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Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070) Review: The Upgradable Gaming Laptop PC Nerds Actually Wanted [2025]
For years, the dream was always the same. Sit down at your laptop, pop off the back panel, swap out the graphics card, and suddenly you've got a machine that can handle modern games at high settings. Nobody did it. Not Apple. Not Dell. Not Razer. The hardware was theoretically possible, but the engineering challenge of fitting a discrete GPU into a laptop that was also repairable, upgradable, and genuinely usable seemed impossible.
Then Framework walked into the room and asked the obvious question: why not?
Last year, the company launched the Framework Laptop 16 with a modular graphics system. This wasn't vaporware or a marketing concept. It was real hardware with real upgradability. But it shipped with integrated graphics. Now, with the arrival of the RTX 5070 Graphics Module, Framework is finally delivering on the promise that made PC enthusiasts sit up and pay attention.
I spent three weeks with a fully upgraded Framework Laptop 16, including the new graphics module, and what I found is complicated. It's not perfect. The performance isn't mind-bending. The overall design still carries gaming laptop DNA that some will love and others will find unnecessarily thick. But what Framework has accomplished here matters more than raw specs. It's proven that the dream isn't impossible. And in a world of sealed, unrepairable devices, that matters.
TL; DR
- Modular graphics work: The RTX 5070 module is a genuine upgrade path, swappable without proprietary tools or extensive disassembly.
- Display and build quality: The 2560x 1600 IPS panel at 165 Hz is genuinely excellent, and the keyboard and trackpad feel premium.
- Performance gains are real but not massive: Expect 30–50% performance improvement over integrated graphics in gaming, though this is still not high-end gaming territory.
- Cost adds up fast: The RTX 5070 module is 3,000+.
- Bottom line: If repairability and upgradability matter more to you than raw performance or thinness, this is the laptop you've been waiting for. Everyone else should look elsewhere.
The Framework Laptop 16 provides solid mid-tier gaming performance, achieving 90-110 FPS in Baldur's Gate 3 and over 200 FPS in competitive games like Valorant. Estimated data for context.
The Engineering Dream That Actually Happened
Let's get the obvious thing out of the way: what Framework accomplished here is genuinely remarkable. Before you glaze over that statement, sit with it for a second. For the past fifteen years, the laptop industry has treated integrated components as a feature, not a limitation. Soldered RAM. Proprietary SSDs. Thermally bound GPU designs that can't be separated from the CPU. These design choices were presented as necessary for thinness, for power efficiency, for the pursuit of the thin-and-light laptop fantasy.
Framework looked at that and asked a different question: what if the dream wasn't the thinnest laptop, but the most repairable one?
The result is a laptop that sits 0.71 inches thick. It's not thin by modern standards. It's actually thicker than a Dell XPS 15. It has visible hinges. The bezels are chunky. There's a physical compartment on the back that houses the graphics module. By the visual standards of 2025, it looks almost retro, like someone dug a gaming laptop out of 2019 and modernized the internals.
But here's what you get for that thickness: you get a laptop where the GPU isn't thermally fused to the motherboard. You get a system where "upgrading your graphics" isn't a theoretical concept or a future promise. You walk into the Framework support pages, order the RTX 5070 module, and three weeks later you're swapping it in yourself with a screwdriver.
I've been covering laptops professionally for eight years. I've tested dozens of gaming machines, reviewed every major manufacturer's flagship products, and written countless articles about the "future of upgradable laptops." They were all speculation. This is the first time I've actually been able to unbox a GPU module, open the back of a laptop, and swap graphics cards like it's 2005.
The design is thoughtful. Framework clearly understood that modularity only works if it's actually easy to use. The touchpad, keyboard, and spacers unlock without screws. The battery release is straightforward. The main hurdle is the motherboard swap itself (if you're upgrading the entire system), which requires removing sixteen screws, carefully threading antenna cables, and reseating power and speaker connectors. It's more involved than the Framework Laptop 13, but it's still shocking how quickly you can tear into this machine and put it back together.
The graphics module itself? It's almost trivial. Three hidden screws, a satisfying click as the module seats, and you're done. The entire process takes maybe five minutes if you're not in a rush. I've swapped RAM faster than this, but I've also done both dozens of times. For someone swapping a GPU for the first time, it's remarkable how confident you feel doing it.
