Framework Refreshes Laptop 12 With Intel Core Series 3

The new base configuration comes in a distinctive green chassis, packing an Intel Core 3 304 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. While Framework reports that nearly 80 percent of its owners already run Linux, users who prefer Microsoft Windows 11 Home can opt for it at a $100 premium. The company claims the Series 3 chips are optimized for smaller, power-efficient devices, promising improvements in battery life and thermal management.

Internal hardware upgrades accompany the processor shift, including support for DDR5 memory speeds reaching 6400 MT/s and the addition of Wi-Fi 7 R2. The rear expansion slots now feature Thunderbolt 4 support, enabling users to drive dual 4K displays or connect external GPUs. However, a slight trade-off exists: the front two USB ports have been downgraded to USB 3.2 Gen 2 specifications.

For those choosing Core 5 or Core 7 configurations, Framework now includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button and a backlit keyboard as standard. The DIY Edition, which offers a broader range of color options and starts at $549, allows for further customization of these features. Preorders are open now, with initial shipments scheduled for October.