Buy the Framework laptop’s $399 motherboard to make your own mini PC

When Framework’s modular, upgradeable laptop launched last year, it quickly became a fan favourite because to its appealing design, user-replaceable RAM and SSD, as well as its connectivity options. Today, the Framework team is making it possible to purchase the motherboard that is at the heart of the Framework laptop without having to purchase any of the other components of the laptop, as long as the motherboard is purchased separately.

Standard version of the board comes with a Core i5-1135G7 processor, and you can customise it by adding as much DDR4 RAM or M.2-based storage as you want. Custom versions are also available. You will pay $549 for a Core i7-1165G7 configuration, and $799 for a top-of-the-line Core i7-1185G7 configuration, which is the most expensive configuration. Similarly to the laptop, power for the motherboard is provided by a USB-C connector, which may be further customized by purchasing additional port modules from Framework’s Marketplace.

Also available on GitHub are documentation and schematics to assist individuals in designing their own enclosures for the Framework motherboard, as well as a set of basic 3D-printable cases that can be used to protect the board from exposure to the elements. Framework is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing open source technology. An entry-level shell is also available, as well as a VESA-mounting option for attaching the board to the back of a display or television.