What matters is that this works. It doesn't feel like a prototype. It doesn't require special tools or a degree in electrical engineering. You read the (excellent) support documentation, follow the steps, and at the end of it you have a materially faster laptop.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in repairability, making it a long-term investment, while the Razer Blade 16 offers superior portability and audio quality. Estimated data based on qualitative analysis.
Display Quality That Justifies the Price
If the modular design is Framework's engineering achievement, the display is their proof that you don't have to compromise on quality to build a repairable machine. This is a 2560x 1600 IPS panel running at 165 Hz. On paper, that sounds reasonable. Gaming laptops have had higher refresh rates for years. But the real story is everything underneath that spec sheet.
Brightness maxes out at 480 nits. That's legitimately bright for an IPS panel, bright enough to work outdoors without the screen washing out. Color accuracy is where this display really shines. Framework measures 100% s RGB coverage and 99% Adobe RGB. I had an opportunity to check the calibration data, which showed an average color error of 0.88—that's exceptional for a laptop. Photographers and video editors who spend their days color-grading footage or retouching photos will actually be able to trust what they're seeing.
The matte finish won't appeal to everyone. If you're a content creator who loves glossy displays, this will feel dull. But the matte coating does something important: it eliminates reflections without requiring you to watch reflections bounce around your face while you're trying to work. In bright office environments or coffee shops, the tradeoff is worth it.
Refresh rate at 165 Hz might seem arbitrary. Here's why it matters: at 1440p (vertical), 165 Hz is the sweet spot for this GPU tier. Faster gaming laptops have 240 Hz or 360 Hz displays, but those are paired with significantly more powerful graphics. The RTX 5070 will struggle to sustain 240fps at reasonable quality settings in demanding games. 165 Hz is ambitious without being unrealistic.
The viewing angles are excellent, which matters more than most people realize. If you're typing away and your monitor starts washing out at fifteen degrees off-axis, you'll get neck strain from constantly shifting position. This display maintains color accuracy and brightness across a wide viewing angle, which means you can work comfortably without hunching over or tilting your head.
One minor complaint: the bezels are chunky. Modern laptops have pushed bezels down to near-invisible levels, and by comparison, the Framework looks old-fashioned. This is partly because the webcam is built into the bezel (a topic we'll circle back to), but it's still a design compromise that feels unnecessary in 2025.
Input Devices That Actually Feel Premium
You spend most of your time with a laptop touching the keyboard and trackpad. A beautiful display doesn't matter if you dread typing for eight hours. A modular system doesn't matter if the inputs feel cheap or hollow. Framework understands this. The keyboard and trackpad on the Laptop 16 are excellent.
The keyboard has per-key RGB backlighting, which sounds like a gimmick until you're working in a dim room and need to see the keys without blinding yourself. Framework offers three brightness levels, and the lighting is consistent across the board. The mechanical feel is snappy without being overly tactile. The key travel distance is adequate—not as deep as a mechanical keyboard, obviously, but better than the typical laptop chiclet board. When you type for extended periods, this makes a tangible difference.
What impressed me more was the customization potential. The rightmost column of keys can be swapped out for either a mechanical numeric pad or an RGB macro pad. If you're an engineer or accountant who relies on number entry, the numpad module is genuinely useful. If you're a streamer or video editor who lives in shortcuts, the macro pad is invaluable. It's modular in a way that actually impacts daily usability, not just repairability.
The trackpad is spacious and smooth. It's one of those features you only notice when it's wrong, and on the Framework, it's consistently right. The click response is satisfying. Scrolling is responsive. Multi-gesture support works reliably. I tested the trackpad across a variety of tasks—web browsing, document editing, design work, and general navigation—and never found myself wishing it was larger or more responsive.
There are limitations here. The keyboard layout options are still limited to the default or macro pad variants. There's no option for arrow keys arranged in an inverted T, no extended function key row, no alternate language layouts beyond what Framework ships. The potential is clearly there, but it hasn't been fully realized. Over time, I'd expect Framework's community to design and share keyboard variants, but right now, you're somewhat limited by what the company offers.
One small detail that matters: the keyboard is fully removable without any ribbons or hidden connectors. You can pull it out in seconds, clean underneath, replace keycaps if they get worn, or swap modules. This is another example of Framework's design philosophy: make maintenance trivial enough that users will actually do it.
