Framework Announces Motherboard Upgrade with 12th Gen Intel CPU Update

The manufacturer of the modular Framework laptop has announced new motherboards with Intel’s Alder Lake processors. In addition, there will be a new expansion module with a 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet connection and the manufacturer has reinforced the housing of the screen.

Framework releases three different new motherboards. There is a choice of a Core i5-1240P, a Core i7-1260P and a Core i7-1280P processor. The processors can use up to 60 watts with the help of Intel Turbo Boost and have a continuous power consumption of 30 watts. That is 2 watts higher than the base power that Intel for these processors.

The separate motherboards are intended for users who already own a Framework laptop and who want to replace their old motherboard. Like its predecessor, the new motherboard has two DDR4 slots. Framework has not opted for DDR5 because it does not consider the additional cost in relation to the performance to be worth it. Framework also puts the new motherboard in ready-made laptops and delivers them in the DIY edition of the Framework Laptop. The DIY edition is a cheaper version of the laptop, where the user has to install RAM, SSD and operating system. The new Framework Laptop with twelfth-generation Intel processor and the new motherboards can be pre-ordered immediately, but will only be delivered from July.

The Framework Laptop with Alder Lake processor will also get a new top cover. The new top cover is milled from a block of 6063 aluminum, while the old one was made by mechanical deformation. According to Framework, the modified manufacturing process benefits the rigidity of the top cover. The new top cover will also be sold separately for 99 euros.

Later this year, Framework will release an expansion card with 2.5Gbit/s Ethernet connection. The Framework Laptop is equipped with four USB-C connections, into which the expansion cards can be slid. The new Ethernet adapter will use a Realtek RTL8156 controller. It is not yet clear when the Ethernet adapter will be available. The price is, it will be 45 euros.

Finally, Framework is slashing the price of its first-generation 11th-generation Intel processor laptops and will continue to sell them until supplies run out.

Update, 15:10: Added information about memory type and Ethernet adapter price.

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