Framework Desktop Review: A Delightful Surprise Leave a comment

In 3DMark Metal Nomad, a preferred graphics benchmark, the Framework Desktop carried out 13 % sooner than on the ROG Stream Z13. That’s with each methods set on the Finest Efficiency mode, too. It’s nonetheless 32 % behind the newest technology of desktop GPUs, such because the RTX 5060, however that’s to be anticipated. The closest comparable discrete GPU is the Laptop computer RTX 4060. Whereas that’s not thrilling for PC players, keep in mind: these are built-in graphics. The one built-in graphics efficiency that comes shut is on Apple’s facet with the M4 chips.

I attempted out some trendy video games, resembling Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel Rivals, and was totally impressed by how properly they carried out. I used to be shocked to seek out that I might play Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and Extremely settings with none upscaling but nonetheless obtain a median of 84 frames per second. You may simply enterprise into greater resolutions and even ray tracing for those who use AMD’s picture upscaling settings and even body technology. Lighter video games like Marvel Rivals play with out lacking a beat.

The RAM is just not detachable as a result of nature of the chip, although it does are available large-capacity choices. The bottom mannequin has 32 GB, whereas my configuration got here with 64 GB. There’s a 128 GB choice, which is essential for anybody seeking to work with native giant language fashions or different AI tasks. The neural processing unit inside is able to over 50 TOPS, and Framework claims it could possibly run giant language AI fashions like Llama 3 70B regionally in actual time, particularly on the 128-GB mannequin that provides the GPU 96 GB of VRAM to work with.

A Area of interest of a Area of interest

Framework laptops had been already good, however the Framework Desktop is probably probably the most area of interest product the corporate has launched to date. The advantages of selecting the Framework Desktop over every other desktop on the market have much less to do with what makes the Framework ethos so distinctive. There are even smaller choices, such because the Corsair AI Workstation 300, which is barely taller however not as deep. They’re equally priced, although Corsair is promoting solely the higher-end choice with 128 GB of RAM.

Alternatively, the Framework Desktop is an superior center floor between the compact nature of a mini-PC and the efficiency and upgradability of a real small-form-factor PC. I don’t like that you could’t improve the RAM, and I want the facet panels had been simpler to put in. I do have issues concerning the CPU inside, too. Whereas it performs nice, rather a lot will depend on AMD persevering with to help this considerably specialised part. Framework hasn’t let me down up to now, however its earlier computer systems have used extra normal components. However by now, the corporate has earned some belief from me.

For AI fans hoping to run native LLMs, the Framework Desktop is a shoo-in, particularly with all of the out there reminiscence. But it surely’s additionally an honest choice for individuals who desire a compact PC that does not fully forfeit efficiency or upgradability.