The RTX 5070 shows a significant performance boost over integrated graphics, especially in modern titles, with a 45% improvement. However, it operates at higher temperatures, reaching up to 80°C under load.
The RTX 5070 Module: Performance and Thermals
Now for the part that actually matters if you're considering this laptop for gaming: how does the RTX 5070 perform, and what are the thermals like in a chassis designed around modularity?
The RTX 5070 is positioned as a mid-to-upper-tier mobile GPU. It's not the flagship. That would be the RTX 5090. But it's a legitimate gaming card that can handle modern AAA titles at high settings without requiring you to reduce every setting to low and pray.
In practical benchmarks, you're looking at roughly 30–50% performance improvement over integrated graphics, depending on the specific game and settings. In older or less demanding titles (2019 and earlier), the GPU becomes bottlenecked by the CPU and you see gains in the 20–30% range. In heavily GPU-bound games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Avatar, the gains approach 40–50%. That's meaningful but not earth-shattering.
What matters is the minimum frame rate floor. With integrated graphics, you're trying to sustain 60fps on low settings. With the RTX 5070, you can push toward 100+ fps on medium to high settings in most games. That translates to a materially better experience. The difference between 60fps and 100+fps is the difference between "this is playable" and "this actually feels smooth."
Thermals are where modularity starts to show its limitations. The GPU module has its own cooling solution, with a heatsink that vents toward the back. Framework designed it to work in concert with the laptop's overall thermal profile, but you're still pushing a discrete GPU into a chassis that was designed to be repairable first and thermally optimal second.
Under sustained load (30+ minutes of gaming), the GPU hovers in the 75–80°C range. That's not dangerous, but it's on the warm side for mobile GPUs. The CPU stays cooler, around 70–75°C, because the GPU is handling the bulk of the work. The laptop's fans ramp up and become audible, though not painfully so. It's quieter than most gaming laptops under load, probably because the overall thermal load is lower.
Framework's design decision to split thermal zones (GPU on the back, CPU on the front) works better than I expected. There's no single thermal hotspot, and the heat is distributed across the chassis rather than concentrated in one area where your wrist would rest. That's thoughtful engineering.
Long-term reliability is the unknown. We're looking at the first generation of this module, and gaming laptops that run warm for years can develop issues (thermal cycling, solder degradation, etc.). Framework warrants the module for two years, which is standard for laptops but shorter than I'd prefer for a component you're theoretically keeping long-term. Time will tell if this proves durable.
Upgrading the Entire System: What Changes?
If you already own the original Framework Laptop 16, the GPU upgrade is a $699 add-on that takes five minutes to install. But if you're buying new, you can upgrade the CPU as well, and that's where the pricing gets interesting.
The base configuration ships with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U. It's a decent processor, but the Ryzen 9 HX 370 is the meaningful upgrade, adding about $300 to the total cost. In gaming, the CPU matters less than the GPU, but in mixed workloads (gaming plus streaming, gaming plus background processing), the upgrade is noticeable.
Upgrading the CPU requires a full motherboard swap. This is the most involved part of the process, and it's where the limitations of modularity become apparent. You're removing sixteen screws, carefully threading antenna cables, reseating power and speaker connectors, and hoping you don't accidentally dislodge anything in the process. It took me about forty-five minutes the first time, and I'm comfortable with hardware. For someone less experienced, add another thirty minutes and a healthy dose of anxiety.
Framework provides excellent documentation with photos and step-by-step guides, so it's not a blind process. But it's not "pop the battery out and swap it" territory either. It's more like "careful hardware surgery that you should probably attempt with the support docs open in another window."
The economics matter here. If you buy the base model with the Ryzen 7 and RTX 5070 module, you're looking at approximately
The RTX 5070 module offers a 30-50% performance improvement over integrated graphics, priced at
Ports and Connectivity: The Framework Philosophy
The Framework Laptop 16 comes with six expansion slots where you can arrange ports however you want. You can have six USB-C ports, or a mix of USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and SD card readers. Framework's modular port system means you're never stuck with a configuration that doesn't match your actual needs.
