Framework Laptop 13 Pro: AMD more expensive than Intel, Ubuntu pre-installed

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Framework is now accepting pre-orders for the Laptop 13 Pro as promised. All configurations and prices are now set. The official store has a surprise: The versions with Intel processors are cheaper and likely faster than the AMD types. Framework plans to deliver current orders starting in July.

The so-called DIY edition without memory and operating system, equipped with Intel's eight-core Core Ultra 5 325, is available from 1349 Euros here. The cheapest AMD version with the also eight-core Ryzen AI 7 350 starts at 1579 Euros. For a mid-range configuration, the difference is 60 Euros: The manufacturer charges 1799 Euros for the variant with the 16-core Core Ultra X7 358H, and 1859 Euros for the one with the 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

The top model with Core Ultra X9 388H is not recommended from a price-performance perspective: The CPU cores clock slightly higher, but the configuration costs 230 Euros more. It is also currently unavailable.

LPCAMM2 only with Core Ultra

Prices are not the only difference between the AMD and Intel notebooks. Framework exclusively uses a power-efficient and fast Low Power Compression Attached Memory Module 2 (LPCAMM2) for LPDDR5X-7467 RAM on the Intel motherboard. AMD users have to make do with slower DDR5-5600 RAM in SO-DIMM form factor. A 32 GB RAM LPCAMM2 costs 490 Euros. 32 GB DDR5 costs either 524 Euros distributed across two SO-DIMMs or 452 Euros as a single SO-DIMM.

As usual, Framework also sells complete notebooks with RAM, SSD, and operating system. The manufacturer currently offers an Intel configuration with Core Ultra X7 358H, 32 GB RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.

Now also with Ubuntu pre-installed

For the first time, Framework will pre-install a Linux operating system, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, upon request. This makes the complete configuration cost 2369 Euros. If you insist on Windows 11 Pro, there is an additional charge of 220 Euros.

The desired ports are extra. USB-C for Thunderbolt 4, for example, costs 10 Euros each. New is a 10-Gigabit Ethernet adapter for 109 Euros.

All DIY and complete configurations of the Laptop 13 Pro are currently only available for pre-order with a black case. Individual parts and upgrade kits will also appear with silver case parts; corresponding configurations could therefore still follow.

Upgrade Parts

Anyone who owns a previous Framework Laptop 13 will be able to retrofit the improved components of the Pro version in the future. The manufacturer offers individual parts and kits for this. The larger battery also requires the new bottom case and the new “Input Cover Frame”. Framework has not yet listed mainboards with the Core Ultra 300 processors.

(mma)