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Framework Laptop 16 Now Lets Owners Swap In an RTX 5070

Early reviews confirm fast DIY installation with notable performance gains despite louder fans.

Overview

  • Framework is shipping a 2025 refresh that enables a user‑replaceable GeForce RTX 5070 graphics module, marking a rare, meaningful discrete‑GPU upgrade path for a laptop.
  • Reviewers verified the DIY process, reporting roughly 15–22 minutes to install the new GPU and mainboard using Framework’s guides.
  • Testing shows clear gains over the prior Radeon RX 7700S option, including around 30% higher raster performance and up to 80% higher average fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, with DLSS boosting results in supported games.
  • Thermals remain a trade‑off under load, with reports of high heat and loud fans despite changes like Honeywell PTM paste, redesigned fans and tweaked heat pipes; some testers found it quieter than the previous model.
  • Pricing starts near $1,500 for Ryzen AI 7 or about $1,800 for AI 9 builds, the RTX 5070 module costs $699, and the refresh adds a 165Hz 2560×1600 G‑Sync display, Wi‑Fi 7, a 240W adapter and rear USB‑C charging with the RTX module.