Starting out without the $400 AMD Graphics module

Framework Laptop 16
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I’m getting the default Framework 16, but holding off on the AMD graphics module, planning on getting it later.

My 2 questions are:

1 – Can I still use the laptop without the $400 AMD Ryzen expansion bay?

2 – When I eventually get around to buying the $400 AMD Ryzen graphics expansion bay, is that all I need to upgrade (does everything I need to upgrade come in a kit) or is there an additional component I’ll need to purchase with it?

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I picked up the FW16 without the AMD graphics module earlier this year (pre-order batch 17), and it’s eminently usable. I’ve even gotten it to play some older games without problems, though the latest triple-A games likely won’t work well. As for what you’ll need to use it without the graphics module, it’s just the “shell,” don’t know what its official name is. (Doesn’t have to be an empty shell either, Framework recently introduced a module that goes into it to support two more full-sized m.2 SSDs, if that’s your thing.)

I can’t comment knowledgeably on what will be needed to upgrade, as I haven’t and have no intention of doing so. From what I’ve seen, it just replaces the “shell” portion. You’ll need a tiny bridge connector for the electronics, which I believe comes with it, but don’t quote me on that.

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Thanks for responding.

I have a Dell Latitude 5490, and can play older classic games like Quake 1 & 2, Battlezone 1 & 2, and a few others. I’m getting the framework to see if it’s possible to get rid of my gaming desktop, and just use the Framework with the AMD graphics module, and a docking station. I use Linux, and so far, only the Dell USB-C docking station seems to work. Docking stations are hit or miss with Linux. All I know is that cheaper ones often are “Displaylink”, which does not support Linux. So-called “Universal” docking stations, which do not have Displaylink, usually work with anything – PC, Mac, Linux.

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Yes. The Framework 16 laptop absolutely works without the Graphics Module expansion bay. All models include integrated graphics.

Depends on what you buy with your Framework 16.

If you get the standard non-GPU Expansion bay, called just “Expansion Bay Shell”, then you need
the Graphics Module expansion bay,
and a Graphics Module Interposer.

If you previously also got the new Dual M.2 Adapter, then in order to use that, you would already need to get a Graphics Module Interposer. So you wouldn’t need to get another.

Note, to be clear, the non-GPU Expansion bay / “Expansion Bay Shell” does come with Interposer, but it’s a simple one that only works to run the fan.

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You will notice that buying the graphics module plus interposer later is a somewhat more expensive way of doing it.

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I started with the AMD Radeon RX 7700S, and eventually ordered the expansion shell and now I barely use the dGPU. So to answer your question, yes, you can get the laptop sans dGPU and when you order it, it will come with the module you will need to install it.

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I would rather get Framework 13 instead. Smaller → Portable

Framework 16 is useful if you need:

  • Larger screen
  • dGPU, but you can still get a much better powerful eGPU.
  • Better CPU? Difference is not much tho.

We can also add the extra USB slots and side addons, but I don’t think that’s a breaking feature.

Also be aware that:

  • Current F16 dGPU is 8GB VRAM, which limits you a lot to some good AI models
  • 180W power brick is nice and portable, but not enough to power FW16 with GPU heavy use.
  • Many people complain F16 with dGPU gets an annoying size for backpacks. In my case, I only use my laptop at home.
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A 240W USB PD power supply is now available from Mouser and Digikey.

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