Modular laptop specialist, Framework, has announced that it will now offer AMD Ryzen 7040 Phoenix processors as an option for its refreshed 13-inch models. Users can choose between the AMD Ryzen 5 7640U and Ryzen 7 7840U. The Ryzen 5 7640U processor comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, a base/boost frequency of 3.5GHz/4.9GHz, and Radeon 760M graphics with 8 CUs. On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 7840U has 8 cores and 16 threads, a base/boost frequency of 3.3GHz/5.1GHz, and the Radeon 780M iGPU with 12 CUs.
Framework’s reluctance to specify Ryzen chip choices a few weeks ago now makes sense, as the AMD Ryzen 7040U Phoenix CPUs were only launched recently. The new chips bring lower power options (15-30W TDP) to the Phoenix lineup. Before the announcement, the only known Ryzen 7040HS series had 35-54W TDPs, which have much higher base clocks than the new U series.
The AMD Ryzen 7040 Phoenix chips combine AMD’s newest CPU and GPU architectures and are built on TSMC’s 4nm process. They are also “extremely efficient,” according to Framework. They should not throttle within Framework’s laptop designs, which are designed to dissipate a 28W continuous load. The RDNA 3 iGPU that is packed into the AMD Phoenix series delivers enough 3D performance to handle old and new PC titles.
AMD’s latest architecture supports USB 4 ports and USB 3.2 ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Framework’s designs offer users the option to choose a plug-in module configuration with the ports they want, and they can change their minds later.
Framework has committed to its philosophy regarding flexibility and compatibility. Users with existing 11th Gen or 12th Gen Intel Core Framework Laptops could switch to AMD Ryzen Phoenix, or they can use a new mainboard in the Cooler Master Mainboard Case or create their own. However, the new Ryzen platform uses DDR5 and must be matched up with a Ryzen-compatible RZ616 or similar Wi-Fi card.
The new AMD Phoenix option offers a lot of flexibility for Framework laptop owners. The combination of AMD’s newest CPU and GPU architectures with Framework’s modular design allows users to configure their laptops exactly how they want them. The new Phoenix chips are extremely efficient and should not throttle within Framework’s laptop designs. The RDNA 3 iGPU in the AMD Phoenix series delivers enough 3D performance to handle a wide range of old and new PC titles. The new architecture supports USB 4 ports and USB 3.2 ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Overall, the new AMD Phoenix option is a welcome addition to Framework’s laptop lineup, offering users more choices and flexibility.
