Framework Presents AI Mini PC Cluster and Customizable Laptops at Computex 2025

[AleksandarK]

At Computex 2025 in Taipei, Framework Computer highlighted the growing importance of compact, serviceable hardware by unveiling an AI cluster built entirely from its new Framework Desktop mini PCs. Each 4.5-liter unit is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, which combines 16 Zen 5 cores running up to 5.1 GHz and a Radeon 8060S graphics engine with up to 128 GB of unified LPDDR5x memory. In a striking demonstration, four of these desktops were mounted side by side in a 10-inch half-rack enclosure, creating a scalable cluster that delivers up to 200 TOPS of on-device AI performance from the XDNA 2 NPUs alone, before the 8060S comes into play. The rack features integrated Wi-Fi 7 and 5 GbE networking, while its modular expansion card slots allow users to tailor ports to their exact needs. By packaging powerful inference capability into a compact, repairable chassis with efficient cooling and low power draw, Framework is making it simpler for research labs, small businesses, and edge-computing enthusiasts to deploy AI solutions outside traditional data centers.




Alongside its desktop cluster, Framework showed off the fifth-generation Framework Laptop 13, which now offers AMD's Ryzen AI 300 "Strix Point" series processors alongside the previously available Intel Core Ultra options. The laptop supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 memory, and buyers can choose an optional 120 Hz 2.8 K LCD panel. True to the company's ethos, every component from the mainboard to the I/O modules can be upgraded or replaced by end users, helping to extend device lifespans and reduce electronic waste. Available configurations range from Ryzen 5 to the high-end Ryzen 9 HX 370, and customers may customize bezel color, port modules and storage capacity. With pricing starting at USD 899 for a DIY mainboard kit and USD 1099 for a fully assembled unit, the Framework Laptop 13 combines on-device AI readiness with a future-proof, user-centric design. Framework also showed touchscreen pens, available in multiple colors.


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[Chomiq]

Just what we need, mini pc shortage due to their use for AI clusters.

 

[dgianstefani]

Just what we need, mini pc shortage due to their use for AI clusters.

Framework already has regular shortages from being popular, I doubt this will change much.

The main issue I have with them besides price was related to their scale, and being late with contemporary hardware due to the economies of that reality, but if they get popular enough, this is resolved.

 

[rustbucket4245]

It feels like Framework is losing the plot in a market segment that THEY created..

 

[PixelTech]

It feels like Framework is losing the plot in a market segment that THEY created..

How so?

 

[Mrgravia]

Just what we need, mini pc shortage due to their use for AI clusters.

That's pretty much what this APU is for. If you aren't doing AI heavy workloads there are probably better APU to chose from for less expense.

 

[kikimaru024]

That's pretty much what this APU is for. If you aren't doing AI heavy workloads there are probably better APU to chose from for less expense.

But what if I want a tiny computer that can play games, natively, at decent resolution/settings?

 

[TPUnique]

That's pretty much what this APU is for. If you aren't doing AI heavy workloads there are probably better APU to chose from for less expense.

No, this is simply the best APU on the (x86) market.

 

[GhostRyder]

I really like Framework, the 16 is something I intend to buy at some point once I need to replace my current laptop. Its a good idea for them to branch out especially in the business space as I can see these desktops/laptops being perfect for it. Heck with the job I am in I wish I could convince them to switch to these as keeping spare part on the shelf for when users drop it and break the screen sounds like a dream and would save so much money in the long run. Plus just buying new main boards to upgrade them without replacing the whole unit in a business sense sounds fantastic.

Its an interesting product, but I do wonder how hard they are going to have keeping these parts available as they have had trouble in the past keeping pieces in stock.

 

[neoMM24]

With one NIC @ 5Gbit this is basically useless for AI and clusters but at least this can push more awareness towards Jeff Gerlings Project MINI RACK ...and we hopefully get more competition for the MS-A2.

 

[_roman_]

Weird company - to only put binary entry level distros on the case like Arch linux, Linux Mint, Fedora. Distributions for beginners with easy and fast installations. I did not bother much with Fedora Core. Arch and Mint are two different classes of personality, knowledge and approach to handle stuff. Even when I would be in the stuff of stickers, I would not like to have a Mint Sticker next to a Fedora and Arch Linux Sticker.

