# I can FINALLY Upgrade the GPU on My Laptop! - Framework Laptop 16 (2025)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufxqf27HPA0
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/Ufxqf27HPA0
Generated: 2025-11-12T21:04:01.87+00:00

---
## Quick Overview

The Framework Laptop 16's GPU upgrade capability results in a significant performance boost, delivering 129 average FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 (RTX 5070) compared to 103 FPS with the previous generation GPU, though the overall machine remains bulky and the display has a noticeable cyan tint in grayscale tests.

**Key Points:**
- The Framework Laptop 16 with the new RTX 5070 module achieved 129 average FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1280x1600 medium preset, a notable improvement over the previous generation's 103 FPS average.
- Battery life testing showed the new Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 configuration lasting 7 hours and 29 minutes, slightly better than the 6 hours and 27 minutes of the Ryzen 7 7840HS model under identical Plex playback conditions.
- The new laptop features a 16:10 display with 2560x1600 resolution, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and 165Hz refresh rate with VRR and FreeSync support, though grayscale testing revealed a slight cyan tint.
- The laptop includes dual 1W high-frequency drivers and dual 2W wide-band drivers powered by an ALC1318 smart amp for stereo bi-amp speakers.
- The DIY Edition starts at $1499, while the presenter's fully configured model with the RTX 5070 and 2nd Gen screen costs approximately $3010.
- The modular design allows users to swap out components like the GPU and the LED Matrix Input Module, which is configured via a web interface.
- The presenter noted the keyboard feels rigid but the trackpad is surprisingly good, despite the overall device being thick and heavy.

![Screenshot at 02:00: The presenter holds up the new 240W GaN USB-C Charger, highlighting one of the included accessories that supports high-power delivery.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-02-00.png)

**Context:** The video features Linus Sebastian unboxing and reviewing the second-generation Framework Laptop 16, focusing heavily on the performance gains and modular upgrades enabled by the new components, particularly the discrete GPU module and the updated screen. The video emphasizes the laptop's repairability and upgradability, contrasting the new model's performance and features against the previous generation and discussing the configuration choices available to customers.

## Detailed Analysis

The video provides an in-depth look at the unboxing and initial impressions of the updated Framework Laptop 16, which now supports a modular GPU upgrade path, specifically featuring the RTX 5070 module. The presenter unboxes the components, noting the modular nature of the keyboard (offering options like a numeric keypad or RGB matrix), spacers for customizing trackpad height, and various I/O expansion cards (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Audio, MicroSD). The new laptop base chassis is shown to be slightly revised for structural integrity compared to the first generation. Performance testing in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1280x1600 medium settings showed the RTX 5070 configuration achieving 129 average FPS (103 FPS 1% low), a significant uplift over the previous GPU. Battery life tests, conducted via Plex playback at 20°C and 200 nits brightness, yielded 7 hours and 29 minutes for the AI 9 HX 370 model. The new 16-inch display boasts a 2560x1600 resolution, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and a 165Hz refresh rate with VRR/FreeSync, though color calibration showed a slight cyan tint in the grayscale tracking. The integrated speakers are stereo bi-amp, featuring 1W high-frequency drivers and 2W wide-band drivers powered by an ALC1318 smart amp, which the presenter found sounded much better than the previous generation. The presenter concludes that while the laptop is expensive (the reviewed configuration costing around $3010) and still heavy, the modularity and performance make it a compelling option for those prioritizing upgradability.

### Unboxing and Customization

- Framework Laptop 16 arrives disassembled; includes keyboard options (Numpad or RGB Matrix)
- four color spacers (Orange, Lavender shown)
- various I/O expansion cards (USB-C, HDMI, Audio, etc.)
- 240W GaN USB-C Charger included.

### Display Specifications

- 16-inch screen with 2560x1600 resolution (16:10 aspect ratio)
- 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 coverage
- 165Hz refresh rate with VRR and FreeSync support
- Grayscale test shows Avg dE2000 of 4.1 and a slight cyan tint at higher brightness levels.

### Performance Benchmarks (Cyberpunk 2077 @ 1280x1600 Medium)

- RTX 5070 configuration (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370) hits 129 FPS average (103 FPS 1% low), outperforming the older 7700S model (93 FPS average).

### Battery Endurance Test

- AI 7 350 model achieved 7h 29m; Ryzen 7 7840HS model achieved 6h 27m during 20°C, 200 nit brightness, Plex playback (1080p) test.

### Internal Components & Upgradability

- Features Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU (up to 5.1GHz)
- dedicated RTX 5070 module
- 85Wh battery
- two M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots (2280 and 2230)
- DDR5-5600 RAM slots.

### Upgradability Concerns

- Users upgrading the GPU must update BIOS and NVIDIA drivers first; the presenter notes the older Framework 16 required a BIOS update to support the new GPU.

### Build and Input Quality

- Keyboard feels rigid; trackpad is surprisingly good; speakers feature stereo bi-amp design with an ALC1318 smart amp.

![Screenshot at 00:09: The Framework Laptop 16 website highlights the key modular design feature: "Configure once. Upgrade whenever."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-00-09.png)
![Screenshot at 00:20: The disassembled packaging reveals all modular components are separated, including the bezel, keyboard, spacers, and I/O cards.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-00-20.png)
![Screenshot at 01:28: The presenter displays the 1TB and 2TB WD\_BLACK SSD Game Module options for storage expansion.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-01-28.png)
![Screenshot at 02:00: Close-up on the included 240W GaN USB-C Power Adapter, emphasizing its high wattage capability.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-02-00.png)
![Screenshot at 02:29: The main laptop unit is shown with the bottom cover removed, displaying the internal components like the battery, RAM slots, and storage.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-02-29.png)
![Screenshot at 03:07: The clear casing of a modular USB-C Expansion Card reveals the internal circuitry.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-03-07.png)
![Screenshot at 03:48: The presenter holds the laptop sideways to show the relatively thick profile and the installed external GPU module slot.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-03-48.png)
![Screenshot at 04:20: Internal view showing the RAM slots and two M.2 SSD slots \(one 2280 and one 2230\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-04-20.png)
![Screenshot at 08:48: The presenter demonstrates the secure fit of the external GPU module by holding the laptop lid up.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-08-48.png)
![Screenshot at 09:51: The display specifications are listed, showing 2560x1600 resolution, 500 nits, and 165Hz refresh rate.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/Ufxqf27HPA0/00-09-51.png)