The Framework Desktop is a 4.5-liter mini-ITX gaming and workstation PC built around AMD Ryzen AI Max processors and Radeon 8060S integrated graphics. It is genuinely small and partly serviceable, but its CPU, GPU, and RAM are soldered, so the core performance hardware cannot be upgraded independently.
That combination makes Framework’s first desktop unusual. The computer offers desktop-style storage and case flexibility in an Xbox Series S-sized enclosure, while using a fixed laptop-like processor, integrated GPU, and unified-memory design.
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Key takeaways
- The Framework Desktop is a 4.5-liter mini-ITX computer, roughly the volume of an Xbox Series S.
- AMD Ryzen AI Max processors provide Radeon 8060S integrated graphics instead of a replaceable desktop graphics card.
- The CPU, GPU, and LPDDR5x memory are soldered, so the most important performance components cannot be upgraded independently.
- Storage, fans, the Flex ATX power supply, expansion cards, and the motherboard enclosure remain more serviceable or replaceable.
- Reported February 2025 launch prices ranged from $799 for the motherboard alone to $1,999 for the 128GB configuration; current pricing was not verified.
What makes the Framework Desktop unusual?
The Framework Desktop combines laptop-style integrated silicon with a standard mini-ITX desktop motherboard and a very small first-party case. The result is a compact gaming and workstation computer aimed at buyers who value high performance per liter, unified memory, and repairable peripheral components more than traditional desktop upgradeability.
The motherboard uses AMD Ryzen AI Max processors with Radeon 8060S integrated graphics. The reported configurations included the Ryzen AI Max 385 with 8 CPU cores and 32 GPU cores, and the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores. Memory configurations were reported from 32GB to 128GB. Ars Technica’s February 25, 2025 report describes the platform as suitable for compact gaming and workstation workloads, including 1440p gaming.
#1 Best Overall
- Ample Interior: Explore ample interior space for Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboards, ensuring easy and future expansion
- Components Clearance: Accommodates CPU coolers with a max height of 159mm, GPU cards up to 360mm, and PSU up to 160mm in length.
- Versatile Cooling: Maximize cooling performance with a 240mm liquid cooler and 5 fans.
- Modular I/O Panel: You have the flexibility to adjust its position at the front, top, or bottom on both sides
- Edge-To-Edge Panel: Show off your meticulous build through the transparent side panel with pride.
How small is the Framework Desktop?
The first-party Framework Desktop case has a volume of 4.5 liters, according to Ars Technica’s 2025 report. That puts it close to the approximately 4.4-liter Xbox Series S, while remaining substantially smaller than the approximately 6.9-liter Xbox Series X and 14.9-liter SSUPD Meshroom S. The approximately 3.7-liter Mac Studio is smaller by volume, but the Framework Desktop is designed around substantially different gaming and workstation priorities.
| System or enclosure | Reported volume | What the comparison shows |
|---|---|---|
| Framework Desktop case | 4.5 liters | Very small desktop gaming and workstation enclosure |
| Xbox Series S | Approximately 4.4 liters | Similar overall volume |
| Xbox Series X | Approximately 6.9 liters | Larger than the Framework Desktop case |
| SSUPD Meshroom S | Approximately 14.9 liters | Much larger small-form-factor PC case |
| Mac Studio | Approximately 3.7 liters | Smaller, but based on a different platform and use case |
The 4.5-liter size is the product’s clearest advantage. The smaller enclosure reduces desk and travel footprint, but the compact design also limits the kind of cooling hardware and graphics expansion available compared with a larger mini-ITX case.
Is the Framework Desktop actually upgradeable?
The Framework Desktop is partly upgradeable, but its CPU, GPU, and RAM are not independently upgradeable. Those core components are soldered to the motherboard, so a future performance upgrade would generally require replacing the entire motherboard rather than installing a new processor, graphics card, or memory kit.
