Launched Laptop 12, a modular laptop framework based on Intel Wildcat Lake – starting at $549

Framework releases 12.2-inch update Laptop 12 — The computer is equipped with an Intel Core Series 3 processor, not a 13th Generation Core. Other innovations include Thunderbolt 4, support for Wi-Fi 7 and fast DDR5 memory. Pre-orders are open now, with the first batch shipping in October.

Image source: frame.work

Framework Laptop 12 comes with Intel Wildcat Lake series Intel Core 3 304, Core 5 320 and Core 7 350 processors based on Intel 18A technology. The entry-level Intel Core 3 304 has one efficient Cougar Cove P core and four efficient Darkmont E cores; the Core 5 320 and Core 7 350 have two P-core and four E-core configurations. The maximum clock speed in Boost mode reaches 4.3 to 4.8 GHz. The integrated graphics are based on the Xe3 architecture, but there’s no Arc marking on the processors: the Core 3 304 has one Xe3 core, while the Core 5 320 and Core 7 350 each have two. The basic power is 15W and can be increased to 35W.

In the Netflix 4K video streaming test, upgrading from the Intel Core i5-1334U to the Core 5 320 helped improve battery life by 70%. The two rear expansion card slots now support Thunderbolt 4, allowing you to connect an external graphics card or two 60Hz 4K monitors. The front two slots support USB 3.2 Gen 2, and all four slots can consume USB Power Delivery. Supports DDR5-6400 memory – There is 1 SO-DIMM slot that can accommodate modules up to 64 GB. There’s an Intel BE213 Wi-Fi 7 module, an optional fingerprint scanner, and a backlit keyboard. The fingerprint scanner is built into the power button on Core 5 and Core 7 configurations. You can choose to pre-install Fedora 44 KDE Plasma Desktop; the keyboard has a programmable controller with open ZMK firmware.