In the box, the standard configuration includes two USB-C Thunderbolt ports, two USB-C non-Thunderbolt ports, one USB-A port, and one SD card reader. It's a sensible starting point. The GPU module adds a seventh USB-C port on the back, which is another subtle benefit of modularity: the ports don't compete with the GPU for space or thermals.
Thunderbolt 4 is important if you're doing video work or connecting to external displays and high-speed storage simultaneously. The USB-A ports matter if you have older peripherals. SD card reader is essential for photographers. Framework lets you change your mind, essentially, without being locked into an arbitrary configuration someone in a product team decided was "optimal."
The trade-off is that no single port configuration is perfect for everyone. Some users will want four Thunderbolt ports. Others will want multiple USB-A ports. The Framework can't be all things to all people because the slot system is finite. But it's infinitely better than a sealed machine where you're stuck with whatever the manufacturer decided.
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 handle wireless connectivity. The antennas are the only part of the motherboard swap that gave me genuine anxiety. They're tiny, fragile, and don't have satisfying click connectors like most other connections. If you're planning to upgrade the motherboard yourself, take extra care with the antenna cables.
Audio: The Weakest Link
Speaker quality is where the Framework Laptop 16 falls short. It uses a stereo speaker setup, which is fine for video calls and casual video playback but isn't competitive with premium laptops in the same price range.
The audio is decent for its segment, meaning clear dialogue for calls and acceptable distortion even at high volumes. But if you're listening to music or watching films for enjoyment, you'll want external speakers or headphones. Compared to the Razer Blade 16 (which has a six-speaker system) or the Dell 16 Premium (which also has superior audio), the Framework sounds thin.
This isn't surprising. Modularity and audio quality are surprisingly at odds because high-quality audio requires carefully tuned chamber design and space optimization. Framework prioritized upgradeability and cooling over audio, which is a reasonable trade-off for their design philosophy. But it's worth knowing going in.
The microphone is acceptable for calls. The 1080p webcam, however, is a weak point. In 2025, 1080p feels low-resolution for a premium laptop. It's adequate for video calls on Zoom or Teams, but it won't win any awards for image quality. If you're a content creator or frequently present on camera, you'll want an external USB camera.
The Framework laptop excels in display quality with high brightness, near-perfect color accuracy, and minimal color error, making it ideal for professional use.
Build Quality and Repairability in Practice
Framework's entire premise is that you should be able to repair and upgrade your laptop. The question is whether the build quality actually supports that. Does the laptop survive repeated opening and closing? Do the modules stay seated through thermal cycles? Does it feel durable?
After three weeks of testing (including multiple module swaps, motherboard removal, and parts reconnection), the Framework Laptop 16 feels rock-solid. The hinges are robust. The chassis doesn't flex. The expansion slots have satisfying click detents that hold modules firmly in place. The battery latch is mechanical and reliable.
The spacers that hold the keyboard and trackpad in place don't feel flimsy. The metal shield that covers the components has solid construction and doesn't rattle. This is a laptop that can be opened and closed repeatedly without worry. That's not a given with modern machines.
The components are standard parts from established manufacturers. The SSD slots are standard M.2 form factors. The RAM is standard DDR5. The battery is a commodity part. This means you're not locked into Framework proprietary replacements. You can source upgrades from any reputable vendor. That's rare and valuable.
One caveat: the GPU module is proprietary. You can't just drop in any discrete GPU. You're limited to whatever Framework designs and manufactures. This is probably necessary for thermal and electrical safety, but it does mean your upgrade path is constrained by Framework's product roadmap. If they decide to stop supporting RTX 50-series modules in three years, you'll be stuck with what you have.
Gaming Performance in the Real World
Let's actually play some games and see what happens. I tested a variety of titles across different GPU stress levels and visual quality levels to understand what the RTX 5070 actually delivers.
In Valorant (competitive shooter, low GPU load), the laptop sustains 200+ fps at high settings without breaking a sweat. The CPU becomes the limiting factor here, and the Ryzen 9 HX 370 is more than adequate. Thermal load is minimal.
In Baldur's Gate 3 (open-world RPG, medium-to-high GPU load), the RTX 5070 delivers 90–110 fps at high settings (1440p equivalent). That's excellent. Ray tracing brings it down to 60–75 fps. For a laptop, this is genuinely impressive.
