Standalone Framework 7840U Board Limitations

Community Support
,
1

Single cable setup simply not functional

I started out using a Minisforum EM780 with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. It was connected to Dell C2722DE display via a single USB C cable. The monitor provided up to 90W of power delivery, audio, network, webcam, multiple USB ports, and DisplayPort MST output, so it could drive a second monitor. All of this ran over a single cable.

My plan was to upgrade my Framework 13 mainboard and use the original AMD Ryzen 7 7840U board in a Cooler Master case as a drop-in replacement for the EM780. Unfortunately the limitations of the FrameWork AMD mainboard meant this was never going to work. I couldn’t get any video out over the USB C port: no FrameWork logo and no boot loader. I tried all four ports with the monitor, two different USB C hubs, and multiple cables. As far as I can tell power delivery and video output on the same port simply doesn’t work on this board.

Dual cable setup works with multiple limitations

The dual cable solution was only slightly better given all the limitations. I knew that the display wasn’t an option on port 2. I also learned through trial and error that the power delivery must come in on one side (left or right), and the USB C hub or dock must be connected to the other side (right or left). In the case of my monitor, I had to use a 100W USB C adapter. If I used anything less, the 90W PD of the monitor would win out and the mainboard wouldn’t output video any more.

A 100W USB C adapter connected to port 1 and my C2722DE connected to port 3 got my something like I had before. I wasn’t happy giving up 100W adapter though, when the monitor was already capable of providing perfectly good 90W PD.

For comparison

  • The Minisforum EM780 has two USB C ports. Two out of two ports work with PD, provide full video output, and provide full dock connectivity.
  • My employer provides a Thinkpad laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7530U with Radeon Graphics. It has two USB C ports. Two out of two ports work with PD, provide full video output, and provide full dock connectivity.
  • The FrameWork 13 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U mainboard has four USB C ports. Zero out of four ports support simultaneous PD and video output.

Next steps

I’m going back to the EM780 for now. Its USB C has been so reliable, I don’t think I’ve ever used the HDMI port.

FrameWork laptops weren’t just supposed to be upgradable and repairable, they were supposed to be reusable. A single cable setup has been fairly common for a few years now. I don’t understand why FrameWork didn’t feel it was worth implementing or testing this configuration with their boards. If a lack of mirroring the Framework boot logo is any indication, it’s likely the AI 300 boards have similar limitations.

Let me know if I missed anything, or if you’ve gotten a single cable setup to work with this board.

1 Like
2

I have an i5-1135G7 board, which also has this limitation in standalone mode.

1 Like
3

I just want to clarify, this entire post is solely about standalone mode, and not when it is in the laptop chassis? Because I have that board in the laptop form and I’m currently typing this with a single thunderbolt 4 cable doing power, audio, webcam, multiple USB ports, and displayport. If this is solely about standalone mode then I unfortunately can’t contribute to the thread because I haven’t bought the coolermaster case yet.

1 Like
4

Yes, this is only about standalone mode.

The only comparable problem I had with the board while it was in the laptop was that the FrameWork logo, boot loader, and LUKS password prompt were never mirrored on the external display. I always had to go through those on the laptop display. The workaround just involved opening the laptop. It didn’t require any extra hardware.

2 Likes
5

At least in non standalone mode that works just fine on mine.

Frankly using the thing designed to be used standalone over something that can do it as a party trick does sound like the better idea. The point of standalone mode with the framework main boards is imo more so the boards can be reused an not that they are purchased just for that.

6

Agreed, with the limitation that the BIOS and boot loader only appear on the built-in screen. The EM780 and Thinkpad mirror these on all attached screens.

I was attempting to use the 7840U mainboard in standalone mode, after I upgraded my laptop to an HX370 mainboard. I don’t consider reuse of FrameWork mainboards a party trick.

7

Bios/firmware once again being one of frameworks biggest weakness.

Fair enough.

You know what I meant