Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review: with AMD Ryzen AI and More Power

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-04-29 09:07:58

Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review

Discover the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) in our in-depth review. Explore its features, performance, and design to see if it's the right choice for you.
In the competitive realm of ultraportable laptops, the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) bursts onto the scene with a proposition that extends beyond mere performance: radical modularity. Framework, solidifying its position as the undisputed leader in modular laptop design, unveils an impressive update to its 13.5-inch model (starting at $899; $1,627 as tested). This laptop not only stands as a top-tier option in its own right but also reaffirms the brand's commitment to the flexibility and longevity of its devices, empowering users, even those without technical expertise, to swap and upgrade components with ease, significantly extending its lifespan and optimizing their long-term investment.The new iteration of the Laptop 13 takes a qualitative leap by incorporating the robust AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors, a cutting-edge platform primed for artificial intelligence that builds upon AMD's "Zen 5" architecture. This is complemented by significant chassis improvements and efficient performance, all while retaining the ingenious swappable expansion ports that characterize Framework. For our comprehensive analysis, we assembled a DIY (Do It Yourself) Edition, rather than a pre-built model. Yes, DIY means exactly that: the user actively participates in assembling part of the machine.The laptop's intelligent design made the assembly process remarkably smooth, allowing for a firsthand appreciation of the Laptop 13's notable enhancements and strengths. Should you decide to acquire one of these machines, understanding a few unique details that define Framework's philosophy is crucial. However, the new Framework Laptop 13 emerges as a more versatile and useful solution than ever before, promising significant long-term cost savings. Once again, this laptop rightfully earns our "Editors' Choice" award.

For those unfamiliar with Framework's proposition, we offer a briefoverview before delving into the components. The company's laptopdesigns are based on total modularity, meaning the user has the ability to replace every component (the motherboard/processing unit, memory, storage) and every part (even the lid hinges, speakers, battery, and touchpad, among others) after purchase. This philosophy represents a crucial victory for the right to repair movement, technological sustainability, and future cost savings.

Personally, I've been a fan of the Framework Laptop since its initial model, andwe've positively reviewed both the 13-inch and 16-inch models thatfollowed. As previously mentioned, the 2025 version of the Framework 13 incorporates chassis improvements and the latest AMD Ryzen processor options. Let's analyze the chips first.

The upgraded Laptop 13 marks the company's second foray into AMDprocessors. The last 13-inch model we reviewed ran on an Intel Corei7-1360P, and Core Ultra 100 options remain available. This new modeladopts the AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips, a recent AI-ready platform running on AMD's "Zen 5" architecture.

Framework markets models equipped with the Ryzen AI 5 340 (six CPU cores, 12 threads, four graphics cores), the Ryzen AI 7 350 (eight CPU cores, 16 threads, eight graphics cores), or the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 CPU cores, 24 threads, 16 graphics cores). Our test unit incorporated the Ryzen AI 7 chip.

What is the cost of these variations? It depends on whether you opt for theDIY version or a pre-configured model. Framework sells this laptop in fully pre-built form or as the DIY Edition. The latter, which we received for this review, includes all thenecessary components, but the user must install some of them into thechassis (with an easy-to-follow guide). The DIY Edition with Ryzen AI 300 Series has a starting price of $899 (without an OS), while the pre-built model starts at $1,099.

In the DIY Edition, the motherboard and other key parts are alreadyinstalled in the laptop's casing, but it was up to me to connect thememory, storage, keyboard, and screen bezel. Everything comes carefullypackaged and clearly labeled; we will delve deeper into the installation later.

When discussing price, however, it's crucial to mention modularity, an intrinsic component of the value added by Framework's design.Imagine you already own a Framework Laptop and only desire the latestprocessor (or any other updated part) but not an entirely new machine.Framework sells the discrete parts you need individually or in a kit that includes everything necessary to upgrade between generations. Forexample, you can acquire the new Ryzen AI 7 350 chip/motherboard unitfor $699 and not have to replace the rest of the system. (If you have an olderlaptop, you will need to upgrade to DDR5-5600 memory and AMD RZ717 Wi-Fi 7, but the more recent Ryzen 7040 series or Core Ultra 100 seriesshould already be compatible).

If you choose to order the DIY Edition, you can still select different components to configure the core of your laptop. The display is available in a 13.5-inch, 2256 x 1504 pixel, 60 Hz matte panel, or in a 13.5-inch, 2880 x 1920 pixel "2.8K" screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. You can choose between 8 GB and 96 GB of DDR5 memory, while storage ranges from a 500 GB M.2 SSD to an 8 TB one.

