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Framework is today announcing a raft of new products, the most intriguing of which has to be the Framework Desktop. Like the rest of the companys wares, its a modular desktop PC with a focus on modularity, upgradeability and repairability. Naturally, the first question is why, given PCs are already modular, upgradeable and repairable, but the focus here is on making it accessible for the sorts of folks who might see the words thermal and paste and need an urgent trip to the ER. Its not the first time something like this has been mooted: In 2014, Razer pitched Project Christine, a gaming PC with standalone components clad in cartridges that could be swapped in and out. Framework The second reason for this machine existing was AMDs new Ryzen AI Max chip, which was shown to the public at CES in January. Ryzen AI Max is an all-in-one APU, packing a CPU and GPU in the same package mirroring how Apple Silicon chips are designed. Ryzen AI Max promises some fairly spectacular performance despite the lack of a discrete GPU, like 1440p gaming and local AI. But there is one downside to all of these gains the RAM is soldered to the mainboard to enable its staggering 256GB/s memory bandwidth, which Framework says isnt feasible with standard RAM. To compensate, Framework has pledged to ensure to play fair with memory pricing, making it more reasonable than you might find with other brands, i.e. Apple. Framework knows its swimming in different waters with this product, and so has pledged to use as many standard components as possible. Inside that Mini-ITX case youll find a custom mainboard with ATX headers, a PCIe x4 slot, two USB4, two DisplayPort, one HDMI and 5G ethernet ports. The PCIe NVME slots will let you spec up to 16TB storage, and the case has two forward-facing expansion card slots that will let you plug in your own Framework Expansion Cards. The case is equipped with a semi-custom 400W power supply that uses standard 120mm CPU fans or, again, you can bring your own fans if youd prefer. The case has either black or clear sides, and the front is made up with 21 tiles you can design yourself, or 3D-print an alternative if youd prefer. Of course, you can also just buy the mainboard and cram it into your own case, should you prefer to roll your own. Framework Pre-orders for the Framework Desktop are opening now, but shipping wont begin until Q3 of 2025. You can order the mainboard on its own for $799, or get the base model with an AI Max 385 and 32GB RAM for just $1,099. Should you want the flagship AI Max+ 395 with 128GB RAM, youll need to fork over $1,999. All of the systems are sold as DIY Editions with users able to grab their storage and OS from whatever supplier they prefer, too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/framework-builds-its-own-modular-desktop-191211936.html?src=rss
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Its a little weird to talk about Framework launching a new laptop given it just makes the same machine over and over again. That, of course, is the point, since its building a fleet of modular, upgradeable and repairable machines that eliminate unnecessary e-waste. Lets agree that while launching isnt the right word, it is how well describe the advent of the updated AMD edition of the Framework 13, which now comes with the Ryzen AI 300 on board. Naturally, the big news is the fancier AMD unit welded to the mainboard, which boasts dramatically improved AI performance for Microsoft Copilot+. But Framework has made its usual series of nips and tucks, adding Wi-Fi 7, a new thermal system, improved keyboard and new color options. As usual, all of these features can be bolted onto any existing Framework 13 when required. One of the biggest issues for every Framework 13 so far has been the cooling the tiny fans have to work overtime whenever the system gets taxed. So the advent of the new mainboard also sees a(nother) attempt at keeping the silicon far cooler than it has been before. Open this up and youll find a new single 10mm heat pipe paired with Honeywells PTM7958 thermal paste which, its hoped, will ensure you can hear yourself think over your laptop. If you recall from the previous AMD Framework 13, there was an issue with what standards each port supported. The situation is a little clearer here, since the rear ports support USB 4, while the forward ones both have USB 3.2 plus DisplayPort. We explored this in greater detail at the time, but the situation remains mildly annoying if you forget what can go where. Framework has also very gently tweaked the keyboard to address an issue with rigidity with the wide keys, like shift and the spacebar. If you buy a Windows 11 model, youll also have a Copilot key printed on it but Framework reminds you its possible to buy a DIY edition without one, too. Framework Rounding out the changes is the advent of injection molded packaging, which enables Framework to sell you transparent hardware. It will now sell you a transparent bezel, as well as translucent purple, green and black options for greater customization. Plus, youll be able to pick up many of the expansion cards clad in transparent plastic, too, not just the ethernet expansion card letting you relive your dream of owning the coolest Game Boy ever made. The new Framework Laptop 13 with AMDs Ryzen AI 300 series starts at $800 for the DIY edition and $1,099 for pre-built. Naturally, that price can go all sorts of places depending on how much gear you choose to throw on top of what comes as standard. Pre-orders are open today with shipments due to begin in April. Plus, the company will sell you the older Ryzen 7040 model for $749 with CEO Nirav Patel saying this isn't just a while stocks last deal, but as a way to lower the entry price for new buyers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/framework-updates-its-13-inch-laptop-with-amds-ryzen-300-ai-series-chips-191128145.html?src=rss
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Researchers just discovered evidence to suggest that Mars was once home to oceans and sandy beaches on the red planet, according to data published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is a far cry from the arid, freezing and radiation-filled conditions of modern Mars. Scientists discovered evidence of buried beaches after they analyzed below-ground imaging data from Chinas Zhurong rover. This data from the northern lowlands of Mars is extremely similar to what researchers find when using similar ground-penetrating radar here on Earth, as indicated by The Guardian. They found subsurface material thats angled and tilted toward a lowland, which likely was an ocean at some point. #VantageOnFirstpost: A new study reveals that Mars once had an ocean with sandy beaches, with evidence of buried shorelines found deep underground. This study points to past life on the red planet about four billion years ago. Previous research supports the idea of oceans and pic.twitter.com/iFIQ61dCVK Firstpost (@firstpost) February 25, 2025 "Typically the radar picks up on even subtle changes in sediment size, which is probably whats happening here," said Dr Benjamin Cardenas, a co-author of the research from Penn State University. "It tells you there had to be tides, there had to be waves, there had to be a nearby river supplying sediment, and all these things had to be active for some extended period of time." Scientists have long debated whether or not Mars had oceans, and this discovery certainly implies the planet was once home to vast bodies of water. Previous discoveries have indicated that it used to have flowing rivers and lakes. Theres also evidence of liquid water deep underneath the Martian surface in the present day. "A beach is an interface between shallow water, air and land. Its these sorts of environments where its thought life first came to be on Earth, and I think it would be a great place to send a follow-up mission looking for signs of past life," Cardenas said.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/new-evidence-suggests-that-mars-used-to-have-an-ocean-and-sandy-beaches-181146248.html?src=rss
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