade later if I need a better processor? Or if I get a 7040, am I really just locked in because the different needs of the AI 300 chips are just too big to really make upgrading feasible?
I have a number of questions like this, but I am hoping that if someone could give me a better understanding of how upgrading works, that might answer several of them.
It’s a lot simpler than I think you’re imagining. I would just order the DIY edition of whatever laptop processor you want, then when it comes time to upgrade a new motherboard will come out and you can swap it out. The CPU and motherboard are a single part that get replaced together. All of the models come with a webcam.
I didn’t want a graphics card when I bought my FW originally, but a year later I changed my mind. So, I bought the GPU module, put it in, and was good to go.
Other components do get refreshes/minor changes over time, such as the case (chassis), display, etc. but those are optional and backwards compatible so there’s no “need” to upgrade unless you really want whatever changed (e.g. the lid was made thicker on V2 chassis).
There are various subtleties with upgrading. But in general, the upgrade happens at the board level.
So, if you have a 7840HS (7040 series) FW 16 laptop to start with.
You can remove the old mainboard, and replace it with a AI 300 mainboard.
If you purchase the FW16 with a 7700S GPU expansion card, you can replace it with a RTX5070 GPU expansion card, without needing to change the mainboard.
If you want RTX5070 G-sync capabilities for the display, you might need to replace the display screen, to one that supports G-sync.
So, you can take whatever approach you wish to. Buy an older model now and upgrade later, or just buy the latest model now.
One thing you might already know about, is RAM prices are pretty high right now, they will probably increase throughout 2026, and maybe calm down in 2027 when the AI bubble might burst, and allow the chip fabs to make RAM chips again for laptops.
Look around the support pages, they link to videos of upgrading/installing any of the components. Technical skills include turning a screwdriver and unplugging / plugging in cables for the most part. And they give you the screwdriver too.
These responses are all super helpful, thank you. I am not too worried about the assembling skills. I am worried about lack of knowledge and setting proper expectations as to what an upgrade cost might be. James3’s answer is exactly what I was trying to understand.