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| Component | Upgrade or replacement position | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Soldered | Cannot be replaced independently |
| GPU | Integrated into the Ryzen AI Max platform | No separate desktop graphics card to swap later |
| RAM | Soldered LPDDR5x | Choose 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB capacity at purchase |
| SSD storage | Two M.2 2280 slots | Storage can be installed or replaced separately |
| Cooling | Replaceable 120 mm fans | Fans can be serviced or swapped |
| Power supply | Flex ATX format | Replacement is possible if electrical and physical compatibility is confirmed |
| Expansion | Four-lane PCIe slot and two front Framework Expansion Card slots | Some connectivity and accessory flexibility remains |
| Case | Board can fit a compatible owner-selected case | The first-party enclosure is not the only possible chassis |
This distinction matters because “upgradeable” can describe different things. The Framework Desktop is more serviceable than a sealed mini PC, and its storage, fans, power supply, case, and expansion options offer useful flexibility. However, it does not provide the central upgrade path associated with a conventional desktop: replacing the CPU, adding DIMMs, or installing a faster discrete GPU.
Why is the Framework Desktop’s memory soldered?
The soldered memory is tied to the Ryzen AI Max platform’s high memory bandwidth. Framework CEO Nirav Patel writes, “To enable the massive 256GB/s memory bandwidth that Ryzen AI Max delivers, the LPDDR5x is soldered.” The statement was reported by Ars Technica in 2025.
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- Innovative Design: Removable PCI-E Fixing Piece to Optimize the Installation Experience for Longer GPU PC Case with handle
- [FAN]TOP 120mm*2/140mm*2 Bottom 120mm*2/140mm*2 Real 120mm*1 /92mm*1 [GPU Clearance]：Up to 363mm，depends on other hardware configurations Please refer to the 'Sixth Image' for GPU compatibility.
- 【ATX PSU】 ATX/SFX/SFX-L The power supply can be adjusted in multiple gears. It is recommended to check the picture for detailed introduction to prevent interference from different hardware. It supports SFX side mounting.
The explanation makes the design trade-off clear: soldered LPDDR5x is presented as a requirement for achieving the platform’s 256GB/s memory bandwidth, rather than merely a convenience for reducing the size of the computer. The cost is permanent memory capacity after purchase. A buyer who expects large game libraries, creative workloads, virtual machines, or local AI workloads should choose capacity carefully because RAM cannot be expanded later.
Is the Framework Desktop good for gaming?
The Framework Desktop is best understood as a powerful integrated-graphics gaming PC, not as a conventional high-end gaming tower. Its Radeon 8060S graphics are integrated into the Ryzen AI Max silicon, but the platform combines unusually substantial GPU resources with high-speed unified memory. The reported positioning includes 1440p gaming, although this dossier contains no independent frame-rate, temperature, noise, or power-consumption testing.
The integrated design has two important consequences. First, the computer avoids the physical size, power requirements, and cost of a separate graphics card. Second, the graphics processor shares the system’s unified memory, so the selected memory capacity affects both general workloads and graphics-heavy use. The 128GB configuration may be attractive for workstation or memory-intensive workloads, but the additional capacity is permanent and cannot be added later.
Readers should not interpret “1440p gaming” as a guarantee of a particular frame rate or quality preset. Actual results depend on the game, settings, drivers, resolution scaling, and thermal behavior. No independent gaming benchmark was collected for this article, so performance claims should remain at the platform-positioning level.
What configurations and launch prices were reported?
Ars Technica reported the following Framework Desktop launch configurations on February 25, 2025. These are dated launch figures, not verified current prices or stock information.
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- 【Ultra Mini ITX Case with PCIe 3.0 Riser Cable】The Case is only 4.3L capacity, the size is 18.4x10.4x22.3 cm (7.3x4.1x8.8 inch), PCI 3.0 Riser Cable is 18.5cm
- 【Compatibility Accessories】Support Standard ITX Motherboard(17x17cm), FLEX-Small 1U Power Supply (15*4*8cm), Graphics Card (17*10*4cm), Hard Disk(2x2.5inch SSD, thickness less than 9mm), CPU Cooler(Less than 36mm)
- 【High-quality Material】The Body of Case is made of 2.0mm Aluminum Alloy, which has good heatsink performance anf beautiful appearance
- 【Packing Include】1* Mini ITX Case, 1*PCIe 3.0 Riser and some Screws ONLY
| Reported launch price | Configuration | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| $799 | Mini-ITX motherboard alone | DIY builders who already have a compatible case and supporting parts |
| $1,099 | First-party case, Ryzen AI Max 385, 32GB RAM | Compact gaming and general desktop use at the entry configuration |
| $1,599 | Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 64GB RAM | Higher CPU/GPU configuration with more unified memory |
| $1,999 | Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB RAM | Memory-intensive workstation workloads requiring maximum reported capacity |
The reported launch window was Q3 2025. Current price, stock status, and exact retail availability as of August 17, 2026 were not verified in the supplied research, so buyers should check Framework’s current listing before treating any launch figure as a purchase quote.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchFor launch-period context, the source compared the Framework Desktop favorably with the Asus ROG NUC. The same research noted that a DIY mini-ITX combination using a Ryzen 7 8700G, an AM5 mini-ITX motherboard, and 32GB of DDR5 could cost roughly $500 for those components before adding a case, power supply, or SSD. That alternative was described as considerably slower, and the figure is historical component context rather than a current market price.
