Framework Computer

Framework Computer, Inc. is an American personal-computer manufacturer whose products are designed around repairability, modularity, and long service life. Rather than treating a laptop as a sealed appliance, Framework uses replaceable modules, accessible fasteners, standardized components, and published documentation to let owners repair, customize, and upgrade their machines. The company presents this approach as a practical expression of the right-to-repair movement and as an alternative to the short replacement cycles common in consumer electronics. The company was founded in 2020 by Nirav Patel, a former Apple software engineer and the original head of hardware at Oculus. Framework’s first product, initially called the Framework Laptop and later distinguished as the Framework Laptop 13, began shipping in 2021 with 11th-generation Intel processors. It was offered both as a preassembled computer and as a DIY Edition, allowing buyers to install selected components such as memory, storage, and the operating system themselves. The design received a 10 out of 10 repairability rating from iFixit, helping establish Framework’s reputation among repair advocates, technology enthusiasts, and Linux users. Framework’s modular system includes removable expansion cards for ports such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, microSD, SD, Ethernet, and audio. The company also sells replacement screens, batteries, keyboards, bezels, motherboards, memory, storage, tools, and other parts through its online Marketplace. Some documentation, CAD files, reference designs, and firmware components have been released under open or permissive terms, supporting third-party projects and maker experimentation. Framework has also invited outside developers and vendors to create compatible expansion cards and accessories. The original 13-inch platform has been updated through successive Intel and AMD processor generations. Framework introduced 12th-generation Intel upgrade kits in 2022, 13th-generation Intel and AMD Ryzen 7040 versions in 2023, Intel Core Ultra configurations in 2024, and AMD Ryzen AI 300 configurations in 2025. The company expanded its range with the larger Framework Laptop 16, whose expansion bay can accommodate graphics modules and other PCIe-based hardware, and the smaller convertible Framework Laptop 12. In 2025 it also announced the Framework Desktop, a modular Mini-ITX workstation using an AMD Strix Halo platform. Framework has raised private financing including a seed round, a Series A led by Spark Capital, and a later Series A-1 round. In 2021, technology creator Linus Sebastian invested in the company. Framework remains privately held and sells directly through its website in selected markets. Its business combines computer sales with an aftermarket ecosystem of upgrade parts, repair components, accessories, and community-supported projects. The company’s principal challenge is balancing ambitious hardware longevity with software and firmware support. Framework acknowledged shortcomings in the timeliness of software updates in 2024 and said it was investing to improve long-term software support.

Framework Computer was established in January 2020 by Nirav Patel. Patel had previously worked in software at Apple and later served as Oculus’s original head of hardware. From its beginning, Framework focused on the proposition that personal computers should remain serviceable rather than becoming disposable products. Its stated design principles included easy disassembly, replaceable components, compatibility across product generations, and documentation that would allow owners and independent makers to work with the hardware. Framework raised a $9 million seed round during the first half of 2021. Its first product, the Framework Laptop, began fulfillment in July 2021 with 11th-generation Intel Core processors. The system was sold as a conventional prebuilt laptop and as a DIY Edition in which customers could choose or install memory, storage, operating systems, and selected other modules. The product’s unusual construction and repair-oriented design attracted attention from technology reviewers and the right-to-repair community. iFixit awarded the laptop a perfect repairability score. The company broadened its market reach during late 2021 and 2022. It opened pre-orders in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France in December 2021, then added Ireland, Austria, and the Netherlands in February 2022. Australia followed later in 2022. In January 2022, Framework raised an $18 million Series A led by Spark Capital. It also developed a public-facing ecosystem around parts and software: the Framework Marketplace offered replacement and upgrade components, while the company published repair information and supported Linux firmware updating through the Linux Vendor Firmware Service. Modularity became more than a laptop feature. In April 2022, Framework made CAD and electrical documentation for its motherboard available through its marketplace and distributed a limited number of boards to makers and developers. The company later released documentation, templates, and reference designs for expansion cards, creating opportunities for third parties to develop new input-output modules and enclosures. Framework also open-sourced its embedded-controller firmware in 2022. The Chromebook Edition used coreboot-based open-source firmware, while standard Intel models continued to use a proprietary Insyde UEFI implementation alongside Framework’s open embedded-controller work. The company continued the Laptop 13 platform through several processor generations. In 2022 it introduced a 12th-generation Intel model and an upgrade kit for earlier owners. In 2023 it announced 13th-generation Intel and AMD Ryzen 7040 versions, a 61 Wh battery option, a matte display, and a Cooler Master case designed to house Framework motherboards. Some early AMD shipments were delayed by electrical and firmware issues. Battery life, which had been criticized on early 11th-generation models, improved with later motherboards and the larger battery. Framework also faced a motherboard power-management issue affecting some 11th-generation systems, for which it described workarounds and replacement options. In March 2023, Framework introduced the Laptop 16, a larger system with six expansion-card slots, a configurable keyboard, a modular input area, and an expansion bay capable of accepting discrete graphics hardware. Fulfillment began in February 2024 with AMD Ryzen 7040 processors. The expansion-bay concept allowed the graphics configuration to be changed separately from the rest of the computer, reinforcing the company’s effort to extend useful product life. Framework raised a further $17 million in an April 2024 Series A-1 round led by Spark Capital, with participation from Buckley Ventures, Anzu Partners, Cooler Master, and Pathbreaker Ventures. It also announced a $1 million equity-crowdfunding opportunity and said the financing would support expansion into additional consumer-electronics categories. During the same period, outside criticism focused on the less mature side of computer longevity: software updates and long-term support. Framework publicly recognized that it had fallen short of its desired standard and said it was investing in software longevity. In 2024 and 2025, Framework expanded beyond its original 13-inch design. Intel Core Ultra configurations were announced in 2024. In February 2025, the company announced the Laptop 12, a smaller 2-in-1 convertible using a 12-inch touchscreen and stylus support, and the Framework Desktop, a modular Mini-ITX computer using an AMD Strix Halo processor. The same event included a new AMD Ryzen AI 300 Laptop 13 generation, with higher memory capacity and a 2.8K, 120 Hz display option. Framework also announced a Ryzen AI 300 Laptop 16 generation with an optional Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 expansion-bay module. Across these products, the company retained its emphasis on replaceable parts, published information, and customer-controlled configuration.

