Introduction
How exciting, you got your hands on a Framework Laptop 16 DIY Edition! This guide will walk you through each step from unboxing to powering on your laptop so you can start using it right away. As with all of our guides, make sure you read the directions in each step and view each image first.
Please note this guide is for the Framework Laptop 16 only. If you are setting up a Framework Laptop 13, please refer to the appropriate guide here.
After finishing the Quick Start Guide, if you’re installing Windows, check out our Windows 11 Installation Guide and don’t forget to install the Framework Laptop Driver Bundle. You can also check out our Linux compatibility page for the distros that work great on the Framework Laptop.
If you have questions or run into any issues, check out the Support pages.
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In the box you will find your Framework Laptop 16 with the Expansion Bay Module you chose preinstalled.
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If you selected both when configuring your Laptop, the Graphics Module will come preinstalled and the Expansion Bay will be included separately.
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Depending on how your order was configured, you will also find the following:
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Bezel
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Keyboard Module and Input Modules. At least 2 Spacers, 2 LED Matrix, a Numpad, or RGB Macropad (or any combination of these)
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Power Adapter
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Primary Storage, Secondary Storage, Memory, and Expansion Cards
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Framework Screwdriver, Legal documentation, and pre-order stickers/patches.
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After unboxing it, assemble the Power Adapter. Connect the AC cable and the USB-C cable to the Power Adapter body.
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You can plug the USB-C cable in from either end of the cable. Choose whether you want the right angle connector plugged into the adapter or into your laptop.
Putting the adapter together is helpful, but was is missing is showing where each end is plugged in.
See Step ***23*** Turn on the Framework Laptop 16 (below)
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Remove the clear plastic tray covering the Input Deck and open both of the Input Deck Latches.
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The plastic tray is made of post-consumer-recycled PET and is highly recyclable.
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To remove the Touchpad Spacers, slide them down to release them, and then lift them out.
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Warning: If there is resistance, make sure that the latches are open (see previous step).
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Just like the Spacers, the Touchpad Module slides down slightly and lifts straight out.
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Note that both latches need to be unlatched for the Touchpad Module to slide out.
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This cable is labeled with the Number 1 to indicate that it should be disconnected before loosening the Mid Plate Fasteners.
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It is important to disconnect this cable before removing the Mid Plate as leaving it attached could damage the cable.
Only disconnect the top of the number 1 connector. Pulling too hard will also defeat the protective adhesive and disconnect the lower part of the cable, which puts extra wear on the zif connection.
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Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver unscrew the 16 captive fasteners attaching the Mid Plate to the Bottom Cover. These are numbered from 2-17 (since the Mid Plate Cable is number 1)
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These fasteners are captive, meaning they will remain attached to the Mid Plate when fully loosened.
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Do not use powered tools for this step, as this risks damage to the fasteners. As with all fasteners in the Framework Laptop 16, these can be easily loosened using the included Framework Screwdriver.
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Carefully lift the Mid Plate away from the Bottom Cover and set it aside.
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If the Mid Plate seems stuck, check that the fasteners are all loosened, as there should be little resistance.
I agree with all comments here. This is probably the most difficult step. And most "scary" for those who are very new to Computer Assembly. I also re checked all the captive screws, moved it side to side, lifted it from front and back and finally managed to get it out. Sadly one of the screws from the latch mechanism was very loose and it came off. Thankfully it "flew" only couple centimeters, but if I lost it, then it would be nightmare.
This step was a bit tricky, because as per the fasteners hint combined with the hint in the previous step about the fasteners being captive, it was difficult to tell how much to unscrew them. When I hit resistance at a couple of points, I unscrewed the nearby fasteners a bit more, just to be sure. Then jiggled gently a bit and eventually got the mid plate out.
Thanks for this tip, I had the same problem.
The midplate on my system was snug enough to the edges of the case that the midplate didn't lift out without resistance. With a bit of gentle working, I was able to get it out.
Yeah, my technique involved shoving the mid plate as for to the left as possible and then lifting the right corner gently, after which I could lift the left corner.
Gently moving the plate side to side as I lifted it helped me.
Agreed. I had better luck using tweezers to get a handle on the back, and lift (still very gently) from that direction.
Joe -
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If you have an M.2 2230 Secondary SSD to install, follow this step. If not, you can skip to the next step.
