Desk of Contents
I’ve a fraught dating with the Apple Genius Bar. Between 2019 and 2021, I spent over $1,400 on maintenance for my Intel-era MacBook Professional — 3 times to interchange a cracked show and as soon as to mend 5 keycaps that stored falling out. (Earlier than you ask, sure, that they had butterfly switches.) I used to be on an early-career freelance creator’s price range on the time, so the expenses hit like a truck, and the wait time for maintenance left me scrambling.
It’s cases like mine that make Framework’s modular laptops so attractive. Slightly than spend the an identical of a brand-new device on portions and exertions, you’ll open up a Framework Pc and service or change any element your self.
This design philosophy permits for ongoing customizability and successfully future-proofs your pc for existence. Subsequent-generation upgrades represent new motherboards, ports, reminiscence, or batteries as an alternative of completely new PCs. It is a extra economically and environmentally sustainable approach of proudly owning a pc: You might be mainly operating your approach towards a Pc of Theseus.
The most productive laptops for 2025: Examined for efficiency, battery existence, design, and price
Because the inaugural Framework Pc introduced in 2021, Apple has carried out a Self Restore Program for out-of-warranty units that makes DIY fixes conceivable (if a trouble) for the ones with enough revel in. Different pc firms like Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft have equivalent techniques. However Framework’s shtick continues to be distinct in its approachability, affordability, and how it encourages true possession over one’s tech, making the corporate a pace-setter within the “Proper to Restore” motion.
We reviewed the primary Framework Pc 13 upon unencumber and gave it a Mashable Selection Award for its “creative design options,” just right battery existence, and “extremely upgradable efficiency.” After spending a number of days with a more moderen type powered via an Intel Core Extremely Sequence 1 processor, I feel it nonetheless ticks the ones key packing containers to care for that difference.
Framework Pc 13: Pricing and spec choices
My evaluate unit is an entry-level configuration of the Framework Pc 13 (DIY Version) that I custom designed and assembled from scratch. It begins at $799 however retails for $1,197 as examined with the next specifications, working gadget, and equipment:
Intel Core Extremely 125H gadget — $799
13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 60Hz matte show (black bezel)
16GB RAM (2 x 8GB) — $80
500GB SSD garage — $69
Home windows 11 House (obtain) — $139
U.S. English keyboard
60W energy adapter — $55
4 port enlargement playing cards — $11 to $22 apiece (Framework threw in six for me to check out, together with two USB-C, one USB-A, one HDMI, one DisplayPort, and one microSD. You’ll be able to most effective use 4 enlargement playing cards directly, and my standard setup value $55 general.)
If you need extra (or much less) out of your pc, Framework’s DIY Version configuration choices are nearly endless. You’ll be able to equipment it with as much as an Intel Core Extremely 7 CPU, a 2.8K 120Hz show, 8GB to 96GB of RAM, 250GB to 8TB of garage, colourful bezels, keyboards in more than a few languages and layouts, and 7 other types of port enlargement playing cards. Those parts are available to buy as a part of your preliminary order, however you’ll additionally purchase them à los angeles carte when you wish to have to improve down the street.
There are a couple of techniques to save lots of a just right chew of cash on a Framework Pc 13. One is via buying a refurbished gadget or portions, which Framework sells at a bargain. The opposite is via bringing your individual reminiscence, SSD, energy adapter, and working gadget. But even so Home windows, Linux additionally works and is loose.
Have in mind that putting in your working gadget of selection calls for a USB flash force on which you create the set up media from any other pc. With Home windows, you’ll be able to then want to set up a separate driving force package. (That is mainly only a set of additional information that makes certain the pc runs correctly.) Those additional steps are distinctive to the DIY Version setup procedure and is usually a bit complicated for learners. If you do not need to take care of them, go for a pre-built Framework Pc 13 that incorporates Home windows pre-installed.
The “Base” pre-built gadget will run you $999 for an Intel Core Extremely 125H CPU, the 13.5-inch 60Hz matte show, 8GB RAM, 256GB of garage, Home windows 11 House, and a one-year guarantee. There are a number of upgraded “Efficiency” and “Productiveness” tiers that come with higher Intel Core Sequence 1 processors, extra RAM, extra garage, and three-year warranties, which get started at $1,229 to $1,899. The whole thing is incorporated, save in your 4 enlargement playing cards.
The Framework Pc 13 is most effective available to buy during the Framework site, no longer at primary outlets like Amazon or Absolute best Purchase, even though you’ll purchase appropriate garage and reminiscence modules for it somewhere else.
