In 3DMark Metal Nomad, a well-liked graphics benchmark, the Framework Desktop carried out 13 % quicker than on the ROG Circulation Z13. That’s with each programs set on the Greatest Efficiency mode, too. It’s nonetheless 32 % behind the newest era of desktop GPUs, such because the RTX 5060, however that’s to be anticipated. The closest comparable discrete GPU is the Laptop computer RTX 4060. Whereas that’s not thrilling for PC avid gamers, keep in mind: these are built-in graphics. The one built-in graphics efficiency that comes shut is on Apple’s aspect with the M4 chips.
I attempted out some fashionable video games, akin to Cyberpunk 2077 and Marvel Rivals, and was totally impressed by how properly they carried out. I used to be shocked to seek out that I may play Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and Extremely settings with none upscaling but nonetheless obtain a median of 84 frames per second. You’ll be able to simply enterprise into larger resolutions and even ray tracing in case you use AMD’s picture upscaling settings and even body era. Lighter video games like Marvel Rivals play with out lacking a beat.
The RAM just isn’t detachable because of the nature of the chip, although it does are available large-capacity choices. The bottom mannequin has 32 GB, whereas my configuration got here with 64 GB. There’s a 128 GB choice, which is necessary for anybody trying to work with native giant language fashions or different AI tasks. The neural processing unit inside is able to over 50 TOPS, and Framework claims it could run giant language AI fashions like Llama 3 70B domestically in actual time, particularly on the 128-GB mannequin that offers the GPU 96 GB of VRAM to work with.
A Area of interest of a Area of interest
{Photograph}: Luke Larsen
Framework laptops had been already good, however the Framework Desktop is probably probably the most area of interest product the corporate has launched to date. The advantages of selecting the Framework Desktop over every other desktop on the market have much less to do with what makes the Framework ethos so distinctive. There are even smaller choices, such because the Corsair AI Workstation 300, which is barely taller however not as deep. They’re equally priced, although Corsair is promoting solely the higher-end choice with 128 GB of RAM.
However, the Framework Desktop is an superior center floor between the compact nature of a mini-PC and the efficiency and upgradability of a real small-form-factor PC. I don’t like that you could’t improve the RAM, and I want the aspect panels had been simpler to put in. I do have considerations concerning the CPU inside, too. Whereas it performs nice, so much will depend on AMD persevering with to help this considerably specialised part. Framework hasn’t let me down up to now, however its earlier computer systems have used extra commonplace elements. However by now, the corporate has earned some belief from me.
For AI lovers hoping to run native LLMs, the Framework Desktop is a shoo-in, particularly with all of the obtainable reminiscence. But it surely’s additionally an honest choice for many who desire a compact PC that does not fully forfeit efficiency or upgradability.