In Cyberpunk 2077 (demanding AAA, high GPU load), you're looking at 70–85 fps on high settings without ray tracing. With ray tracing on ultra, that drops to 40–50 fps. That's playable but not ideal for a competitive gaming experience. Path tracing (full ray tracing) brings it down to 25–30 fps, which is slideshow territory.
In Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (incredibly demanding), high settings nets 55–65 fps. Ultra settings drop to 40–45 fps. This is where the GPU really shows its limits. You're not going to be playing cutting-edge AAA games at absolute maximum settings and expecting 100+ fps. But you can play them at high or medium-high settings and get consistently playable frame rates.
The thermal profile under gaming load stays in that 75–80°C range, with fan noise that's noticeable but not obnoxious. After thirty minutes of sustained gaming, the chassis gets warm to the touch on the back (near the GPU module), but it's not painfully hot. The keyboard area stays reasonably cool, which matters for comfort during extended sessions.
Battery life under gaming is a non-factor. You're looking at 45 minutes to an hour with discrete graphics enabled before the battery depletes. That's typical for gaming laptops. For office work with the GPU disabled, you'll get 8–10 hours depending on display brightness and workload. This is where the modularity helps: you can disable the GPU in the BIOS when you're just working on documents or email, which extends battery life significantly.
The full upgrade of the Framework Laptop 16, including both CPU and GPU, costs approximately $3,100, highlighting the significant investment required for top-tier performance. Estimated data.
Comparison to Other Gaming Laptops: Where Does It Fit?
The Framework Laptop 16 isn't cheap, and it's not the thinnest or lightest gaming laptop on the market. So how does it actually compare to other options in the $2,000–2,500 price range?
Versus the Razer Blade 16: The Razer is thinner (0.61 inches), has better audio, and better thermal management. The Razer also has more aggressive styling, which some people love and others find overwrought. Performance is comparable. The Razer doesn't offer upgradable graphics, so in terms of long-term investment, the Framework wins. In terms of immediate polish, the Razer is probably better.
Versus the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16: The ASUS is more aggressively gamer-focused, with better thermal cooling and faster GPU options. It's also more expensive and less repairable. If your only criterion is raw performance, the ASUS wins. If you value repairability and modular upgrades, the Framework wins.
Versus the Dell XPS 15: The Dell is thinner, has better speakers, and is more business-focused. It's not positioned as a gaming laptop, though the RTX 5080 variant can handle gaming reasonably well. The XPS is more "portable laptop that can game" while the Framework is "gaming laptop that's also repairable."
Versus budget gaming laptops ($1,200–1,500): You're paying a premium for Framework's modularity and reparability. If those features don't matter to you, there are cheaper options that deliver similar performance. But if you value longevity, upgradability, and environmental impact (not trashing a laptop when you want to upgrade the GPU), the Framework's higher price makes sense.
Value and Pricing Reality Check
The Framework Laptop 16 starts at around
For that money, you're not getting the most powerful gaming laptop available. You're not getting the thinnest or lightest machine. You're not getting the best audio or speakers. What you are getting is a laptop that you can repair, upgrade, and modify over years of ownership.
The value calculation depends entirely on whether repairability matters to you. If you buy a laptop, use it for three years, and then sell it or donate it, the Framework isn't particularly cost-effective. You're paying extra for capabilities you never use. If you buy a laptop, upgrade the GPU in year two, replace the SSD in year three, swap out the battery in year five, and keep it going for seven years, the Framework's additional upfront cost is justified by the upgrades and repairs you avoid.
Framework also offers recycled and refurbished components, which can reduce the cost of upgrades. If an RTX 5080 module is released in eighteen months for
There's also an environmental argument, though it's not always made explicitly. A laptop that lasts seven years with component upgrades has a lower environmental impact than replacing a sealed machine every three years and sending the old one to e-waste. Framework's positioning themselves as an environmental choice, and there's truth to that. But the primary appeal should be the practical value of not being forced to buy a new computer when you want a hardware upgrade.
The Elephant in the Room: Is Modularity Actually Important?
Here's the hard truth that needs to be said: most people don't upgrade laptop components. You buy a machine, you use it until it's old, and you replace it. The idea of swapping a GPU in year two or a CPU in year three is appealing in theory but uncommon in practice.
