Framework Laptop 16 — here's everything you can upgrade

Framework Laptop 16 back removable panel
(Image credit: Framework)

The Framework Laptop 16 is the modular gaming laptop we’ve been waiting for. Announced at this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC) during Frameworks’ “Next Level” event, the company claims this modular laptop will be capable of “delivering on the holy grail for gamers,” with a laptop featuring modular upgradeable graphics — in addition to other components.

You can now pre-order the Framework Laptop 16 starting at $1,399, which is expected to arrive later in 2023. Framework plans to release documentation on the expansion bay, keyboard and expansion card system on GitHub as open-source material for the public. This means you can start coming up with ways you plan to customize the Laptop 16.

With pre-orders now live, let’s take a look at everything you can upgrade on the Framework Laptop 16.

GPU and mainboard 

The Framework Laptop 16 packs an AMD Radeon RX 7700S graphics module with 8GB of GDDR6. But if you want, you can swap out this GPU and use another via the laptop’s Expansion Bay Shell.

Framework Laptop 16

(Image credit: Framework)

The company says this will let you “use the impressive integrated graphics capabilities of Ryzen 7040 Series.” Framework seems to have a partnership with AMD, but you should also be able to connect Nvidia GPUs since this is a modular system.

Memory and storage 

The Framework Laptop 16 packs two DDR5 SO-DIMM sockets, and M.2 2280 and M.2 2230 NVMe sockets. Whether it’s the DIY or pre-built model, you can upgrade up to 64GB of RAM and 10TB of storage. The DIY version lets you bring your own. If you want, it’s possible to scale up even more with a Dual M.2 Storage Expansion Bay Card or 1TB Expansion Cards. 

Keyboard

The fully customizable keyboard is one of the Framework Laptop 16’s main selling points. You can connect a numpad, change the input modules, have a centered or off-set keyboard, install an RGB Macropad, LED modules and more.

Framework Laptop 16

(Image credit: Framework)

Framework says it has opened the Input Module system to developers to enable them custom input options beyond what the company has made. 

Ports 

The Framework Expansion Card system lets you select the exact ports you want and place them wherever you wish. You have more options than before since the Laptop 16 has six expansion slots instead of four like the previous Framework Laptop 13.

Framework Laptop 16

(Image credit: Framework)

Whether it’s USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, Ethernet, audio or storage — you can add everything you’d need. 

Swappable bezel 

Swapping out the Laptop 16’s graphics card and memory is all well and good, but what if you want a different bezel? Thanks to the magnet-attach bezel, you can change to some of the available bezels the company offers. The company says there will be a range of colors to choose from. 

Outlook 

We’re big fans of the Framework laptops so it’s great that we’ll eventually get the gaming-focused Framework Laptop 16. I’m personally looking forward to going hands-on with this laptop to see if its customization helps it become one of the best gaming laptops.

The Framework Laptop 16 releases later this year, with the DIY model at $1,399 and the pre-built version coming in at $1,699. We'll keep you updated as we learn more in the months leading up to this laptop's release.

More from Tom's Guide

Tony Polanco
Senior Computing Writer

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

Read more
Framework Laptop 12 in four colorways, purple, green, black and pink
Framework announces two upgradeable laptops and a brand new modular mini PC
Framework Laptop 12 preview unit on a desk at Framework event in San Francisco
I went hands-on with the Framework Laptop 12 and this 2-in-1 could be my favorite yet
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 AI
RTX 50-series gaming laptops — here's why I think they'll be worth the upgrade
HP Omen 16 Slim laptop models front and back angles on colored background
HP reveals new RTX 50-series gaming laptops — and the Omen 16 Slim is the first on my radar
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) on a table
RTX 5070 gaming laptops will be my new gold standard — here's why
Asus rog flow z13
I tried the Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) — it’s what you’d get if the Steam Deck and a gaming laptop had a baby
Latest in Laptops
Surface Laptop 7 from the front
Amazon just gave Surface Laptop 7 a 'frequently returned' label — here's what's going on
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4 — I'll help you pick the best MacBook for your needs
Razer Blade
Nvidia's DLSS 4 demo in a Razer Blade 16 with RTX 5090 gives me hope again for next-gen gaming laptops
Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 shown with game controller
I wanted an RTX 50-series gaming laptop, but $620 off this Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 broke me
The Razer Blade 16 (2025) on a couch
Razer Blade 16 with RTX 5060 spotted in new leak — with a pretty shocking $1,999 price tag
HP OmniBook
HP’s new OmniBook lineup looks set to smash AI laptop price barriers — that’s a good thing if the company keeps up its end of the deal
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Friday, March 28 (#656)
Reddit logo and Reddit logo on phone
Reddit, X and MLB.TV were down — live updates on outage
Nintendo Switch 2 console, Joy-Con controllers and dock
The Switch 2's mysterious "C" button may have just been confirmed by Nintendo
Nintendo Switch virtual game card
Nintendo just announced 'Virtual Game Cards' ahead of Switch 2 launch
Gerard Butler as Detective Nick "Big Nick" O'Brien in "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Graphic screen displaying malware detection warning
This dangerous new Windows malware hides from your antivirus while impersonating a popular PC brand