Radeon Rx 7700s Performance Debut: Framework Laptop 16 Review

Published at GDC 2023, The Framework Computer 16 expands upon the repairability and sustainability sides of the Framework 13.5 however in a bigger 16-inch shape issue. It is a lot more than only a larger model, then again, as the bigger display length has allowed for much more customization and non-compulsory portions than the unique 13.5-inch design together with detachable discrete graphics, touchpad spacers, LEDs, and numpad.

Our overview unit is the highest-end configuration with the Ryzen 9 7940HS and 100 W Radeon RX 7700S for kind of $2400 USD retail. Decrease-end SKUs send with the Ryzen 7 7840HS and no discrete GPU, however all choices include the similar 1600p 165 Hz VRR IPS show. Barebone and DIY kits also are to be had similar to for the Computer 13.5. Framework says the corporate labored intently with AMD at the design of the Computer 16 to suggest that we should not be preserving our breath for any Intel-Nvidia choices anytime quickly.

Despite the fact that the Computer 16 is wholly in a position to gaming on account of its specs, Framework is being cautious to keep away from calling it a gaming pc for worry of pigeonholing the style. The Computer 16 is as an alternative concentrated on a broader target audience consisting of multimedia customers, content material creators, and players alike. Competition to the Computer 16 come with 16-inch laptops from extra conventional makers just like the HP Spectre x360 16, upcoming Dell XPS 16, Lenovo ThinkPad Z16, or the Apple MacBook Professional 16.

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The chassis is an evolution of the smaller Computer 13.5. Whilst fabrics are in large part the similar between them, the Computer 16 feels thicker and extra inflexible across the base for higher first impressions even after accounting for all of the new detachable portions. Making an attempt to curve the bottom or warp the keyboard would lead to virtually no creaking and simply minimum distortions that are already large enhancements over the extra fragile Computer 13.5.

Sadly, one characteristic has now not advanced and that’s the lid. Similar to at the Computer 13.5, the lid at the Computer 16 is extra prone to twisting and warping when in comparison to different 16-inch possible choices just like the HP Spectre x360 16 or Blade 16. The hinges is also first rate, however the lid feels just like the weakest facet of the chassis once more.

Dimensions and weight are other relying on if the dGPU module is connected or if the smaller usual duvet module is connected as an alternative. Certainly, the Computer 16 turns into noticeably heavier and longer than different 16-inch multimedia laptops when its dGPU module is connected. Its design is already relatively lengthy at 270 mm with simply the usual duvet module. If portability is a priority, you’ll be able to surely do higher with extra conventional laptops from Apple or the LG Gram collection.

That is the one pc in fresh reminiscence to combine a complete of six USB-C ports and not anything else — now not even an audio jack or Kensington lock. All six ports have compatibility with Framework’s current lineup of enlargement playing cards they usually serve as the similar method as at the Computer 13.5.

You have to observe that the six USB-C ports aren’t created equivalent as proven through our desk under. Best two are USB4, 3 have compatibility with DP, and 4 have compatibility with the USB-C AC adapter. There aren’t any visible signs to tell apart between the ports.

Moreover, there are nonetheless no enlargement playing cards for full-size SD readers, WAN, or RJ-45. If such ports are necessary to you, then you will have to take a look at USB adapters or docking stations.

A 7th USB-C port alongside the rear edge turns into to be had if the discrete GPU module is put in. This port is suitable with DP however now not the AC adapter.

The Computer 16 makes use of the similar MicroSD enlargement card reader as discovered at the Computer 13.5 for identical learn and write charges. At solely round 80 MB/s, functionality is far slower than the cardboard readers on competing fashions just like the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2 or MacBook Professional 16.

We don’t have get right of entry to to the SD card reader enlargement card for our Computer 16 and so our information for the Computer 13.5 is supplied under as a substitute.

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E are equipped through a MediaTek MT7922 as an alternative of the standard AX211 in step with the Intel-free design of the style. We skilled secure and dependable connections when paired to our Asus AXE11000 check router.

WAN is sadly now not supported.

A 2 MP webcam with IR and guide shutter come usual whilst competition just like the HP Spectre or Elite collection were delivery with 5 MP or upper webcams for nicely over a . With a bit of luck Framework can be offering advanced webcam choices one day.