Can the Framework motherboard go in another case?
The Framework motherboard is a mini-ITX board with standard ATX headers, and the source says it can fit in a compatible PC case selected by the owner. A case swap is therefore possible in principle, but compatibility must be checked before purchase.
Check the following specifications together:
- Mini-ITX motherboard mounting and board clearance.
- Flex ATX power-supply support, mounting, cable reach, and airflow.
- CPU cooler and 120 mm fan clearance.
- Front-panel connector compatibility and access to the Framework Expansion Card slots.
- PCIe slot alignment and clearance for any installed expansion hardware.
- Physical room for one or two M.2 2280 SSDs and their cooling requirements.
The supplied research does not include a model-by-model list of compatible third-party cases. A generic “mini-ITX case” label is not enough by itself; the power supply, cooling layout, front-panel wiring, and Framework-specific physical details all need confirmation.
What operating systems work on the Framework Desktop?
The Framework Desktop is intended to work with Windows 11 and Linux distributions including Ubuntu and Fedora. The research also names gaming-focused options such as Playtron OS and the SteamOS-based Bazzite.
Rank #4
- Compact 26.3L Design, Big Hardware Support: Accommodates mATX/ITX motherboards with 4 expansion slots and GPUs up to 415mm—achieve a compact footprint without sacrificing performance.
- High Airflow Steel Mesh Panels: Designed with steel mesh side and top panels for optimal airflow, making it perfect for high-TDP GPUs and radiator setups.
- Supports 360mm Radiators and Up to 10 x 120mm Fans: Capable of housing a 360mm radiator and multiple 120mm fans—include a simple fan/radiator placement diagram in the images for clarity.
- Flexible PSU Installation (Front/Side): Compatible with ATX/SFX/SFX-L and LIAN LI EDGE power supplies; orientation options enhance clearance and cable management.
- Stylish Wood Front Panel with Modular Design: Features a walnut wood front panel and a modular structure, ideal for creating compact, clean, and minimalist PC builds.
Official support from Valve’s future third-party SteamOS distribution was not established in the supplied research. Bazzite being SteamOS-based does not prove that the Framework Desktop has official support from Valve, so buyers should verify current driver and distribution support before choosing the machine specifically for a SteamOS-like setup.
How does the Framework Desktop compare with a DIY mini-ITX PC?
The Framework Desktop wins on integrated performance per liter and on the convenience of a compact, pre-integrated platform. A conventional DIY mini-ITX build wins on independent component upgrades, broader graphics-card choice, and the ability to replace the processor, memory, and GPU separately.
| Decision factor | Framework Desktop | Typical DIY mini-ITX build |
|---|---|---|
| Compactness | 4.5-liter first-party case | Depends on the selected case; often larger when using a discrete GPU |
| Graphics | Radeon 8060S integrated graphics | Choice of integrated graphics or a replaceable discrete GPU |
| Memory | 32GB–128GB reported, soldered | Usually replaceable DIMMs, depending on the platform |
| CPU upgrade path | Soldered Ryzen AI Max processor | Usually socketed, though platform compatibility varies |
| GPU upgrade path | No independent desktop GPU | Possible when the case, power supply, and motherboard support it |
| Storage | Two M.2 2280 slots | Depends on the motherboard and case |
| Power supply | Flex ATX | Chosen by the builder; compatibility varies |
| Cost | $799–$1,999 reported at launch, depending on configuration | Highly variable; the cited $500 example excluded case, power supply, and SSD |
| Assembly | Less component selection and integration work | More choice, but more compatibility and assembly decisions |
The fairest comparison is therefore not simply “which PC is faster?” The relevant question is whether the buyer values a 4.5-liter enclosure and unusually capable integrated graphics more than socketed components and a discrete-GPU upgrade path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should buy the Framework Desktop?
