I was able to update the BIOS using the update of the update, I was then able to install Win11 successfully with only partial functionality. I have figured that it has something to do with the dGPU. Every time the system tries to access the dGPU, it freezes. I have confirmed this by trying to install distros. Every time the live media tried to access the dGPU (and you can hear it if you listen real carefully), it would freeze up. So, I’m figuring that it is either the the transposer, the dGPU itself, something within the expansion bay itself, or a combination of two or more of these factors.
The laptop is still a $2000 boat anchor, but there is progress.
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Matt, unfortunately my issue has something to do with the dGPU. The laptop freezes whenever the dGPU is trying to be accessed.
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I don’t have an external GPU, just using the internal GPU on an AI9 HX 370, while yours is an Intel CPU. This means a different BIOS. So my next suggestion would be: Can you disable the external GPU in the BIOS ??? If so I would suggest to do so, which would then verify your suspicion or let you know that you are on the wrong path. Assuming that you can disable the card in the BIOS and it is the culprit, this will then give you time to get onto Framework Support, while having a functional Laptop.
I see one my agents has your ticket. I have alerted him to your concerns here.
Thanks for calling this out and we’ll see what the next steps are for you in the ticket.
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Framework 16 inch laptops only comes with amd cpu. It doesn’t have any intel cpu.
Mark here has that laptop not a 13 inch or 12 inch that comes with Intel cpu or amd cpu.
Jake, thanks for catching that comment. I totally missed it. I’m dealing directly with support now and they think that there is still a bug in the BIOS and it might not be the dGPU or the intertransposer at all.
In the meantime, I have installed Debian 13 on my Desktop and am having fun learning the in’s and out’s of this distro.
Np,
Hope it get’s solved soon!
Also check out Zorin OS since that os has tons of customisations built in. Really worth it! Currently runing Zorin OS 18 Pro on my Framework 16 with AI 300 Series.
I also heard people complain that this framework 16 is noisy and such but to me mine is dead quiet, i do feel hot air flow from both vents but i do not hear any fan noise at all and cpu load on linux is like 1-5% max most of times.
I’m using latest Arch on my 2025 Framework 16
I’m having too much fun learning Debian. LOL Maybe later.
I wanted to give an update about what I found out. I didn’t want Ubuntu because so I tried installing OpenSuse, this gave the same issues. Then I removed the dGPU physically and installation went smooth. After updating I could install the RTX 5070 again and it kept running.
Might be an idea to fiddle with the dGPU mode, maybe the optimus mode is a problem? I would suggest trying hybrid before removing the dGPU.
Hey, Martin. Thanks for the info. I have to wait until the first of the month to buy a new Mid Plate. The connector on mine is broken (those little plastic clips were not designed for multiple connection/disconnection sequences. 1) That may be the problem that was not diagnosed. 2) Support still thinks it is a firmware issue. 3) If they don’t have a solution for me by the time I get my new Mid Plate, I’ll try your idea. Question: Did you have the expansion bay totally removed on the install or just the dGPU? I’ve switched over to Debian 13 on my desktop, and so far I like it. That might be my go to for the laptop also. This is the first time that I am totally ditching the other guy (it who shall not be named), I still have a few programs that I need to use, but I’ve discovered ways to get around installing the other guy on a vm.
Hi Mark, I replaced the RTX 5070 module with the shell module, fully connected. I don’t know what you mean by `Did you have the expansion bay totally removed on the install or just the dGPU`, but I physically removed it from the Framework 16.