The Framework Desktop is the mini PC of my dreams
The Framework Desktop is everything the NUC ecosystem failed to be
I love mini PCs. Yes, colossal desktops have their place, but it’s fascinating to see what PC builders can do within tighter form factors. For this reason, the Framework Desktop is exciting to me. A compact desktop with customisation options, exciting hardware, and some neat personalisation options.
What we have here is a 4.5L mini PC that features AMD’s Ryzen AI Max processor. This makes the PC suitable for all kinds of workloads. It has gaming-ready Radeon graphics, up to sixteen Zen 5 CPU cores, an integrated NPU, and configuration options for up to 128GB of unified memory.
Introducing our new product category, the Framework Desktop! This is a tiny, 4.5L machine with massive performance inside using AMD’s new Ryzen AI Max processors, an awesome machine for gaming, workstation, and AI crunching! Pre-orders are open now. https://t.co/KrDtlmOjWz pic.twitter.com/MhTolsr8xr
— Framework (@FrameworkPuter) February 25, 2025
Framework Desktop specifications
What we have here is the kind of hardware that the NUC ecosystem can only dream of. It’s a single-chip CPU/GPU/NPU solution that delivers a huge amount of compute within a small form factor. Add a heatsink and a motherboard, and you have the beginnings of a powerful mini PC. That’s the beauty of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max. Framework saw its potential and jumped on it.
The Framework Desktop isn’t just about computational power. This system has soul. This PC can be upgraded, personalised, and expanded. Framework’s expansion cards allow users to add the exact ports that end users want on their systems. USB (A or C)? MicroSD? Full-sized SD? Ethernet? There are options for that.
At the front of the system, there are tiles that can be customised by users. Additionally, users can choose a windowed case, or a blank side panel. Furthermore, users can also configure this mini PC with various fan options, which includes an RGB fan option.
GPU-wise, this mini PC can be configured with AMD’s RDNA 3.5 Radeon 8060S or 8050S graphics. With up to 128GB of total memory, this system will be of great interest to users who want a system with tonnes of graphics memory. Workstation users and AI developers rejoice!
Pricing
With pricing starting at $1,099, the Framework Desktop is a compelling package. However, the story doesn’t end there. If you want the Framework Desktop’s motherboard on its own, that can cost $799 or higher depending on your chosen model.
Why would you want a motherboard? Simple. Custom AI systems. Framework was able to connect several of their desktop motherboards together to create a powerful AI cluster. The Ryzen AI Max offers users a lot of performance and a ton of memory. You can bet that a lot of developers want to take advantage of that.
The Framework Desktop is a game-changing system. It is powerful, compact, and delivers options that no other desktop has. This system has a GPU with access to 128GB of memory. That’s perfect for intense simulation and AI workloads. No desktop GPU offers that, and that is a huge selling point.
Framework has taken the potential of AMD’s Ryzen AI Max CPUs and used it to create something special. That’s worth celebrating. Never have we seen a mini PC with this much potential. Due to its AI prowess alone, we expect this system to sell like hotcakes.
You can join the discussion on the Framework Desktop on the OC3D Forums.
