For these out there for an AMD Ryzen 7040 collection (Zen 4) laptop computer, the Framework 13 laptop computer is a superb choice for these wanting a Linux-friendly gadget and is a uncommon breed in being a totally upgradeable laptop computer just like Framework’s Intel laptop computer fashions. I have been testing out the Framework Laptop computer 13 the previous month and after a BIOS replace has been figuring out splendidly on Linux.
Whereas there was an preliminary BIOS difficulty affecting the built-in graphics for the Framework 13 AMD, later in October an up to date BIOS was made obtainable and since then this AMD Zen 4 modular laptop computer has been figuring out nice below Linux. Whereas the preliminary BIOS regression inflicting graphics points have been irritating, not less than with Framework embracing Linux they make their system firmware/BIOS updates obtainable by way of Fwupd/LVFS for simple firmware updates on Linux. Since that newest BIOS launch I have never been challenged by any Linux points with this laptop computer.
The Framework Laptop computer 13 is simply as upgradeable and modular as the unique Framework laptop computer with Intel {hardware}. Every thing from the motherboard to battery are simply replaceable in addition to the assorted ports of the laptop computer. There are 4 bays on the Framework laptop computer for selecting your mixture of USB-C / USB-A / HDMI / DisplayPort / microSD / Ethernet / audio ports on the laptop computer.
It is refreshing how upgradeable the Framework Laptop computer is and now the corporate has proved itself throughout eleventh Gen / twelfth Gen / thirteenth Gen Intel Core processors with upgradeable motherboards and now their first product on the AMD facet with this Ryzen 7040 collection providing. Since wanting on the unique Framework laptop computer in 2021, there’s been new customization choices to come back too resembling totally different bezel choices.
One other nice change since wanting on the unique Framework laptop computer in 2021 has been the corporate offering even higher Linux assist. Framework has improved their Linux documentation and making additional inroads to make sure their Linux prospects have an ideal expertise. Body.work/linux outlines the compatibility gadgets for his or her Intel and AMD based mostly laptops. For his or her Ryzen 7040 collection laptop computer they’re recommending Fedora 39 or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, however in fact newer distributions additionally work nice like Ubuntu 23.10. The one notable Linux assist caveat for the present {hardware} is feasible fingerprint reader points if not working on the most recent firmware. The extent of documentation round organising Linux on the Framework laptop computer is among the many finest I’ve seen from any {hardware} vendor for serving to out novice Linux customers getting began or simply looking for out about any doable/mandatory workarounds relying upon your distribution.
One other wonderful side of the brand new Framework 13 (and 16) AMD laptops is that the EC firmware is open-source. The embedded controller is predicated on the Google Chromebook EC and making use of Zephyr. With most laptop computer distributors not offering open-source EC assist whereas the EC is usually the supply of varied quirky habits and bugs confronted by customers, having Framework assist an open-source EC is refreshing. One step additional it might be nice if the Framework 13 AMD laptop computer made use of Coreboot, however alas that is not the case. Hopefully although that can grow to be extra of a actuality as AMD OpenSIL hits manufacturing in ~2026 and that we proceed seeing extra open-source firmware efforts invested by Framework.
With many Linux pre-loaded laptops nonetheless utilizing AMD Zen 3 (or older) SoCs, it is nice Framework is making use of Zen 4 because the efficiency and energy advantages are very a lot value it as I’ve shared throughout numerous different laptop computer benchmarking articles… Zen 4 with environment friendly AVX-512 and all of its different architectural enhancements are nice and having built-in RDNA3 graphics is fantastic. Let’s transfer on to some benchmarks of the Framework 13 AMD laptop computer and because of Framework for offering this laptop computer for overview.
