The Framework 16 Teardown!-Best Teardown of the year already??

new year new tear down if you're looking for a pallet cleanser between the garbage coming out of CES and Apple's Vision Pro look no further than the latest tech from the modular notebook Wizards the framework 16 we did get this Hardware early but our opinions are our own and I think once you see this Hardware you're going to understand why we're so impressed the 16 isn't just bigger this expansive 16-in matte screen is built into a brand new design the exterior is even more seamless than before with entry to the device cleverly hiding under the laptop's Ultram modular top deck oh and all these ports the modules are the same as those in the 13 this is Peak upgradeability now we got the pre-assembled model but that doesn't mean we don't get to have fun first up six expansion modules in our case ports my favorite feature is that the ports can be hot swapped to suit your needs HDMI on different sides of your desk at home and at the office framework's got your back plus they've got more options too the top deck is also a customizer playground pop the retaining latches and you're Off to the Races framework is really leaning into the gaming Market with this model including slick RGB keyboard cute spacers programmable LED side panels a handy number pad or a sweet RGB macro pad all secured by magnets and connected via spring contacts the ultra customizable top does result in slightly less accessible internals granted they come off toolfree then it's a matter of disconnecting the interconnect cable helpfully labeled to step one and loosening screws 2 through 17 framework tells me this rather Arcane pattern helps keep the thin panel flat spoiler alert I replace the screws without following the prescribed order and it worked just fine these t5s are captive which is great for reassembly the mid plate lifts right off revealing a lovely flat architecture the laptop is our oyster but let's start with the swappable SSD the blade is secured by a single screw one that isn't captive turns out this gold tint represents removable Fasteners nice touch wonderful springing action and the blade pulls free now zap resistance removable Ram seeing these springy Ram slots nearly brings tears to my eyes guys just look at them as we know batteries are consumables and this battery is about as swappable as it gets three labeled screws no adhesive and this 85w cell is free just about the only thing that could improve this battery procedure is having it available at the deck level with module sliding over top but honestly I can't complain oh and one more slick feature when you slide the battery into its connector there are two red LEDs to indicate that the system is now receiving power a great safety reminder for even an experienced fixer what other goodies can we pull out ah wireless card another delightful throwback to a more civilized age this replaceable card can be upgraded and the included plastic bracket will keep the antennas in their proper place okay it's meat and potatoes time let's get to the graphics module a slick interconnect cable a couple securing screws all captive and the graphics module is set to slide right out this thing is Hefty I'm willing to bet most of the graphics bulk is for cooling the AMD radon RX 7700s but let's investigate once again gold for the removable Fasteners and standard silver for the captive ones and the cover and USB port bracket slide right out I'll also remove the two Graphics specific fans for good measure four captive screws each and Wii Z connector with a handy handle a handle that can unfortunately get snagged in these case passrs so if you end up needing to replace noisy Graphics fans be gentle out comes the board and yeah this is a monster loosening the once again labeled Fasteners and peeling it up from the thermal pads this is a huge heat sink assembly plus some super thick thermal tape together there are 150 g of passive thermal management that's almost half the graphic module's weight that's some serious heat sinking the board itself is rather unassuming but represents a shining future of upgradeable graphics for gamers everywhere with the upgradeable peripherals removed what's left for the main board let's pop our expansion modules back out easier said than done these guys are snapped in tight good news for portability honestly first we'll disconnect and remove the biometric button and frame then the speakers now we can tackle the logically numbered mainboard screws for a change these aren't captive but nor are they gold colored byby display and Camera connectors and hello main board a few more screws and the heat sink is free and oops don't worry I didn't actually break anything this thermal pad may be solid at room temp but it's actually liquid metal lucky for me framework intends to sell replacement pads but liquid metal is so efficient during normal use you probably won't need to be replacing these and here we have it the Bare Bones spard granted the USBC ports that receive the modules are soldered to the board but given the strong connection and that replaceable modules will be receiving the wear I'm actually not too worried about these and look at all these delightful labels just a few more bits and Bobs the speakers are conjoined by cable into a single assembly and pop right out as ever the magnetic display bezel peels right out and the screen is once again secured by a mere four screws and no adhesive the framework 16 truly feels like someone brought my personal Hardware wish list to reality I'm not only impressed by the extreme modularity but also the thought and Care put into this premium feeling device with Incredible modularity no parts pairing and even QR code linked guides framework more than earns a provisional repairability score of 10 out of [Music] 10

Channel: iFixit

Views: 195,338

Keywords: iFixit, iFixit teardown, Framework 16 Teardown, Laptop Modularity, RAM, SSD, and Battery removal, Expansion Modules, Framework 16 display removal, Disassembly, repair, right to repair, Gadget, Laptop, Computer, Laptop Machine, how to, framework laptop review, cpu, gpu, guides, hardware

Id: Y8uv8fajOrc

Length: 5min 24sec (324 seconds)

Published: Tue Jan 23 2024