In contrast to your standard pc, the Computer 16 is arguably outlined through its equipment. Essentially the most notable come with the detachable rear discrete graphics module, LED Matrix modules, and RGB Macropad module. There is just one dGPU to choose between these days, however it is most probably that extra choices might be made to be had one day.

The RGB Macropad is a secondary strategy to the usual numpad. Its inputs are precisely the similar as a normal numpad however the keys are visually other as they’re clear and with RGB backlighting while the usual numpad is outlined and with just a white backlight. The transparent and colourful keys of the Macropad can enchantment to hardcore customers or players who like to customise their key inputs.

As for the LED Matrix modules, those substitute the common spacers and encompass a lot of LEDs in a pixel-like grid that may be programmed to turn battery existence ranges, scrolling texts, notifications, or a clock.

Customers who haven’t any want for the dGPU or LED Matrix modules can set up usual plate covers of their respective puts. Those covers send with all configurations of the Computer 16.

Past the equipment, maximum interior portions are replaceable and can also be for my part bought from the producer together with the mainboard identical to at the Framework 13.5.

Having access to the motherboard is extra concerned than standard. While maximum different laptops require you to simply take away the ground panel, the Computer 16 calls for you to take away the keyboard, clickpad, a ribbon cable, 15 Torx screws, and a steel mid-plate to expose the innards. It is not tricky in any way, however the procedure is fairly longer when in comparison to one thing like a standard ThinkPad or EliteBook.

Fortunately, Framework provides probably the most maximum detailed and easy-to-follow restore guides we’ve got observed from any pc producer to make repairs a breeze. We extremely suggest trying out the in depth reliable fortify web page which covers the whole thing from easy RAM and SSD upgrades to mainboard replacements and dGPU module set up. We do not want to reprint all of the repairs procedure, however the procedures have a fairly upper studying curve than the Computer 13.5 because of the complexities of the brand new detachable dGPU and bigger enter modules.

Whilst most of the modules are magnetic, a screwdriver continues to be required for putting in the rear dGPU and a few modules will have to be put in in a definite order. The rear module particularly isn’t plug-and-play because the gadget will have to be powered off and the keyboard and clickpad will have to first be got rid of. The excellent news is that you just solely want to disassemble and reassemble the gadget as soon as earlier than the upkeep procedures transform 2d nature. Framework even encourages this through delivery the keyboard and clickpad indifferent which successfully forces the consumer to be told how probably the most modules paintings earlier than turning at the pc for the primary time. 

The usage of magnets and latches for the touchpad modules is an intuitive strategy to servicing. We are hopeful to peer this expanded upon to the purpose the place all modules and upgrades can also be tool-less.

The usual one-year restricted producer guaranty applies if bought in america. The safety covers the pc along with its portions and modules.

The per-key RGB keys have 1.5 mm of journey which is commonplace among maximum Ultrabooks. The typing enjoy does not really feel hindered through the detachable facet of the keyboard which is strictly what we love to peer. Customers preferring laptops with deeper and less assailable key journey must check out the HP Spectre.   

Oddly, the numpad keys solely have a white backlight while the principle QWERTY keys are RGB lit. Customers preferring to haven’t any numpad in any respect can as an alternative set up spacers to middle the QWERTY keyboard or set up an RGB macropad with customizable keys. The facility to reposition or middle the keyboard for your liking isn’t one thing we’ve got observed on some other pc.  The numpad, as an example, can also be put in to the left or proper of the QWERTY keyboard for some actually attention-grabbing configurations.

At 12.3 x 7.7 cm, the Precision clickpad is smaller than the only at the MSI Status 16 (15 x 9 cm) and about the similar length as the only at the Inspiron 16 Plus (11.5 x 8 cm). Traction is clean at the matte glass floor with just a little of sticking when gliding at slower speeds for advanced accuracy. Clicking additionally feels excellent as comments is not as spongy as at the Status 16, however clatter is fairly louder in consequence.

A singular facet in regards to the clickpad is that it may be shifted left or proper at the palm rests relying on how it’s put in as proven through the images under. It is a neat characteristic for customers who would possibly desire the clickpad off-centered.