Framework Pc 13: What is new (and coming quickly)
The Framework Pc 13’s Intel Core Extremely Sequence 1 replace arrived in mid-2024 with an advanced webcam and a brand new thermal gadget that is helping it run cooler and quieter than earlier iterations. The corporate additionally added a couple of new customization choices on the time, together with the 2.8K 120Hz show choice ($269), an SD enlargement card ($25), and 4 additional USB-C enlargement card colours ($11 each and every).
Extra just lately, Framework refreshed its 13.5-inch pc for 2025 with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Sequence processors. This type has its personal tweaked thermal gadget, a brand new keyboard with a Copilot key (or the Framework emblem for Linux), and WiFi 7. It left its preorder segment in mid-June and is now in inventory beginning at $899 for the DIY Version or $1,099 pre-built. I plan on attempting it within the close to destiny and can replace this evaluate with my findings.
The longevity of the Framework mission has been a minor motive for worry since its inception in 2020. (It is nonetheless technically a startup.) However the corporate’s monitor document to this point evokes self belief: It is launched new laptops and/or parts yearly because the unique Framework Pc introduced in 2021, and just lately expanded its lineup with a modular desktop and a convertible.
Framework Pc 13: Meeting
Left:
The packaging for the Framework Pc 13’s parts.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Proper:
Unwrapping the portions.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
I need to tension that I am no Henry Cavill. For so long as I have been the usage of laptops as my major computer systems (since 2011) and reviewing them for Mashable (since 2023), I have by no means in fact cracked one open or put one in combination. When my Framework Pc 13 DIY Version arrived as a host of in my view boxed portions, I used to be apprehensive I might be in over my head.
Happily, the meeting procedure is in large part stupid-easy. Framework supplies step by step directions and useful demo movies by means of QR code, and the one software wanted is the incorporated Framework Screwdriver. Each and every element without difficulty and satisfyingly slides, snaps, or screws cosy into position. Higher but, the screws that cling the 2 halves of the device’s base in combination are bodily hooked up to its underside — you could not lose them in case you attempted.
I put in my pc’s garage with a couple of twists of the Framework Screwdriver.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Hanging my Framework Pc 13 in combination for the primary time took me not more than quarter-hour, and with sufficient apply, I feel I may speedrun it in only one or two, like a one-woman PC pit group. That Framework has subtle its meeting procedure to be so foolproof and actual is a great feat of engineering. The trickiest phase used to be wrangling an inexpensive USB-C flash force and any other PC so I may put Home windows on it.
What is additionally nice is that taking the Framework Pc 13 aside is simply as painless as hanging it in combination. I popped mine open and entirely disassembled it into its fresh-out-of-the-box state so I may stroll my curious husband thru its building.
This appears to be like frightening. I promise it is not.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Parts just like the SSD and reminiscence module that you just set up at setup will detach with a steady pull, however releasing others that come hooked up already — just like the battery, touchpad, show, and audio system — calls for extra effort. I did not try to change those out in my trying out, however I feel I may arrange if wanted: Small QR labels scattered during the pc’s internals pull up thorough substitute guides for assist in making upgrades and fixes.
All issues regarded as, it completely tracks that the Framework Pc 13 were given a unprecedented 10/10 repairability rating from iFixit, an organization that publishes digital restore guides, teardowns, and scores. I have constructed IKEA furnishings that is extra convoluted.
Framework Pc 13: Design and construct high quality
The matte end at the Framework Pc 13’s display screen is superb.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Let’s put aside the Framework Pc 13’s consummate fix- and take-apart-ability for a minute to talk about its design at face price: What does it appear and feel like to make use of as a day-to-day driving force? I might say beautiful just right.
At a snappy look, the all-aluminum Framework Pc 13 appears to be like so much like a swish, silvery MacBook — in particular a 2019 or 2020 MacBook Air with an angled base. The 2 issues that blow its duvet are the gear-shaped emblem within the middle of its lid and the solidness of the lid itself: It has little give while you press down within the middle of it, and the display screen wobbles a hair while you open or alter its place (even though no longer while you sort). I am certainly no longer fascinated about its total construct high quality or long-term sturdiness, nevertheless it does lack that form of top class really feel.
The Framework Pc 13 measures 0.62 inches skinny and weighs 2.87 kilos, making it decisively transportable, if no longer moderately as svelte as an M4 MacBook Air.
