Review: Framework Desktop is a mash-up of a regular desktop PC and the Mac Studio

Framework is renowned for its dedication to producing modular, upgradeable, and repairable laptops. As anticipation builds for the upcoming Framework Laptop 16 in early 2024 and the Framework Laptop 12 in mid-2025, the company's flagship Framework Laptop 13 continues to evolve, with six different iterations released in under five years. For early adopters, upgrading components like the motherboard and RAM through Framework's website has been a game changer, allowing significant performance boosts without replacing the entire device. However, the introduction of the Framework Desktop presents an intriguing paradox. While the company has carved out a niche in the laptop market, its transition into desktop systems raises questions. The Framework Desktop, although packed with innovative design elements, is surprisingly less upgradeable than traditional self-built desktop PCs. It competes against mini PCs that often prioritize compactness over performance. The Framework Desktop is an interesting alternative to the AMD Ryzen AI Max-powered mini desktops available from lesser-known manufacturers. It adheres more closely to PC industry standards, but it ultimately challenges potential buyers with a crucial question: Would you pay a premium for a smaller, less powerful machine that offers minimal upgrade options after purchase? Upon unboxing my DIY Edition of the Framework Desktop, I found it to be compact but not overly large, comparable to my existing mini ITX setup that houses a dedicated GPU in a 14.67-liter SSUPD Meshlicious case. Notably, three Framework Desktops could easily fit within my current case, demonstrating its small footprint, especially considering its ability to accommodate a GeForce RTX 5090. The Framework Desktop, while visually appealing and thoughtfully designed, invites users to reconsider the value of small form factor machines against their performance limitations.