With completely no different show choices to choose between on the time of writing, we’ve got excessive expectancies for the only real IPS panel that includes each and every Computer 16 configuration. Thankfully, we will safely say that Framework did not affordable out at the show in any respect. The 2560 x 1600 panel provides rapid reaction occasions, DCI-P3 colours, a vibrant backlight, fairly excessive distinction ratio, or even a variable 165 Hz refresh fee with FreeSync fortify. The Computer 16 is because of this one of the crucial first laptops to send with the BOE NE160QDM-NZ6 VRR panel.

As an IPS panel, then again, it does not relatively succeed in the similar pitch black distinction ratios or reaction occasions as an ordinary OLED choice like the ones at the Asus VivoBook 16 collection. It additionally lacks correct HDR fortify which is changing into an more and more commonplace characteristic on multimedia laptops. For a pc that boasts end-user upgradeability, it is strange to peer no 2d show possibility right here. Even so, that is nonetheless one of the crucial absolute best 16-inch IPS shows we’ve got observed for each enhancing and gaming functions.

The show comes well-calibrated in opposition to the sRGB usual even supposing the panel covers 100% of DCI-P3. Calibrating the show ourselves would now not make stronger its moderate deltaE values through noticeable margins and so an end-user calibration is probably not important for many.

At 500 nits, the show is brighter than many different multimedia laptops together with even the OLED panels at the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2 or MSI Stealth 16. The excessive brightness and matte panel make the display more straightforward to peer below outside stipulations. 

We set Home windows to Efficiency mode and AMD Adrenalin to Default previous to working the benchmarks under. SmartAccess Graphics is AMD’s MUX option to robotically transfer between the iGPU and dGPU relying at the software. The issue is that not like on GeForce-powered laptops, SmartAccess Graphics does now not be offering a “dGPU-only” or “iGPU-only” mode and so your graphics enjoy is based wholly on automated switching. The gadget will have to freeze for a few seconds each time it detects a GPU-heavy software which can also be worrying when multi-tasking between other home windows. Enforcing a “dGPU-only” mode would have addressed this factor.

The Ryzen 9 7940HS is recurrently discovered on rapid multimedia or gaming laptops just like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 or TUF Gaming A17. It competes immediately with the thirteenth gen Core i7-13700H and so the 2 processors are kind of similar.

Framework provides the Ryzen 7 7840HS on lesser configurations of the Computer 16. In keeping with our enjoy with the Lenovo Legion Narrow 7 16APH8, then again, the Ryzen 7 7840HS is basically neck-to-neck with the Ryzen 9 7940HS in spite of what their worth variations and naming conference might counsel. In case you are not looking for that further 5 p.c functionality from the Ryzen 9, then you’ll be able to save your self masses of bucks through going with the Ryzen 7 possibility.

It is too dangerous that Framework does not be offering the Ryzen 9 Professional 7940HS which might have made the Computer 16 extra interesting to pros.

PCMark 10 rankings are probably the most best of any 16-inch multimedia pc owing to the quick Ryzen 9 Zen 4 CPU and related Radeon graphics. Top PCMark rankings display that the Framework 16 can also be simply as rapid as different high-performance laptops when working day by day duties starting from browsers to graphics editors.

LatencyMon unearths DPC problems when opening a couple of browser tabs of our homepage. Moreover, we are ready to document 6 dropped frames all over a one-minute timespan when taking part in 4K60 video. Each and every dropped body would happen at virtually common durations to signify an underlying driving force factor doubtlessly associated with the AMD GPUs. In our enjoy, maximum Intel-based laptops don’t be afflicted by identical problems and are much more likely to drop no frames in any respect when working the similar check.

Our check unit ships with the Western Virtual SN810 PCIe4 x4 NVMe SSD which is an improve from the SN740 that is lately to be had at the Framework 13.5. The pressure would show off no problems keeping up a ~7000 MB/s switch fee for prolonged classes not like what we noticed at the HP Pavilion Plus 14 supplied with the exact same WD SSD. This means that the Framework 16 was once designed with higher SSD cooling in thoughts to forestall functionality throttling.

The RDNA 3 Radeon RX 7700S immediately succeeds final ’s RDNA 2 Radeon RX 6700S. The more recent structure, then again, hasn’t advanced functionality through all that a lot until if the sport helps DX12; 3DMark Hearth Strike effects are virtually equivalent between the 2 GPUs while Time Undercover agent effects are 20 to twenty-five p.c sooner than earlier than. Larger good points can also be observed in RT functionality as this was once a vulnerable spot with the older RDNA 2 structure. General functionality is maximum similar to a pc with GeForce RTX 4060 graphics just like the Lenovo Legion Narrow 7 16.

