Framework Laptop 16 Expands Storage Capacity with Quadruple SSD Modular Upgrade

Staff
By Staff 5 Min Read

The Framework Laptop 16 has just received a significant upgrade that amplifies its modularity and storage potential. The introduction of the Dual M.2 Adapter, available for $39, allows users to add two extra M.2 slots to the laptop’s expansion bay. This expansion bay, previously occupied by either a Radeon RX 7700S discrete graphics card or a largely empty space with fans, now offers increased versatility. The adapter accommodates various M.2 modules (2280, 2260, 2240, and 2230) with four lanes of PCIe 4.0 each. Combined with the two existing M.2 slots (2280 and 2230) that come standard with the Laptop 16, users can potentially equip their machine with four SSDs simultaneously.

The implication of this upgrade is a massive boost in storage capacity. Considering current SSD sizes reach up to 8TB for 2280 modules and 2TB for 2230 modules, the Laptop 16 could theoretically hold up to 26TB of storage internally. This figure excludes any additional storage added via Framework Expansion Cards (up to 1TB each) or full-size SD cards (up to 2TB each). With six expansion card slots available, the total potential storage capacity of the Framework Laptop 16, using all available slots and maximum capacity modules, could reach a staggering 38TB. This unprecedented level of storage opens up a wide range of possibilities for users who require extensive local access to vast amounts of data.

The Dual M.2 Adapter is not only about storage, though. It opens up exciting possibilities for enhancing the laptop’s capabilities. One such potential use case is the integration of an AI accelerator card, enabling users to perform computationally intensive AI tasks directly on their laptops. Furthermore, the adapter can support an eGPU adapter, allowing users to connect an external graphics card for enhanced gaming or other graphically demanding applications. This flexibility makes the Framework Laptop 16 a truly versatile device adaptable to various workflows and needs.

While the Radeon RX 7700S discrete GPU occupies the same expansion bay as the Dual M.2 Adapter, the modular design of the Framework Laptop 16 allows for easy swapping between modules. Users can quickly switch between the discrete GPU and the adapter depending on their current needs, making the laptop adaptable to different workloads. This quick and easy swappable nature of the modules is a key feature of the Framework Laptop 16, providing users with unprecedented control over their hardware configuration. This adaptability enables users to tailor their laptop to specific tasks, optimizing performance and efficiency based on their immediate requirements.

Alongside the Dual M.2 Adapter release, Framework has addressed a thermal management concern identified in earlier versions of the Laptop 16. The company has replaced the original liquid metal cooling solution with Honeywell PTM7958 thermal paste. This change aims to address potential performance degradation observed in some units due to the liquid metal’s long-term behavior. The switch to thermal paste is expected to provide more consistent and reliable cooling performance over the lifespan of the laptop, mitigating potential issues related to overheating and excessive fan noise. Framework is proactively offering assistance to existing customers who may wish to transition to the new thermal paste solution, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and product improvement.

The introduction of the Dual M.2 Adapter marks a significant step in fulfilling the promise of modularity that the Framework Laptop 16 embodies. It provides users with an unprecedented level of control over their laptop’s hardware configuration, allowing for customization and expansion in ways not previously possible. The ability to add significant storage, AI acceleration, or eGPU connectivity, along with the ease of swapping modules, transforms the Laptop 16 into a truly adaptable and future-proof device. The simultaneous address of thermal management concerns further demonstrates Framework’s commitment to refining and improving its product based on user feedback and ongoing testing. This comprehensive approach to product development positions the Framework Laptop 16 as a compelling option for users seeking a flexible and powerful computing platform.

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