Show
The Framework Pc 13’s usual show is ok, however I might most probably get the two.8K one if in case you have the price range.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
As discussed, my evaluate unit shipped with a 2256 x 1504 show that has a 60Hz refresh price. The three:2 facet ratio makes for a spacious-feeling display screen on a quite compact pc. It is rated at 400 nits, which, coupled with its matte end, makes the image slightly smooth to look in brilliant daylight. Once I labored on it at my table, which will get a average quantity of solar during the day, I in fact discovered it comfiest to make use of a couple of ticks under most brightness.
The real image high quality may’ve been a little higher. Whilst colours gave the impression decently colourful, small textual content in information articles and Google Doctors seemed a tad fuzzier at the Framework Pc 13 in comparison to my MacBook Professional, which has a 3024 x 1964 show. I do not believe the two.8K choice is a compulsory acquire, however I might believe it if in case you have somewhat wiggle room on your price range. (It is not up to $100 extra.)
Keyboard and touchpad
Left:
A peek into the Framework Pc 13’s base.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Proper:
And the pc totally assembled with the keyboard and trackpad.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
The Framework Pc 13’s keyboard has well-spaced, island-style keys with adjustable backlighting and a fingerprint sensor (positioned within the energy button). It used to be clicky and tremendous relaxed to sort on, however rather less squishiness would’ve driven it into “enjoyable” territory. I favor crisper keyboards.
The matte glass touchpad at the Framework Pc 13 felt in point of fact great: It is clean and comfortable to touch — velvety, even. My palms glided throughout it with out awkwardly skidding, and it did not make any misclicks. I will have to point out that it does not have haptics, if that is your factor, nevertheless it did not really feel like a downgrade after coming from a MacBook Professional.
Webcam
A selfie I took at the Framework Pc 13 that includes my parrot, Melon (the fairway blob at the proper), and an irritating chin pimple that the digicam accentuated.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
The Framework Pc 13’s webcam module includes a 1080p digicam with a bodily privateness shutter and an on/off slider for its mic. Its image high quality used to be grainy and oddly hued: On digicam, my pores and skin seemed reddish and my atmosphere appeared muted. I will’t ding it an excessive amount of as a result of it is uncommon that we stumble upon a in reality nice pc webcam, however simply know that this certainly is not one in every of them.
Audio system
I observe a equivalent line of pondering to the 2 2W audio system at the Framework Pc 13. They are positioned on both sides of the ground of the device’s base (upturned at a slight attitude) and are certainly my least favourite factor about it. They get very loud, however they sound very mid: muffled, tinny, and bass-deficient. Pc audio system also are hardly ever just right, however I in point of fact hope Framework introduces a brand new audio module the following time it refreshes its 13.5-incher.
Ports
Other people assume I am obsessive about this, however I am OK with it. I’m obsessive about it. And I feel that is an obsession that does not harm somebody.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
I will finish this segment on a excessive word: The Framework Pc 13’s connectivity is among the coolest issues about it. Together with an enduring 3.5mm audio jack, there are 4 slots beneath its base that should cling the growth playing cards of your opting for. Those have compatibility tight and flush when in position, however slide out simply with the click of a button.
No less than a kind of playing cards must have a USB-C port for charging. Differently, you might be loose to change them out and in as wanted. In different phrases, this pc’s ports are whatever you need them to be. Want a microSD card slot to switch pictures from a digicam? Wish to transfer your charger to achieve an outlet? The sky is the restrict. That is good.
Framework Pc 13: Efficiency
The Framework Pc 13 would possibly glance so much like a MacBook, nevertheless it certain does not carry out like one. (No longer the entry-level type I examined, a minimum of.)
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
For reference, we assess laptops’ efficiency in real-world scenarios via operating them thru multi-tab and -app tension checks, gauging their fan noise and warmth ranges. We additionally benchmark them the usage of Primate Labs’ Geekbench 6 CPU take a look at, which produces rankings we will use to quantify and evaluate other fashions’ processing energy.
Within the real-world tension take a look at, I pulled up 20 tabs in a Google Chrome window together with two separate apps (Spotify and Clock, which had a timer operating). My Framework Pc 13’s fan kicked on as soon as 10 of the tabs completed loading, then whirred quietly within the background till all 20 had loaded. After that, the fan became off and I did not listen it once more, even if I plugged within the pc. (That typically makes PCs run somewhat more difficult.)
