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| Framework's AMD Ryzen-based gaming towers are now more expensive. |
In a move that echoes recent adjustments to its laptop lineup, modular computing pioneer Framework has implemented its first-ever price increase for its highly anticipated Desktop line. The company, renowned for its repairable and upgradeable laptops, has until now held firm on desktop pricing. In a candid blog post, Framework attributed the changes solely to rising production costs, emphasizing a commitment to transparency with its community.
Unlike Framework Laptops, which feature user-upgradeable RAM, the Framework Desktop’s memory is soldered. This design difference, the company explained, is why it was able to delay a price adjustment for these systems until now, absorbing cost increases longer than with its notebook line.
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| Framework Desktop's old pricing |
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| Framework Desktop's new pricing |
A Tiered Increase: Base Models See Modest Hikes, Top-Tier Configuration Soars
The price adjustments are not uniform across the board. The entry-level and mid-tier configurations have seen relatively modest increases.
- The Ryzen AI Max 385 model with 32GB of RAM now starts at $1,139, a $40 increase.
- The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 model with 64GB of RAM is now priced at $1,639, also up by $40.
The most significant jump affects the flagship model. The 128GB RAM configuration now retails for $2,459, a substantial $460 increase. Framework cited the sharply rising cost of the required eight 128-Gbit memory chips as the primary driver. This steeper hike may give pause to some AI developers and prosumers who were eyeing the maxed-out model.
Interested in configuring your own modular desktop? You can explore the build options directly on Framework's official site. For reference, an archived version of the configuration page is also available.
How Does the Framework Desktop Stack Up Against the Competition?
Despite the increases, Framework argues its desktop maintains a strong value proposition. The 128GB model, for instance, still competes closely with similarly spec'd mini-PCs like the GMKtec Evo-X2, which features the same processor and 128GB of RAM and costs approximately $2,300 on platforms like Amazon.
For gaming enthusiasts, Framework is positioning its base model as a compelling alternative to a custom-built PC, claiming it undercuts the cost of a DIY system with similar performance. However, savvy builders might still find value in sourcing components individually. For example, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060—which often outperforms the AMD Radeon 8050S integrated in these Framework systems—can be found for around $300.
Check current pricing for competing components like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 on Amazon or the GMKtec Evo-X2 mini-PC.
The Bottom Line for Modular PC Shoppers
Framework's first desktop price hike reflects broader industry pressures, particularly on memory components. While the top-end model's new price tag is significant, the company's core promise of a repairable, upgradeable (outside of RAM), and long-lifecycle desktop PC remains intact. For users who prioritize sustainability and the ability to swap out the motherboard, storage, and ports in the future, the Framework Desktop continues to offer a unique proposition in a market of disposable all-in-ones and sealed mini-PCs.
The modest increases on the lower-tier models suggest Framework is striving to keep its entry points accessible, ensuring the modular computing philosophy isn't reserved only for the high-end market. As component prices fluctuate, it will be interesting to see if this adjustment is a one-time event or part of an ongoing pricing strategy for the young Desktop line.
