It’s hard not to be awed by Framework’s commitment to its original 13-inch modular laptop, which it has been updating every year since it launched. When a new Intel (or AMD) chip rolls around, it builds new mainboards that can be swapped in to keep your machine on the cutting edge and makes sure that the still-working mainboards can have a second (or third) life. This year, the company is bringing Intel’s new Core Ultra (Series 1) processors to its mainboards with the Ultra 5 125H, Ultra 7 155H, and the Ultra 7 165H all available. These offer more efficient power use, better thermals, and the option to add up to 96 GB of DDR5 RAM. To accompany the new silicon, the company has launched a second-generation webcam and display with improved performance and features. The mainboards are almost identical to their predecessors, with tweaks to the thermal system for better cooling and reduced noise. The new Core Ultra Chips promise improved power efficiency and gaming performance, with quieter fan operation during intense tasks like gaming. The upgraded display boasts a higher peak brightness of 500 nits, offering better visibility in bright conditions. The new webcam features advanced technology for improved picture quality and performance, but the differences may not be significant enough to justify an upgrade for existing Framework Laptop 13 users. Installation of the new components is straightforward, but the overall improvement may not be substantial enough for current users to feel like they are missing out on essential upgrades.