The fan vent at the underside of the pc’s chassis were given moderately heat all over this take a look at, however by no means so scorching that I could not contact it. Conversely, the skin round its keyboard did not get heat in any respect.
The Framework Pc 13 felt somewhat laggy when I used to be pulling up my tabs, however to be honest, I opened all 20 of them directly. After they all loaded, I did not realize any efficiency problems — not anything stuttered or bogged down once I pulled up but any other web page and typed in a Google Document.
I might name it a reliable however overpriced low-end performer.
Within the Geekbench 6 benchmark, my Framework Pc 13 were given a multi-core rating of 8,231, score within the backside 15 % some of the non-gaming Home windows laptops we’ve got examined. That isn’t surprising taking into account it has an entry-level processor, however it is not a perfect rating for the cash: The opposite laptops we’ve got examined within the $1,100 to $1,200 vary scored 12,267 and above. (Those had a Snapdragon X Elite or Intel Core Extremely 7 155H processor.) Total, I might name it a reliable however overpriced low-end performer.
One very last thing prior to I transfer on: The Intel-based Framework Pc 13 isn’t a Copilot+ PC, nevertheless it does fortify a few of Microsoft’s AI-powered options for Home windows. One among them is Are living Captions, which used to be rapid however somewhat iffy on accuracy in my trying out. I recorded a video of myself pronouncing, “Melon is a adorable little fowl” (Melon being my puppy parrot); Are living Captions were given the transcription proper to begin with, then modified it to “Melania’s a adorable little fowl” after a couple of seconds. No longer moderately!
The Restyle Symbol and Symbol Author options in Microsoft Pictures had been additionally to be had on my Framework Pc 13. I’d individually by no means use them frequently — I do not like AI symbol turbines for a lot of moral, environmental, and creative causes — however they did paintings as supposed in my trying out.
In the end, there is a Copilot shortcut pinned to the taskbar in Home windows, which you’ll take away. There is no such thing as a bodily Copilot key at the Framework Pc 13’s keyboard.
Some customers could be interested in the truth that the Intel-based Framework Pc 13 is not decked out in AI, myself incorporated. It feels much less bloated than probably the most different Home windows laptops I have attempted.
Framework Pc 13: Battery existence
We run each and every pc we evaluate thru the very same battery existence benchmark, which comes to looping a 1080p video at 50% quantity and 50% brightness till the device dies.
Framework does not supply battery existence estimates for its laptops, nevertheless it did word that Intel’s Core Extremely Sequence 1 processors boasted “primary enhancements in potency and battery existence” in comparison to its older chips, “particularly on use circumstances like video playback.”
The unique Framework Pc we attempted in 2021 had an Eleventh-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and lasted 8 to 9 hours. Understanding that, I believed I might get 9, possibly 10 hours out of my more moderen however entry-level configuration. (For reference, 9 hours used to be the present median runtime for the Home windows laptops in our database on the time of trying out.)
Suffice to mention, the Framework Pc 13 made me seem like a doofus when it held out for 17 hours and 10 mins. That is an completely very good battery existence — longer than probably the most more moderen MacBooks we’ve got attempted.
I used to be so stunned via those effects that I texted the aforementioned husband simply after the 17-hour mark to ensure he hadn’t messed with my take a look at once I wasn’t having a look. He assures me he is blameless.
Is the Framework Pc 13 price it?
As soon as once more, the Framework Pc 13 earns a Mashable Selection Award.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Let’s be crystal transparent that different top class laptops be offering higher efficiency and nicer specifications than the Framework Pc 13 for a similar value or much less. The M4 MacBook Air, as an example, has the most productive on-paper price that we’ve got observed in a very long time, combining high-octane efficiency, a good looking show, a legitimately just right webcam, and 16GB of RAM for a beginning value of most effective $999. But it is expensive to fix and a ache for most of the people to take aside.
The object a few Framework Pc 13 is that it does not exist in a vacuum. You might be paying for its {hardware}, sure, however you might be additionally paying for the privilege of long-term fixability and future-proofing. Is that extra vital to you than having the snazziest specifications of the instant?
For me, it is well worth the in advance funding. As any person who checks myriad computer systems for paintings, however is not a tinkerer via nature, I am struck via the benefit and empowerment of Framework’s thought. I believe like I were given to grasp the Framework Pc 13 higher than every other PC I have ever attempted or owned. It is opened my eyes to the worth of repairability and, frankly, made me reconsider my dating with all the era I personal. Believe me Framework-pilled.