Even with the dGPU got rid of, the Radeon RX 780M iGPU continues to be greater than in a position to powering via multimedia duties. The AMD GPU stays one of the crucial quickest iGPU answers to be had even supposing it was once just lately surpassed through the Intel Arc collection.

Working on Home windows Balanced mode as an alternative of Efficiency mode does now not seem to affect functionality as proven through our Hearth Strike effects desk under. Working on battery energy would scale back functionality through about 15 p.c. 

Gaming functionality from the 100 W Radeon RX 7700S is ready 10 to 30 p.c in the back of the cellular GeForce RTX 4060 relying at the TDP. For instance, functionality is far nearer to the 60 W RTX 4060 within the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630 whilst the 140 W RTX 4060 would outperform our Radeon through wider margins. Thus, be expecting gaming functionality to be in between the cellular RTX 4050 and cellular RTX 4060.

Efficiency would even be simply fairly sooner than final ’s Radeon RX 6700S in maximum examined titles. The largest good points can also be observed when RT is enabled simply as predicted through 3DMark. F1 22, as an example, would run 30 to 40 p.c sooner than earlier than when its RT settings are lively in comparison to the extra minor 5 to fifteen p.c good points when RT settings are off.

Efficiency-per-watt when working Witcher 3 on Extremely settings is analogous to a desktop GeForce RTX 4070 Ti or RTX 4080. Thus, the RDNA 3 GPU is no less than environment friendly even supposing it is nowhere close to as robust as Nvidia’s quickest. In the meantime, the extra aggressive cellular RTX 4060 continues to be about 30 p.c extra environment friendly and this margin solely will increase in want of Nvidia when working RT-enabled video games.

Fan noise covers each extremes relatively nicely within the sense that it may be very quiet when working undemanding rather a lot and really loud when working extra challenging rather a lot like video games. When merely surfing or video streaming, as an example, fan noise would generally tend to hover round 28.5 dB(A) in opposition to a silent background of 23.8 dB(A) to be most commonly inaudible. When working Witcher 3, then again, fan noise can succeed in virtually 52 dB(A) to be as loud because the competing Inspiron 16 Plus or some gaming laptops just like the Razer Blade 16.

Floor temperatures are at all times heat owing to the steel chassis and torpid lovers. When working extra challenging rather a lot like video games, scorching spots can succeed in over 40 C at the best and backside facets of the pc base. Sizzling spots are nearer to the middle of the Computer 16 while they’re most often towards the rear on maximum different laptops. Which means that you are much more likely to note the Framework gadget warming up all over use when in comparison to one thing just like the HP Spectre x360 16 the place the palm rests and frontal spaces have a tendency to be cooler. Even so, we by no means discovered the Computer 16 to be uncomfortably heat at the pores and skin.

Remember the fact that the 180 W USB-C AC adapter is without doubt one of the smallest we’ve got observed (~11.6 z 5.7 x 2.6 cm) for its energy output. Its compact length is made conceivable through GaN transistors which is a generation that Razer additionally makes use of for its personal AC adapters. The drawback to GaN is that the adapters themselves can transform particularly warm at over 60 C in our enjoy. Compared, higher non-GaN chargers would normally vary between 40 C to 50 C below load.

The CPU would spice up to 4.6 GHz and 80 W for the primary couple of seconds when beginning Prime95 pressure earlier than briefly falling and stabilizing to 4.0 GHz, 54 W, and a toastier-than-expected 96 C. Repeating this identical check at the Lenovo Narrow Professional 9i 16 with the Core i9-13905H would lead to a cooler core temperature of 82 C. This means that Framework would slightly spice up processor functionality and prohibit throttling even it approach upper moderate core temperatures which fans would possibly respect.

The GPU would stabilize at 2363 MHz and 99 W when working Witcher 3 this means that it could possibly make the most of its whole 100 W funds when gaming. Core temperature would stay decently low at 66 C in comparison to 62 C at the aforementioned GeForce-powered Lenovo.

