# This TINY desktop makes me nervous.... - Framework Desktop

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEsYsi3lmV0
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/HEsYsi3lmV0
Generated: 2025-09-15T21:33:06.652+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The Framework Desktop, powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, offers impressive performance for its compact size, handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p ultra settings with reasonable frame rates, though AI and heavy ray tracing tasks show its limitations compared to higher-end hardware. Its modular design and customization options, including unique front panel tiles, are a significant draw, though the pricing for customization can add up.

**Key Points:**
- The Framework Desktop, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, delivers surprisingly strong performance for its size, achieving playable frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with ultra settings (no ray tracing).
- While excelling in general productivity and gaming, its AI performance, as tested in UL Procyon, falls short of dedicated GPUs like the RTX 4060 when the ML model requires more than 8GB of VRAM.
- The machine's modularity is a key selling point, allowing users to customize the front panel with various "tiles" (sold separately) and choose different I/O expansion cards, including 5Gb Ethernet and USB4 Type-C ports.
- Thermal performance during a multi-core Cinebench 2024 test peaked at 94°C, with an average of 86°C, indicating the compact chassis struggles slightly under sustained heavy loads, though the CPU clock speeds remained relatively high.
- Despite the impressive form factor and customization, the overall cost can escalate quickly, with the tested configuration reaching $2313 USD, while a base model starts at $1099 USD (excluding storage, OS, cooler, power cable, tiles, and cards).
- The integrated AMD Radeon 8060S graphics are sufficient for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings in less demanding titles, but struggle with ray tracing in AAA games.
- While the core performance is commendable for its size, the soldered RAM limits upgrade potential beyond the initial configuration, a departure from Framework's typical modular approach.

![Screenshot at 00:21: Linus holds up the compact Framework Desktop, showcasing its small form factor and the customizable front panel with various decorative tiles.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-21.png)

**Context:** The video reviews the Framework Desktop, a highly modular and compact PC built around an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU. The reviewer, Linus Sebastian (who is an investor in Framework), unboxes the unit, highlights its customization options, tests its gaming and AI performance, and analyzes its thermal and clock speed behavior under load. The review emphasizes the trade-offs between its small form factor, modularity, and the performance limitations compared to larger, more conventional systems, particularly in demanding AI tasks and high-fidelity gaming with ray tracing.

## Detailed Analysis

The Framework Desktop, powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, is a compact and highly modular PC that offers a unique blend of customization and performance. Unboxing reveals the main unit, a "left panel - translucent" accessory, a quick start manual, a screwdriver, an SSD (WD Black SN7100 2TB), and various "tile pack" accessories for the front panel. The reviewer notes the computer's small size (4.5L) and the ability to customize up to 21 tiles on the front, with options to purchase pre-designed tiles or even 3D print custom ones.  Performance-wise, the system handles games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p ultra settings (no ray tracing) at an average of 89 FPS, and F1 24 at 114 FPS, demonstrating its capability for mainstream gaming. However, AI benchmarks in UL Procyon reveal its limitations compared to a desktop with a dedicated RTX 4060, especially when the AI model exceeds 8GB of VRAM, with the Framework Desktop scoring 813 versus the RTX 4060's 1350 in text generation.  Thermal testing shows the CPU reaching a maximum of 94°C and averaging 86°C during a Cinebench 2024 multi-core test, with clock speeds averaging around 4.59 GHz, indicating the compact cooling solution is working hard but staying within acceptable limits. The unit features extensive I/O with two USB4 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 5Gb Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1 ports.  The pricing is noted as a significant factor, with the tested configuration costing $2313 USD, while a base model is $1099 USD, excluding many components. The soldered RAM, a departure from Framework's usual repairability focus, is also highlighted as a potential drawback for users seeking maximum upgradeability.

### Unboxing and Features

- Framework Desktop with Ryzen AI Max+ 395
- Small 4.5L form factor
- Modular design with customizable "tiles" for front panel
- Extensive I/O including 5Gb Ethernet, USB4, DisplayPort, HDMI
- Soldered RAM is a limitation

### Gaming Performance (1080p)

- Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, No RT): 89 Avg / 68 1% Low
- F1 24 (Ultra Preset): 114 Avg / 97 1% Low
- DOTA 2 (Best Looking): 144 Avg / 101 1% Low
- Alan Wake 2 (High Preset, No RT): 72 Avg / 62 1% Low
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra): 85 Avg / 76 1% Low
- Generally playable, especially with less demanding titles

### AI and Productivity Performance

- UL Procyon Text Generation (Llama 2 13B): Framework Desktop 813, RTX 4060 Test Bench 1350
- Framework Desktop scores lower than RTX 4060 when ML model exceeds 8GB VRAM, but still strong for its class

### Thermal and Clock Speed Performance

- Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core: Max Temp 94°C, Avg Temp 86°C
- Avg Clock Speed: 4599 MHz
- Temperatures are high but sustained clock speeds are impressive for the size

### Pricing

- Tested Configuration: $2313 USD (excluding storage, OS, cooler, power cable, tiles, cards)
- Base Spec (Max 385 + 32GB RAM): $1099 USD (excluding storage, OS, cooler, power cable, tiles, cards)

![Screenshot at 00:07: The Framework Desktop is shown with a stylized front panel featuring a grid of customizable tiles in black, white, and orange.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-07.png)
![Screenshot at 00:19: A hand holds a "Left Panel - Translucent" accessory box for the Framework Desktop, showcasing its potential for customization.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-19.png)
![Screenshot at 00:22: The back of the Framework Desktop is shown, highlighting its compact size and array of ports including HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, and Ethernet.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-22.png)
![Screenshot at 00:31: A collection of colorful "Framework Desktop Tile Pack" accessories are displayed, ready to be attached to the front panel.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-31.png)
![Screenshot at 00:35: A close-up shows the included screwdriver, essential for assembling and customizing the Framework Desktop.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-35.png)
![Screenshot at 00:37: The WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD is presented, indicating the storage component included in the build.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-37.png)
![Screenshot at 00:43: A "Framework Tile" is shown, a small square with an AMD logo, one of the many customization options available.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-00-43.png)
![Screenshot at 01:06: A graphic displays the "This time, it's personal." slogan with the Framework Desktop, emphasizing customization.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-01-06.png)
![Screenshot at 01:12: A small blue "lttstore.com" tile is held up, representing a custom tile option.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-01-12.png)
![Screenshot at 01:15: A C13 power cable is held up, showing the necessary power connection for the desktop unit.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/HEsYsi3lmV0/00-01-15.png)