The Framework Desktop makes the most sense for a buyer who wants a genuinely small gaming or workstation PC, appreciates unified memory, and accepts that the CPU, GPU, and RAM are fixed at purchase. The machine is particularly interesting when desk space, portability, or a console-sized enclosure matters more than maximum upgrade flexibility.
A conventional mini-ITX build is likely the better fit for a buyer who wants to replace the graphics card later, upgrade memory with standard DIMMs, tune cooling around a socketed CPU, or optimize the initial budget by shopping across many component vendors. The Framework Desktop’s premium is easiest to justify when compactness and integrated-graphics capability are primary requirements.
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- JONSBO TK-0 BLACK Separated Cabinet Mini ITX Pc Case, ITX Desktop sff case,compact -Easy horizontal and vertical desktop placement，Walnut Wood.
- 【2.5 surface curved glass perspective】, suitable for desktop multi-angle arbitrary place ment of display surface
- 【Design material characteristics】： *Aluminum alloy + steel +16mm Wood veneer+ 270° Dual-Curved Glass side view- multi-angle hardware display(No need to remove the protective film when using) *Removable Al PCI cover for easy removal of GPU. *Dual warehouse structure,easy to manage cables and hardware Easier to build your PC,More convenient.
- 【Hardwares support】Motherboard:ITX / SFX PSU160mm /GPU:230mm/Drive Bay:3.5"HDD*1/2.5"SSD*1
- 【Cooling system】: CPU Cooler H:137mm Top 120mm*1/140mm*1 (OPT )/Bottom 120mm*1/140mm*1 (OPT)/Rear 90mm*2 (OPT )
What should you verify before buying?
- Confirm the current Framework price and stock status; the supplied prices are from February 25, 2025.
- Choose 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB memory based on the full expected lifetime of the system because RAM is soldered.
- Confirm whether the integrated Radeon 8060S performance meets the games and resolutions you actually use; no independent benchmark results are included here.
- Verify case, cooling, front-panel, PCIe, and Flex ATX power-supply compatibility before buying a bare motherboard for a DIY enclosure.
- Check current Windows 11, Ubuntu, Fedora, Playtron OS, Bazzite, and official SteamOS support if operating-system choice is decisive.
- Budget for SSD storage separately if selecting the $799 board-only configuration.
Framework’s first desktop is a strange—but unique—mini ITX gaming PC
The Framework Desktop is genuinely distinctive: a 4.5-liter mini-ITX system with Ryzen AI Max processors, Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, and up to 128GB of reported unified memory. Its modularity is real but selective. SSDs, fans, the Flex ATX power supply, case, and expansion accessories remain serviceable, while the CPU, GPU, and RAM are permanently tied to the motherboard. That makes the Framework Desktop compelling for compactness-focused buyers, but a conventional mini-ITX build remains the safer choice for long-term component upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Framework Desktop actually upgradeable?
The Framework Desktop is partly upgradeable. Its SSDs, 120 mm fans, Flex ATX power supply, case, and some expansion hardware can be replaced or changed, but the CPU, integrated GPU, and RAM are soldered to the motherboard.
How small is the Framework Desktop?
The Framework Desktop’s first-party case is 4.5 liters, approximately the volume of an Xbox Series S. The motherboard can also fit another compatible mini-ITX case if power, cooling, front-panel, and clearance requirements match.
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How much did the Framework Desktop cost at launch?
Reported February 2025 launch prices ranged from $799 for the motherboard alone to $1,999 for the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration with 128GB of memory. Current prices and stock were not verified in the supplied research.
What operating systems work on the Framework Desktop?
The Framework Desktop is intended to work with Windows 11, Ubuntu, Fedora, Playtron OS, and the SteamOS-based Bazzite. Official support from Valve’s future third-party SteamOS distribution was not established in the supplied research.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