Framework's existence challenges this assumption. They're betting that if you make upgrades easy and affordable, people will do them. The evidence so far is mixed. In the first year of sales, the Framework Laptop 13 saw decent adoption, but data on actual upgrades post-purchase is limited. Framework hasn't published how many owners have actually upgraded components.
The modularity matters for repairability, though, and that's less theoretical. If your SSD fails, you can replace it without shipping the laptop to a repair center. If your battery degrades, you can swap it without specialized tools. If one of your expansion slots breaks, you can replace it independently. These are real problems with sealed laptops that Framework actually solves.
But here's the challenge: if you don't upgrade, you're paying extra for a feature you're not using. The Framework's higher price partially subsidizes the modularity infrastructure. If you value repairability and environmental longevity, that's a good investment. If you view the laptop as a disposable device with a three-year lifespan, it's harder to justify.
Framework's pitch is essentially asking consumers to rethink how they value laptops. Instead of "how much performance for my money right now," the question becomes "how much utility will this device provide me over five to seven years?" That's a fundamentally different calculation, and it requires a different mindset.
Personally, I think that mindset is more honest and more mature than the quarterly upgrade treadmill that's dominated consumer electronics for the past decade. But it's not the default way people think about purchases.
Practical Concerns and Limitations
Let me be direct about the things that bothered me during the testing period. The Framework Laptop 16 is genuinely impressive, but it has real limitations.
First, the thermal design is conservative. This isn't bad—it keeps the laptop from thermal-throttling—but it means the GPU and CPU aren't fully unleashed. You get reliable performance that doesn't degrade under load, but you're not maxing out theoretical performance. Compared to laptops with more aggressive cooling (water-cooled Razer or ASUS units), the Framework is intentionally holding back.
Second, the keyboard lacks layout options. I mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating. If you're not happy with the standard US QWERTY layout, you're stuck. There's no Dvorak option, no laptop with number pad built into the main keyboard (you have to use the modular addon), no alternative language layouts. The customization potential is clear, but it's not fully realized.
Third, the webcam is genuinely subpar. In 2025, a 1080p webcam on a premium laptop feels like a compromise. Every competitor at this price point has moved to 1440p or higher. If you're buying this for any video conference work or content creation, budget for an external USB camera.
Fourth, the speakers disappoint. As I mentioned, they're functional but uninspired. Framework prioritized internal space for other components, which was probably the right choice, but it's worth knowing.
Fifth, the upgrade path is uncertain. Framework is a young company. If they decide to pivot away from GPUs or stop supporting RTX 5070 modules, you're stuck with what you have. This is probably a low-probability risk, but it's worth considering if you're planning for a five-year upgrade cycle.
Sixth, some of the modular connections are finicky. The antenna cables on the motherboard are small and fragile. If you're not careful during a motherboard swap, you can accidentally damage them. This isn't a reason to avoid upgrading, but it's a reason to be methodical and patient.
None of these are deal-breakers individually. Collectively, they paint a picture of a laptop that's genuinely innovative but not without compromises. It's a first-generation product in some respects (the GPU module), even though the base hardware has been refined from earlier iterations.
Who Should Actually Buy This?
The Framework Laptop 16 isn't for everyone. Let me be specific about who it's for and who should look elsewhere.
Buy the Framework Laptop 16 if:
You're a developer, engineer, or technical professional who values repairability and plans to keep devices for 5+ years. You want the ability to upgrade GPU without buying a new machine. You care about environmental impact and e-waste reduction. You're willing to spend extra upfront for long-term value. You use the laptop primarily for development, content creation, or office work, with gaming as a secondary use case. You appreciate the customization of ports and modules. You want to support companies building repairable consumer electronics.
Don't buy the Framework Laptop 16 if:
You need maximum gaming performance for the price. You want the thinnest or lightest gaming laptop available. You plan to replace the laptop every 2–3 years anyway. You need high-quality audio or video for content creation. You're uncomfortable opening the laptop and performing hardware upgrades. You want a machine that looks cutting-edge and modern (the design is intentionally retro). You're price-sensitive and want the most performance per dollar. You need a large community of third-party upgrade options and aftermarket parts.
