Our first new Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay module! (Dual M.2 Adapter)

Today we’re launching the first new module for the Expansion Bay system in Framework Laptop 16: the Dual M.2 Adapter, enabling you to add additional storage drives or other high speed devices. When we first announced Framework Laptop 16, we shared that one of the core design goals was unlocking desktop-like modularity within a slim notebook form factor with high performance PCIe-interfaced modules. Our first modules were the Graphics Module with an AMD Radeon 7700S discrete GPU and the Expansion Bay Shell which provides cooling along with an open central area for modules to drop into. The new Dual M.2 Adapter is the first module that installs into the Expansion Bay Shell. You can pick it up today in the Framework Marketplace along with the Graphics Module Interposer that it uses to connect to the Mainboard; just remember to update your Framework Laptop 16 to the latest BIOS first for compatibility.

The Dual M.2 Adapter supports two M.2 M-key devices in 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes with full 4-lane PCIe 4.0 throughput to each. We expect the most popular use case for this will be cramming in massive amounts of additional NVMe storage. With 8TB SSDs now available, that means you can add 16TB to your Framework Laptop 16, in addition to the two internal M.2 drive slots! There are plenty of other use cases possible too for M.2 modules. We’ve tested out M.2 AI accelerators and we expect that at least one of you is going to try hooking up a desktop GPU through an M.2 to PCIe slot adapter. We’re looking forward to seeing what else you can come up with. We’ve also posted a video overview of the new module. If you want to go deeper, you can check out open source schematics and reference CAD for the Expansion Bay system to start creating your own modules.

One more update on Framework Laptop 16: in new production, we’ve recently switched our thermal interface solution for the CPU from liquid metal over to Honeywell PTM7958, which is an optimized paste version of the popular PTM7950 phase change pad. While we saw excellent initial performance with liquid metal, we have seen some instances in the field of performance degradation over time. In our testing, we see equivalently strong initial performance with PTM7958 along with excellent long-term stable performance reliability. If you are a current Framework Laptop 16 customer, you can submit a request for a phase change pad through this form.

On a totally separate topic, our goal is always to minimize waste and maximize re-use of electronics parts and products wherever we can. That includes designing for re-use, publishing documentation and reference designs, and refurbishing any products that come back to us. Over years of operating our service centers, we’ve accumulated large quantities of parts that for one reason or another aren’t efficient to refurbish and create listings for in the Framework Marketplace. Instead of scrapping this, we’re going to try something new. We’ve introduced Mystery Boxes in the Framework Outlet in US and Canada containing a random assortment of returned parts and modules. We can’t guarantee any kind of functionality of these items, so we’ve priced them ultra low for DIYers and tinkerers to play with. Every box contains at least three items. Note that these don’t come with a warranty and are non-returnable, so only get it if you want random scrap to play with!

We have a few other updates to share too.

• To go with your overkill configuration storage, you can now pick up 48GB Framework-branded DDR5 modules, enabling up to 96GB of memory!
• Since starting Framework, we’ve regularly gotten requests for more branded merch. We’ve recently restocked Framework Hats and added tote bags, both made from recycled cotton.
• We’re also continuing to scale up the Outlet, with additional refurbished memory, storage, and Wi-Fi options along with refurb Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040 Series) systems now available in the US and Canada.
• We’ve been investing more in broadening Linux distro compatibility, most recently by providing the Linux Mint team with hardware.
• Finally, we recently opened shipping to a number of new countries in Europe over the last few weeks, and our products now ship to all of the EU! We’re excited to keep living up to our mission and scaling up both this ecosystem of long lived products and the number of people we can reach with it.