Crucially, in the DIY Edition, you have the option to not order memory or storage and save money if you can utilize your own compatible parts. Or evenprovide your own operating system: the pre-built system comes withWindows, but when acquiring the DIY version, a pre-installed OS isoptional. This allows you to avoid the additional cost if you wish toinstall Linux or if you already have access to a Windows license. (Youcan also add a Windows 11 Home or Pro download key if you still need alicense).

Finally, you will find customization options for the bezel (solid colors or colored translucent options), the keyboard (layout and language), and the Expansion Cards (Framework's name for its port modules). You can add as many additional modular plug-in ports (one of the hallmarks of the Framework Laptop) as you desire with your order. (If you've never seen these ExpansionCards, they are basically small cartridges that plug in and out of thelaptop's edges to provide different ports, such as HDMI or USB). If youhave another charging solution, you can also save $60 by removing apower adapter from your order.

Among these countless options, we received the following package for review: a Framework 13 DIY Edition with the 2.8K display, no OS included, an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor, 16 GB of memory (two Crucial 8 GB DDR5 modules), and a 1 TB WD Black M.2 SSD. This laptop came with three USB Type-C ports, one USB Type-A port, one HDMI connection, and one DisplayPort connection for port expansion cards. At the time of the review, the total price for our unit is approximately $1,627.

It is important to note that this price reflects both the time of writingand an estimate, due to the economic uncertainty caused by the Trumpadministration's tariffs (with some ephemeral exceptions). The costs ofboth materials and finished goods are subject to fluctuations. Framework was one of the first PC companies to announce changes in prices andrelease plans, ceasing sales of some of its base-model laptops anddelaying the launch of others.

Since we were provided with a DIY Edition for review, let's delve deeper into how these models are set up. When I opened the laptop lid for the first time, most of the core parts—including the motherboard, battery, andspeakers—were already in place. That left me with the input cover(keyboard and touchpad connection), the screen bezel, memory, storage,and ports to install. Everything comes carefully packaged and clearlylabeled.

To help get a DIY system up and running, Framework provides an easy-to-follow online guide (complete with short video demonstrations), as well as scannable QR codes on every component. With that help, as well as the included screwdriver, you can haveeverything installed in under half an hour. It may seem intimidating ifyou don't have experience with PC parts, but the pre-built option caters more to that crowd, and the DIY is super accessible if you want to getyour feet wet.

Installing the memory and storage is a breeze; clipping the modules into place and screwing the SSD takes just a few seconds each. Connecting the inputcover is only slightly more complicated, but it's just one cable, ahelpful finger loop, magnets, and screws. The bezel is perhaps thetrickiest part: aligning the bottom portion and sticking the adhesive to the frame may require a little trial and error, but it only installsone way.

The swappable port modules are one of the most satisfying aspects of Framework's modular design. The laptop chassis has four bays with USB-C connectors inside them, awaiting the different Expansion Cards; each of theseCards has a female USB-C head that plugs into the bay connector, with an outward-facing port on the other end. Since you can order whichevertypes of ports you want, the Framework can have various configurationsfor multiple USB ports, video-out connections, SD cards, and evenEthernet. Slotting these into place is simple and oddly fun, likebuilding with Legos. This feature remains one of the most inspiredaspects of Framework's design. You can also buy these cards intranslucent colors, while one of ours is solid green.

What's new with this upgrade? For one thing, all four of the port bays on the Ryzen AI 300 now support charging (over USB-C) and display output. You'll find a few minor caveats regarding differences in connectionbays: the two rear corner ports draw higher power consumption withUSB-A, but these two can also support USB4. (The other two slots support USB 3.2.) Additionally, slot number two(the left-side bay closer to the front of the laptop) supports DisplayPort 1.4, while the others support 2.0.

The keyboard, meanwhile, now has 1.55 mm of key travel. The keys feel lightweight but produce enough feedback and bounce for an enjoyable typing experience. The speakers have also received a boost in volume, and while they won't win any audio quality awards, they getplenty loud at maximum volume, without irritating tinniness.

Another improvement: the internal thermal design. The board with the cooling system has a new layout with a differentheat-pipe structure, a Honeywell phase-change thermal material, andimproved fan operation algorithms for more efficient cooling.