The middle ground is where most people live, and the Framework is harder to recommend for them. If you fall somewhere between "passionate about repairability" and "just want a laptop that works," you'll find perfectly good alternatives from Dell, Razer, or ASUS that might make more sense for your situation.
The Broader Context: Why This Matters
Framework's approach to laptop design is a response to a specific problem with the electronics industry. Every year, millions of tons of devices end up in e-waste because upgrading a single component is cheaper than the device's replacement cost. Your laptop doesn't get slower because all the hardware is genuinely obsolete. It gets slower because you need more RAM for Chrome to run smoothly, or you want a better GPU for gaming, or the battery degrades and the laptop struggles to hold charge.
With sealed devices, the only option is replacement. With modular devices, the option becomes upgrade. That's not just a feature. It's a philosophical shift.
Industry observers have been predicting "upgradable laptops" for fifteen years. It never happened because the incentives weren't aligned. Manufacturers prefer to sell you a new laptop every three years. Consumers have become accustomed to thinking of laptops as disposable. Design and thermal constraints made modularity seem impossibly difficult.
Framework proved that none of those assumptions were true. Modularity is possible. Consumers will actually pay for it, at least in reasonable numbers. And there's genuine market demand from people who value repairability and sustainability.
The RTX 5070 module is the proof that Framework's modularity actually delivers value beyond the concept. You don't have to believe in their mission to benefit from it. You don't have to care about e-waste. You can just appreciate the fact that upgrading the GPU is a five-minute process instead of a reason to buy a new laptop.
Will other manufacturers follow? It's unclear. Modularity reduces the ability to control the design process, optimize thermals, and guarantee reliability. It's harder to engineer and harder to support. But Framework's success proves it's possible, and over time, I'd expect more manufacturers to experiment with at least some degree of modularity, even if they don't go as far as Framework.
Verdict: The Best Upgradable Laptop You Can Actually Buy
I'll say it plainly: the Framework Laptop 16 with RTX 5070 is the best upgradable gaming laptop available today. It's not close. Nobody else is doing this. Nobody else has shipped a laptop with a genuinely swappable discrete GPU. That alone makes it remarkable.
But remarkable isn't the same as perfect. The laptop is thicker than some competitors. The performance isn't class-leading. The audio and webcam are below the price point. The upgrade path is uncertain because Framework is a young company. The value proposition depends entirely on whether you actually plan to use the modularity.
If you're the type of person who reads this review and thinks "yes, I'll upgrade the GPU in 2027 when the RTX 5090 is cheaper," then this is the laptop for you. If you're the type who buys the machine and uses it untouched for three years, the Framework's premium isn't justified.
For a specific audience—technical professionals who value repairability, environmental impact, and long-term ownership—the Framework Laptop 16 is the first truly compelling alternative to the sealed gaming laptops that dominate the market. It's not perfect. It's genuinely innovative. And after fifteen years of speculation about upgradable laptops, it's finally real.
The dream wasn't impossible. Framework just had the engineering chops and the corporate conviction to actually build it. That matters.
FAQ
What makes the Framework Laptop 16 different from other gaming laptops?
The Framework Laptop 16 features a modular GPU design that allows you to upgrade the discrete graphics card independently from the rest of the system. Most gaming laptops have soldered or thermally bound GPUs that can't be separated from the motherboard, making upgrades impossible. Framework's engineering allows the RTX 5070 module to be swapped out with future graphics modules, fundamentally changing how you approach long-term laptop upgrades.
How difficult is it to swap the GPU module yourself?
Swapping the GPU module is remarkably simple. You remove the keyboard and spacers (no screws required), unlock the compartment on the back, and remove three hidden screws to release the old module. The new module clicks into place with a satisfying snap. The entire process takes five minutes or less, even for someone doing it for the first time. The documentation is excellent and includes step-by-step photos.
What's the actual gaming performance you can expect?
The RTX 5070 delivers 90–110 fps in demanding games like Baldur's Gate 3 at high settings, 70–85 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings without ray tracing, and around 55–65 fps in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora at high settings. In competitive games with lower GPU demand (Valorant, Counter-Strike 2), you'll easily exceed 200 fps. This is solid mid-tier gaming performance, not high-end, but sufficient for enjoying modern games at high quality settings.
Is the Framework Laptop 16 worth the premium over traditional gaming laptops?
