Will Framework build a desktop?

General Topics
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I’ve seen a few posts on here about people trying to build a desktop from a Framework laptop, but I’m wondering if Framework will ever build a modular, easy-to-assemble desktop?

I know most desktops are inherently modular and upgradeable, but the reality is that it’s not that easy to do for non-technical people (like me). I have yet to find a really accessible small-factor desktop that I could buy and be confident I’ll be able to upgrade for at least a decade. So I’m thinking of getting a Framework 16 and using that as my desktop (which I use for video editing and gaming), but a desktop would be preferable.

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I could see them perhaps offering an official/partnered case that is more akin to a SFF tower design, but the current desktop style case on offer is already rather nice and there’s a growing community designing more around the FW MBs. FW16 is a little behind the curve but only because it hasn’t been around as long as the FW13.

So, right now, there is nothing stopping you from picking up a FW13 MB, one of the Cooler Master cases, your desired selection of expansion ports, etc, and building a SFF desktop today. I suspect FW16 Cooler Master MB cases are going to be released soon, as well, so you might not have to wait long to go with that, if you want the beefier board.

Beyond that, I don’t see them moving into actual desktop PCs anytime soon. I would argue it is similar, but not the same, as their core ethos…it would seem like reinventing the wheel in the case of actual desktop PCs. I suspect tablets and phones will be their next big projects, keeping with the “making the unrepairable repairable again” momentum they already have.

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What would you imagine they could do differently from the current way desktops are modular? What kind of challenges are you facing trying to make your small form factor desktop? Is it a part compatibility thing? If so, do sites like PC Part Picker help you here?

The one piece of modularity that framework makes easier than desktops, that I can think of, is the relationship between motherboards, CPUs, and their cooling solution. Except they solve it by sort of not solving it, by just combining them into a monolithic purchase. I imagine there could be a market for a drop in “motherboard with cpu and cooling preinstalled”?

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How small of a form factor desktop are you looking for? I’ve worked with and built a couple in the last year or so. Building a desktop PC, especially a small form factor one, where there are extra size and compatibility considerations, can be a little bit daunting. But I don’t think there’s anything to replace/upgrade on my SFF PC that requires meaningfully more knowledge or skill beyond what is required to replace a mainboard in a Framework 16. The laptop might be a bit easier to work on, in some respects, but some of the small components and connectors are a bit easier to screw up too. With some research, watching how-to videos, etc., I’m confident you could build, and ultimately upgrade down the road, a desktop PC (even a small form factor one), as they currently stand.

If you would like help building a custom PC, or upgrading one you already have, I’m happy to advise or point you to helpful videos.

I could see Framework making a custom, desktop PC case, and maybe guides and such on how to assemble it. However, there currently exist certain desktop PC part standards, and I think, if anything, it would actually be against Framework’s mission to create new standards. Right now, there are standards for power cables, fan connectors, sizes and mounting standards for components like motherboards, etc. In order for Framework to make it meaningfully easier or simpler to build and upgrade a desktop PC, they would have to change some of that. And unless other companies started making components to fit this new standard, you’d be locked into using Framework parts. Right now, if I wanted to replace or upgrade the motherboard, power supply, CPU cooler, case fans, etc., in my desktop PC, I have heaps of options from various brands. Even if I wanted to change the case, all my current parts would work in a different case. If Framework made a desktop PC that used different standards in an attempt to make it simpler and easier to build and upgrade, you’d be limited to whatever parts they offered. On the other hand, if they stuck to the present standards, then nothing would really change in terms of building simplicity. And they would just be another company making desktop PC components.

That’s just how it seems to me. Maybe others disagree or have other ideas.

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Honestly, doubt it :wink:

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Well, color me surprised. :person_shrugging:

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They did!
You probably know, though it’s kind of funny.

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What do you know. They’re making one. It’s not what I would expect, but I suppose it’s going to be just the thing for some folks. I guess if I was in the market for a high performance, mini (ish) PC, I’d consider it.

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The framework desktop is exactly what I was hoping for: small form factor, extremely easy to build and upgrade, good looks, and all compatible components available in one store. :smiley::smiley::smiley:

This will make customizable desktops available to many more people.

The only disappointing thing is that there are only two expansion cards

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What I would love to see is a desktop case design for this board that allows 1 or 2 3.5" HDDs so we could build these into mighty little Home Servers for everything including Emby/Jellyfin/Plex, Home Assistant, etc.

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Is that so?