Framework Debuts 4.5-Liter Desktop With AMD Strix Halo for $1,099

Framework Computer has entered the desktop market with a 4.5-liter small-form-factor system built around AMD’s new Strix Halo accelerated processing units. The Framework Desktop, reviewed today by several technology publications, ships only as a do-it-yourself kit but requires minimal assembly: users add storage, an optional additional fan and operating system, while the motherboard, soldered memory and Flex-ATX power supply are pre-installed. The machine is offered in three fixed configurations. The $1,099 entry model pairs an eight-core Ryzen AI Max 385 APU with 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory; two higher-end versions use the 16-core Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and scale to 64 GB ($1,599) or 128 GB ($1,999) of memory. All rely on integrated Radeon graphics—roughly laptop-RTX 4060 to 4070 class, according to reviewers—and accept two NVMe drives but no discrete GPU. Early testing finds strong multithreaded and AI performance for a PC of this size, quiet thermals and solid 2.5K gaming, although reviewers note limited upgrade paths because the processor and memory are soldered. Competitors can deliver higher frame-rate gaming or lower prices, but Framework’s design emphasises portability, reparability of non-soldered parts and front-panel customisation using 21 magnetic tiles and two hot-swappable USB-C expansion modules. Framework says mainboards will be sold separately from $799 later this year, letting enthusiasts transplant the Strix Halo platform into other Mini-ITX cases or cluster multiple boards for local large-language-model work. The company has not announced when fully assembled systems might follow.