 

[bonehead123]

Well, Framework has been "thinking outside the box" then went & stuffed their mini-me solutions into framed box...how funny/ironic is that

IF I were in the market for a set-up like this, it would surely be near the top of the list, but of course, I will wait for reviews/test reports to see if they are any gotcha's....

 

[DudeBeFishing]

How so?

They have schematics for their laptops, but not for this mini pc. You can't add a PCIe card with rear IO ports. Cheap noname ITX cases have that slot.

There's something cringe about the promotional images, in this article and on their website for the desktop. Idk how else to describe it.

 

[Mrgravia]

They have schematics for their laptops, but not for this mini pc. You can't add a PCIe card with rear IO ports. Cheap noname ITX cases have that slot.

There's something cringe about the promotional images, in this article and on their website for the desktop. Idk how else to describe it.

The ITX version of the kit allows for PCIe x4 add on cards, but no gpu x8/x16 slot due to the integrated gpu.

 

[dgianstefani]

With one NIC @ 5Gbit this is basically useless for AI and clusters but at least this can push more awareness towards Jeff Gerlings Project MINI RACK ...and we hopefully get more competition for the MS-A2.

Thunderbolt connections and modularity, plus PCIE.

 

[rustbucket4245]

How so?

Well they started with modular, upgradable, repairable laptops, which is definitely beneficial to consumers and hopefully leads to less e-waste. But a modular, upgradable, repairable desktop is just.. a desktop? And with proprietary parts giving you less options?

 

[Cheeseball]

But what if I want a tiny computer that can play games, natively, at decent resolution/settings?

Then you probably should build an ITX desktop with a RTX 4060/5060 or RX 7600 XT/9600 XT for cheaper than this. (Less than $1100, which is the AI Max 385 model)

You can also just get the AI Max 385 mainboard alone for $800 and use your own ITX case.

Well they started with modular, upgradable, repairable laptops, which is definitely beneficial to consumers and hopefully leads to less e-waste. But a modular, upgradable, repairable desktop is just.. a desktop? And with proprietary parts giving you less options?

Proprietary-shaped parts for the whole Desktop, but all the connectors are USB-C. But they also offer just the mainboards which are all ITX.

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

The ITX version of the kit allows for PCIe x4 add on cards, but no gpu x8/x16 slot due to the integrated gpu.

Sayign the intergrated GPU prevents the existence of a x8/x16 slot is like saying that you cant install a washing machine in a house because there is a stove.

Strix halo has access to 16 external PCIe lanes. There's no reason we couldn't have at least a x8 slot. GPUs age quickly, far faster than CPUs, and that's also not the only use for a x8/x16 slot. Even the likes of Dell/HP, when they use x4 slots, have the common courtesy to leave the end of the slot open so you can use cards with the x16 sized connector, since actual x4 edge connectors are very rare.

For a company that is all about longevity and repairability/modding/expansion, to the point they made a dGPU addon for one of their laptops, this is a pretty major oversight.

Then you probably should build an ITX desktop with a RTX 4060/5060 or RX 7600 XT/9600 XT for cheaper than this. (Less than $1100, which is the AI Max 385 model

Most ITX "cases" for DIY are far larger than necessary. Actual ITX cases that have two low profile slots are very rare (hence why my mini PCs are built into modded Dell chassis).

Framework came SO close to getting it right here.

You can also just get the AI Max 385 mainboard alone for $800 and use your own ITX case.

That would work if Framework didnt gimp it with a physical x4 slot that cannot accept x16 cards.

They have schematics for their laptops, but not for this mini pc. You can't add a PCIe card with rear IO ports. Cheap noname ITX cases have that slot.

There's something cringe about the promotional images, in this article and on their website for the desktop. Idk how else to describe it.

What strikes me as strange is the lack of I/O.

The motherboard is pretty stripped for connectivity, (only two type A and two type C, and a SINGLE audio port? Really? ) and the cases only has 2 expansions slots? You get 4 on their 13" laptops and 6 on the bigger laptops. I'd expect a desktop this size to have at least 6, if not 8 or 10.

but I guess the puzzle pieces for the front were more important.

 

[Cheeseball]

What strikes me as strange is the lack of I/O.