The Framework costs more upfront (roughly $2,100–2,500 fully configured), but the value depends on your usage pattern. If you plan to upgrade the GPU in 2–3 years or replace components that fail, the additional upfront cost is recouped through avoided hardware replacements. If you use the laptop for three years unchanged and then replace it, the premium isn't justified. The Framework makes sense as a long-term investment, not a typical consumer device.
Can you actually use this for everyday productivity tasks, or is it just a gaming machine?
The Framework Laptop 16 is absolutely usable for productivity work. The 2560x 1600 display is exceptional for office work, the keyboard and trackpad are premium-quality, and the processing power is more than adequate for document editing, coding, design work, and video conferencing. The gaming aesthetic (RGB lighting, thick bezels) might not appeal to everyone, but the hardware is versatile. Battery life (8–10 hours without gaming) is acceptable for a workday.
What's the catch with Framework's modularity in terms of thermals and reliability?
The modular design means Framework made thermal compromises to accommodate the GPU module as a separate unit. The GPU runs at 75–80°C under sustained load, which is warm but not dangerous. Long-term reliability is unknown because this is the first generation of the GPU module. The two-year warranty is standard for laptops but shorter than ideal for a component you're keeping long-term. Time will tell if this proves durable through multiple thermal cycles.
Are the standard upgradeable components (RAM, SSD, battery) readily available?
Yes. The Framework Laptop 16 uses standard DDR5 RAM, standard M.2 2280 and 2230 SSDs, and standard lithium-ion batteries. You're not locked into proprietary Framework components for these parts. You can source replacements from any reputable vendor, which keeps upgrade costs competitive. The GPU module is proprietary and limited to what Framework manufactures, but the core components are standard.
How does the display quality compare to other premium laptops?
The 2560x 1600 IPS display with 100% s RGB and 99% Adobe RGB is genuinely exceptional. Average color error is 0.88, which exceeds expectations for a gaming laptop. The 165 Hz refresh rate is appropriate for the GPU tier. The only drawback is the matte finish, which some people find dull, and the relatively thick bezels. For content creators, photographers, and video editors, this display is competitive with or better than alternatives in the same price range.
Should you buy this if you're primarily interested in gaming?
If your primary use is gaming, there are probably better alternatives. The Razer Blade 16, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, or other gaming-focused laptops deliver better thermal management and potentially better performance in specific games. The Framework's advantage—modularity and upgradability—matters less if you're focused purely on immediate performance. Buy the Framework if you value repairability and long-term ownership. Buy something else if you want maximum performance this year.
What's Framework's track record with post-purchase support and components availability?
Framework has been responsive to customer support and documentation is excellent. However, it's a young company with limited history. Parts availability for older modules is unclear because this is the first GPU module generation. If you're planning a five-year upgrade cycle, there's some risk that Framework won't continue producing RTX 5070 modules or that they'll prioritize newer generations. This is probably a low-probability risk, but it's worth considering.
The Final Take
Framework Laptop 16 with RTX 5070 achieves something genuinely meaningful: it proves that an upgradable, repairable gaming laptop isn't just theoretically possible. It's actually here, it's actually good, and it actually works. That's not marketing language. That's a fact that people in the industry were betting against for years.
If you value repairability, environmental responsibility, and the ability to upgrade components over time, this is the laptop you've been waiting for. If you don't care about those things and you just want the most powerful gaming machine for the cheapest price, buy something else.
There's no perfect laptop. The Framework has real limitations. But it represents a different philosophy about how we should design consumer electronics, and that matters more than any individual spec.
The dream wasn't impossible. It just required someone to actually build it.
Key Takeaways
- Framework Laptop 16 achieves what PC enthusiasts dreamed about: genuinely upgradable discrete GPU in a laptop form factor.
- The RTX 5070 module is a five-minute swap that delivers 30-50% gaming performance improvement, making long-term upgrades feasible.
- At $2,100-2,500 fully configured, the Framework premium is justified only if you value repairability and modularity over immediate raw performance.
- Thermal design stays at 75-80°C under gaming load while maintaining reasonable fan noise, proving modularity doesn't require sacrificing cooling.
- For technical professionals planning 5+ year ownership cycles, Framework offers genuine long-term value; traditional gamers should look elsewhere.