Considering the new changes, the overall quality of the laptop is impressive, especially for one I partially put together myself. It's sturdy enoughbut lightweight; the internals are clearly labeled and removable; andthe inputs are comfortable and reliable. Fully assembled, the laptopmeasures 0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches (HWD) and weighs 2.86 pounds, which is plenty portable. The display is serviceable but nothing towrite home about: its brightness is high at maximum, but even at 2.8Kresolution, the matte finish doesn't look as sharp as others.

The final step of setting up the Framework is installing Windows with theDIY Edition. Framework has a separate guide for this, including someslightly technical steps. First, you need to download and usethird-party software named Rufus. (Obviously, you can skip this step ifyou're getting a pre-built, preloaded system, or if you opt to run Linux instead.) Still, it isn't difficult to provide a Windows license andfollow the instructions carefully. Be sure to download and install therequisite Windows drivers to get your system up and running, too. Thisis potentially the most intimidating portion for less tech-savvy users,but it shouldn't be an obstacle to taking the plunge, thanks to thehelpful guides.

To judge the performance of our newly assembled Framework Laptop 13, I put it through our usual benchmark suite and compared the results againstthe following group of relevant, similarly sized laptops.

Here, we have three 14-inch laptops with different processors: the Acer Swift AI 14 ($1,299.99 as tested), the Asus Zenbook S 14 (used for our firstIntel "Lunar Lake" tests), and the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7441) ($999.99 as tested). You'll also notice one 13.4-inch laptop, the Dell XPS 13(9350) ($1,699.99 as tested), with a competing Intel Core Ultra200V-series chip.

Our primary overall benchmark, UL's PCMark 10, tests a system in productivity apps ranging from web browsing to word processing and spreadsheet work. Its Full System Drive subtest measures a PC's storage throughput.

Three more tests we run are CPU-centric or processor-intensive. Maxon's Cinebench 2024 uses that company's Cinema 4D engine to render a complex scene; Primate Labs' Geekbench 6.3 Pro simulates popular apps ranging from PDF rendering and speechrecognition to machine learning; and we see how long it takes thetranscoding freeware HandBrake 1.8 to convert a 12-minute clip from 4K to 1080p resolution.

Finally, workstation maker Puget Systems' PugetBench for Creators rates a PC's image editing prowess in various automated operations in Adobe Photoshop 25.

The Framework Laptop 13 largely performed well compared with this group, consistently second to its step-upcounterpart, the Ryzen AI 9 365 chip in the Swift 14. Framework's laptop generally posted higher scores than the rest of the systems, with no apparent performance downside from being modular andself-assembled. This class of ultraportable laptops is hardly forcontent creators or media editors, but for moderate and mainstreamworkloads, the Framework can get the job done quickly and efficiently.

We challenge laptops' graphics with a quartet of animations or gaming simulations from UL's 3DMark test suite. Wild Life (1440p) and Wild Life Extreme (4K) use the Vulkan graphics API to measure GPU speeds. The Steel Nomad Light subtest—the Dell balked at the primary, higher-stress Steel Nomadbenchmark—focuses on APIs more commonly used for game development, likeDirectX 12, to assess gaming geometry and particle effects. A fifthtest, Solar Bay, emphasizes ray-tracing performance.

The Framework Laptop 13’s scores were on the lower end of a group that's already graphically weak. These machines—with their integrated graphics—just aren't built for 3Dwork or gaming. You’d be pressing your luck with any legitimate 3Dworkload on the Laptop 13, while only light gaming is plausible—eithersimple titles or better-optimized games on low settings. Framework's16-inch model has the option for a discrete GPU module geared towardgaming or content creation on a modular laptop.

We test each laptop's battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movie Tears of Steel) with display1 brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. We make sure the battery is fully charged before the test, with Wi-Fi and keyboard backlighting turned off.2

To gauge display performance, we also use a Datacolor SpyderX Elite monitor calibration sensor and3 Windows software to measure a screen's color saturation—what percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts or palettes the display can show—as4 well as its 50% and peak brightness in nits (candelas per square meter).5

The Framework’s battery life is objectively long, though it was the shortest among this specific pack of comparisonsystems. If you need extra-long battery life (a legitimate concern intoday’s working world), you have options, but this Framework should getyou through a workday nonetheless. Meanwhile, the eye test on thedisplay backs up these results: the screen is plenty bright at maximum,but the color coverage is a bit lacking.

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Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review: with AMD Ryzen AI and More Power

Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review

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