The motherboard is pretty stripped for connectivity, and the cases only has 2 expansions slots? You get 4 on their 13" laptops and 6 on the bigger laptops. I'd expect a desktop this size to have at least 6, if not 8 or 10.

but I guess the puzzle pieces for the front were more important.

Lack of I/O will be AMD's fault:


Remember this is a mobile APU, so it does not have a motherboard chipset (northbridge/southbridge? ) for socket FP11 like X870/B650 for AM5.

EDIT: For reference:


Looks like two USB4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 A ports , the 5 Gbps ethernet probably uses up half of the extra USB 3.2 Gen 2 (I don't know how that PHY is wired, maybe it uses PCI-E instead of USB?) and the two ports in front of the desktop since there are two USB-C E connectors on the motherboard. Sucks about the PCI-E port being x4 only though, but I think 1x is used up by the WiFi 7 chip, 8 lanes with the two NVMe slots, so 7 lanes remaining? Should've made it a PCI-E slot with an open end.

 

[yfn_ratchet]

I get the sense that the Framework desktop was a pet project made flesh, and now that they realized it costed way more than they could throw away they have to actually make a sell out of it. The front panel squares are cute, but not important. The customizable (if limited) front I/O is cute, but not important. The actual infrastructure underneath the outer features is lacking in this space, especially next to the likes of Minisforum's MS series and pre-configured mini PC boxes.

They do well in the laptop market, showing off features that are hard to come by all on one platform, and showing that (even if expensive), the concept works in practice and has its buyers. Hell, I still harbor interest in a Framework 13 for my next laptop. But they bring absolutely nothing new to the desktop space, except for a very expensive and fundamentally limited ITX frankenboard.

 

[Mack4285]

Waiting times for the pre-order kills my interest for the Framework Desktop. Anyone who wants to get it are now likely to wait until Q4 for delivery. With continued slipping of shipping dates until demand is met in summer 2026?

 

[10tothemin9volts]

AMD, I don't want to cluster PCs, it's a mess, please release at least a 512-bit RDNA4/UDNA iGPU APU chip, with double the 128 GB RAM to 256 GB RAM, one could then fully load e.g. Qwen3-235B-A22B-GGUF into RAM at Q6 and Q8 quants (it's a MOE model and is perfect for high RAM PCs, no more expensive high VRAM GPUs needed) (for DeepSeek-V3.1 / -R1, a 1024-bit chip is needed (a RAM clamshell design wouldn't count, as it would not increase the memory bandwidth because it would still be a 512-bit chip)).
(the ones who don't know: this uses the "Strix Halo" 256-bit chip, using LPDDRX-8000 and it has a theoretical memory bandwidth of 256 GB/s (256 GB/s = 8000MT/s * 256-bit / 8 / 1000))

APPLE has 256-bit, 512-bit and 1024-bit consumer chips since 2021/2022 and now with AI LLM self-hosting, there is one more big reason to offer them:

Company name	192-bit	256-bit	384-bit	512-bit	1024-bit
AMD		Strix Halo (2025)	--	--	--
APPLE	M3 Pro (2023) (discontinued)	M1 Pro (2021) M2 Pro (2023) M4 Pro (2024)	30-core M3 Max (2023) (discontinued) 32-core M4 Max (2024)	M1 Max (2021, 2022) M2 Max (2023) 40-core M3 Max (2023) 40-core M4 Max (2024) "up to 128GB unified memory"	M1 Ultra (2022) M2 Ultra (2023) M3 Ultra (2025) (no M4 Ultra so far)

Though, APPLE allows only up to 128 GB for the 512-bit chip, which seems artificially limited, because the 1024-bit chip allows up to 512 GB RAM.

Waiting times for the pre-order kills my interest for the Framework Desktop. Anyone who wants to get it are now likely to wait until Q4 for delivery. With continued slipping of shipping dates until demand is met in summer 2026?

By then one may wait for a Strix Halo successor/higher tier 384-bit Medusa Halo (rumor).

 

[Mack4285]

By then one may wait for a Strix Halo successor/higher tier 384-bit Medusa Halo (rumor).

I guess the same availability problem and wait will repeat for Medusa. Available for pre-order, delivery 6 months later... We are into 2027.