• 2025

  Laptop 12 and Framework Desktop announced

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  Framework expanded its product range with a compact convertible laptop and a modular desktop computer.

• 2024

  Series A-1 financing

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  The company announced a further $17 million financing round and an equity-crowdfunding opportunity.

• 2023

  Laptop 16 announced

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  Framework introduced a larger laptop with a configurable keyboard and modular graphics expansion bay.

• 2022

  Series A financing and motherboard documentation

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  Framework raised an $18 million Series A and released motherboard CAD and electrical documentation for makers and developers.

• 2021

  First Framework Laptop begins shipping

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  The first Framework Laptop, later called the Laptop 13, began fulfillment with 11th-generation Intel processors.

• 2021

  Linus Sebastian invests in Framework

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  Technology creator Linus Sebastian invested $225,000 in the company.

• 2020

  Company founded

  [1]Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org

  Nirav Patel founded Framework Computer in the United States with a mission centered on modular and repairable personal computers.

Premium, repairable, modular, upgradeable, sustainability-oriented personal computing

• Modular laptop · 2021

  Framework Laptop 13

  Framework’s core 13-inch laptop platform is designed for owner repair and staged upgrades. It uses replaceable mainboards, memory, storage, batteries, displays, keyboards, bezels, and port modules. The computer has been offered in prebuilt and DIY forms and has received successive Intel and AMD processor generations. Its four Expansion Card slots let users choose the ports and storage features they need. The platform supports Windows and Linux configurations, while the Chromebook Edition uses coreboot-based firmware.

• Large modular laptop · 2023

  Framework Laptop 16

  The Laptop 16 is Framework’s larger performance-oriented notebook. It has six Expansion Card positions, a configurable keyboard and input area, and a rear expansion bay for PCIe-based modules. The bay can accept dedicated graphics hardware, including AMD and Nvidia modules, or alternative storage configurations. Its architecture allows owners to change major components over time instead of replacing the entire computer when performance requirements change.

• Convertible laptop · 2025

  Framework Laptop 12

  The Laptop 12 is a smaller, lower-cost 2-in-1 model with a 12-inch WUXGA touchscreen and tablet mode. It supports MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 styluses and retains the company’s modular approach. Fulfillment began in 2025 with a 13th-generation Intel Core processor.

• Modular desktop computer · 2025

  Framework Desktop

  The Framework Desktop is a Mini-ITX workstation announced with an AMD Strix Halo APU. Its design includes front-side expansion-card slots and a customizable exterior panel using interchangeable tiles. It extends Framework’s modular hardware philosophy from notebooks into desktop computing.

• Computer expansion modules · 2021

  Framework Expansion Cards

  Expansion Cards occupy the recessed port slots on Framework laptops. Available functions have included USB-A, USB-C pass-through, HDMI, DisplayPort, SD, microSD, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and solid-state storage. Framework publishes specifications and reference material for developers, allowing third parties to design compatible cards.

• Parts and accessories marketplace · 2021

  Framework Marketplace

  The Marketplace is Framework’s online parts and accessories store. It sells replacement motherboards, batteries, displays, bezels, keyboards, memory, storage, tools, expansion cards, and customization parts. The service also provides a route for selected third-party vendors to offer compatible products.

• 2022Expansion Card Developer Program

  Global

  Framework released documentation, CAD templates, and reference designs to encourage public development of compatible Expansion Cards.

  Outcome. The initiative broadened the hardware ecosystem beyond Framework-designed modules.

  Source
• 2021Right-to-repair positioning

  Global

  Framework marketed its first laptop as a computer that owners could open, repair, and upgrade, linking the product to the broader right-to-repair movement.

  Outcome. The positioning helped the company attract repair advocates, makers, Linux users, and technology enthusiasts.

  Source

• 2024

  Invest in software longevityStrategy

  Background

  External criticism highlighted that durable hardware alone did not guarantee a long useful life when firmware and software support were incomplete or delayed.

  Action taken

  Framework acknowledged that its software-update performance had fallen short and said it was making additional investments.

  Aftermath

  The company reported progress in subsequent evaluations, although software longevity remained an important part of its value proposition.

  Source

• 2023

  Introduce the Framework Laptop 16Product launch

  Background

  Framework sought to serve users needing more performance and expand its modular concept beyond the 13-inch platform.

  Action taken

  It announced a 16-inch laptop with a configurable keyboard, six expansion-card slots, and a swappable expansion bay.

  Aftermath

  The product extended Framework’s repairable design into graphics and higher-performance computing.

  Source

• 2022

  Open motherboard documentation to makersStrategy

  Background

  Framework’s modularity strategy extended to the motherboard, a component normally treated as proprietary and difficult to reuse.

  Action taken

  The company published CAD and electrical documentation and distributed a limited number of boards to developers and makers.

  Aftermath

  The release supported experimental projects and reinforced Framework’s open-hardware and repairability positioning.

  Source

1. 1Framework Computeren.wikipedia.org
2. 2Framework official websiteframe.work