Energy intake is analogous to the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus or MacBook Professional 16 2023 when idling or when working undemanding rather a lot. When working upper rather a lot like video games, then again, intake could be upper than anticipated. Working Witcher 3 would call for 172 W in comparison to simply 122 W at the RTX 4060-powered Inspiron 16 Plus. When making an allowance for that the RTX 4060 can regularly edge out the Radeon RX 7700S in lots of video games, the GPU performance-per-watt of the Computer 16 simply is not as excellent as Nvidia’s choice which backs up our claims made above.

The CPU will also be relatively challenging with a systemwide intake of 110 W when working Prime95 in comparison to solely 75 W at the MSI Stealth 16 powered through the Core i9-13900H.

We are ready to document a most draw of 176 W from the small 180 W USB-C AC adapter when working video games or different excessive rather a lot like Prime95 and FurMark. That is necessary to notice since the restricted AC adapter overhead can bottleneck the functionality or charging features of the pc. On this case, the price fee is impacted when working challenging rather a lot. For instance, we are ready to watch the battery drain from 100% to 85% when attached to an outlet and working Witcher 3 that means that it isn’t conceivable to price the battery at a good fee whilst working challenging rather a lot concurrently. This kind of situation would by no means happen on maximum different laptops.

Battery existence from the 85 Wh battery is first rate at simply over 9 hours of real-world WLAN surfing to be very similar to the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630 or HP Spectre x360 2-in-1. We propose surroundings the show to a variable refresh fee as an alternative of its mounted and default 165 Hz to squeeze extra out of the battery. When at the dynamic 83 Hz to 165 Hz surroundings, as an example, we are ready to final 20 mins longer from the similar WLAN check. Maximum smartphones make use of this identical solution to save on battery existence.

Charging from empty to complete capability with the integrated AC adapter takes about 2 hours if idling on desktop or working undemanding rather a lot. If working extra excessive rather a lot, then again, the battery would price a lot more slowly as discussed above. A bigger 240 W USB-C AC adapter can have doubtlessly solved this factor.

The craze against thinner and lighter laptops is made conceivable through fusing increasingly elements onto the mainboard. The primary problem to this method is that it limits repairability as even a small fault might require changing whole forums. Framework is without doubt one of the solely producers having a look the wrong way in an try to make stronger end-user customization and servicing. There is no query that the Computer 16 is extra user-friendly to provider than any choice, however this profitable characteristic comes at the price of length and weight as person elements will have to be simply replaceable. In case you solely intend to improve the RAM or SSD simply a few times within the span of a pc’s lifetime, then extra compact and travel-friendly 16-inch possible choices just like the Inspiron 16 Plus or Asus VivoBook Professional 16 would possibly serve you higher on this regard.

The detachable dGPU may be a dangerous undertaking because it has traditionally been unsuccessful from higher OEMs like Dell and Lenovo. The truth that common USB4 or Thunderbolt-based eGPU choices exist makes the specialised Computer 16 dGPU that a lot much less compelling. In case you actually need discrete graphics at the street, then the GeForce RTX 4060 can be offering each higher functionality and performance-per-watt than the Radeon 7700S. Framework will subsequently need to fortify the Computer 16 dGPU design for years yet to come with long term RDNA choices to make the funding profitable. Buying these days will imply trusting the corporate to do exactly that.

The Framework Computer 16 is greater and heavier than different 16-inch laptops within the title of repairability and sustainability. In case you improve continuously or foresee upkeep, then the Computer 16 can also be profitable. If now not, then possible choices from higher OEMs have a tendency to be each sooner and lighter.

As a result of the explanations above, patrons must worth the growth playing cards, sustainability perspective, and excessive repairability of the girthy Computer 16 as possible choices have a tendency to be thinner, lighter, and on occasion sooner particularly on the $2000 vary. If Framework can someway fit the scale of the Razer Blade 16 or MacBook Professional whilst keeping up repairability, then long term revisions can doubtlessly transform one thing very particular. For now, you will have to sacrifice a bit of of portability in an effort to experience all of the distinctive options of the Framework.

Framework is now accepting pre-orders for the Computer 16 beginning at $1400 USD for the bottom Ryzen 7 DIY version as much as over $2400 when configured with Ryzen 9, discrete Radeon 7700S graphics, and a couple of enlargement playing cards and modules.