The Framework Desktop has a PCIe 4x slot that is spec-compliant for PCIe 4x cards. However, if a user inserts a PCIe 4x card (e.g., a network card, Oculink card, etc.), the case does not actually have an opening to expose the card’s ports to the back end, which severely limits the utility/uses of having the PCIe 4x slot. I would like to request that Framework provides some way to allow PCIe 4x cards to be installed with their respective ports exposed to the back of the case. This isn’t something that should be reserved for a Framework Desktop 2.0. @David6 had a couple ideas:
I just noticed that the “Specs” section for the Framework Desktop page says the following:
“1 x PCIe x4 slot (not exposed on default case)” … (emphasis added)
Does this mean that developers are looking into providing a non-default case that exposes the slot?
Currently there is no case alternative announced. There could be one in the future - personally think it’s very likely down the road. Framework does not do premature announcements and nobody can say for sure though. If there is one it will be announced close to when it can be pre-ordered / ordered.
The good news is: the mainboard has a FlexATX form factor. That’s a standard and there are compatible 3rd party cases available that expose ports. You might have to do some tweaking to set everything up, but it’s definitely doable. If you look through other threads you’ll see people already looking and recommending cables and adapters for the board. If you don’t or can’t look for yourself I would wait for the community to come up with good part recommendations. Pretty sure once the first boards get sent there will be a lot of discussion. You can also just pre-order the board and no case already. So that’s definitely going to happen.
Yeah there is no port for the pcie card on the back, thats true. Thats only usuable if you want to either modify the case or buy any mini atx case that has the port for it.
Framework design a simple very small case. Add PCie case slot will made case bigger. I think this is a chose, if you need to add PCIe card you can buy some other case and only buy the motherboard.
I like the modularity of the Framework Desktop and I want to take advantage of their design work. I also appreciate the inclusion of a x4 slot of the motherboard. So, for me, a Framework Desktop case with access to the PCIe slot would be better than not providing access to it.
@Djip I’d have to agree with @FW4TeePee - I want to take advantage of their design work, so I would like to go with their case. Looking over the Framework Desktop pics/specs and Desktop Motherboard pics, it seems like it should be possible to include an opening for a low-profile pcie card’s bracket. If there are concerns that it would take away from the design aesthetic, it would be nice to let consumers choose an option that provides the pcie card bracket opening.
I don’t think there’s enough room to fit a card between the motherboard and the power supply. To do this, you’d have to increase the size of the case and allow room for the bracket’s locking mechanism.
They had to make a choice: a very compact case, or one with more modularity or options.
Maybe they’ll end up making a second, larger case for this.
@Djip looking at the pictures, it looks like there is enough room between the pcie pirt/slot and the power supply for most peripheral pcie cards, though maybe not graphics cards. For example, the card that @SeanKOBrien mentioned looks like it will fit just fine… except for the fact that yhe case does not have an opening for the card’s bracket. So, unless the card’s bracket can be removed, @SeanKOBrien probably cant add that card.
@Matt_Hartley do you happen to know if Framework has any plans to provide an opening in the case for a pcie card bracket? If not, could we learn the rationale? For example, i really appreciated Framework’s explanation of why the RAM is soldered in - it totally made sense.
@PenTurDucKenLinE You’re spot on, I think; I’m waiting to hear back if the card’s bracket is removable. Hopefully it’s a matter of a quick screw. I’ll make it work somehow. If I have to find a different orientation I can get a cable.