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If there is a blue plastic liner covering the thermal pad that is below the Secondary SSD area, peel it off.
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Remove the fastener for the Secondary SSD.
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Unlike the Primary SSD, this slot is not angled. Place the SSD in flat against the slot as shown in the video, then carefully push it into the slot.
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Make sure the notch on your M.2 2230 SSD is lined up to the notch on the SSD Slot.
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Once securely inserted, insert and tighten the fastener.
I really would have liked this video to have shown removing the blue film. I naively dug my fingernails into what I now understand is the thermal pad
The fastener that has already been removed in the video is the one you'll be removing to install the primary SSD (Step 10).
Make sure the blue film on the thermal pad is removed!
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Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver, unscrew the fastener that is used to secure the Primary SSD.
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Align the notch on the Storage module with the notch on the socket and slide the module into the Mainboard.
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Once properly inserted the module will rise up at a 20-degree angle.
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Using one finger gently hold the Storage module down to the Mainboard and use your other hand to screw in the fastener using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver.
After using my laptop for months, I discovered the SSD thermal pad when I removed my mid-plate to check if for rubber pads (re: keyboard deflection). The thermal pad fell off of the midplate as I was lifting it, and it took me ages to find information on where it's supposed to be used. The blue plastic film is still intact but slightly melted in one spot. I guess I never looked at the bottom of the midplate during initial assembly... slightly embarrassing.
Anyway... I strongly recommend adding info about the SSD thermal pad to these instructions!
The screw for the primary SSD wouldn't come off with just the T5,
Had to loosen it up with a small plier. Putting that screw back was hard also
Same here. The upper (Primary SSD) T5 screw is not coming off.
Lower T5 screw works fine for the Secondary SSD, but the Primary SSD cannot be slotted in.
Note: When re-screwing, the SSD will not be pushed to the board and will vibrate when in use, which you can dampen a bit with the thernal pad on the Mid Plate. To unscrew the SSD, you will have to pull the screw up while unscrewing again.
I had to lever the screw up (using the other end of the Framework screwdriver, a sharp knife or credit card, but BE CAREFUL), and unscrew the upper T5 screw while the lever is pulled up.
Note there is a thermal pad for the SSD on the bottom of the mid-plate. Mine had a blue plastic film still in place that needed to be removed before re-installing the mid-plate.
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Please make sure you are using DDR5 Memory as DDR4 Memory is not compatible with this Mainboard.
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Insert each Memory module into the Mainboard by first aligning the notch on the Memory module with the notch on the socket and then sliding it in.
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Note that for Channel 1 the Memory stick will need to be inserted "upside down" compared to Channel 0.
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Make sure that the memory is fully inserted before proceeding.
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Once the module is fully inserted, it will rise up at a 20-degree angle. Gently press the module down towards the Mainboard until the clips located at the top and bottom of the receptacle snap into place.
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The first boot after installing a new Memory module will take longer than normal, as the system prepares itself for the new module.
My RAM fits in Channel 1 with almost no effort.
But in Channel 0 it just won't go (yes, it's upside down as shown in the video). I've aligned the notch and the edges properly and it almost fits, but it sticks out about 1/8 inch too far -- it goes in far enough that the central "tab" aligns with the very top of the contacts, but the notch on the edge is only halfway over the metal rectangle that should grab it. I've tried wiggling it and pushing as hard as I am comfortable with and it doesn't budge. This is true for both of the DIMMs I purchased -- they both fit perfectly in Channel 1 but get stuck in Channel 0.
I also have one stick and put it in Channel 0.
If you only have a single memory stick, does it matter which channel it’s installed in?
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Place the Mid Plate onto the system, aligning the holes in the Mid Plate with the two guide posts.
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These posts are on the left side and the right side, immediately above the speakers on both sides.
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Take extra time to make sure it's sitting level/ flush.
Note there is a thermal pad for the SSD on the bottom of the mid-plate. Mine had a blue plastic film still in place that needed to be removed before re-installing the mid-plate.
Same for me, had to remove the blue plastic from the bottom of the midplate as well as below the secondary ssd
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Using the pull tab, gently press the Mid Plate connector down to connect it to the Mainboard.
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Carefully align, then firmly press in the mid plate connector cable.
It's tricky to tell if I've done this correctly. It seems to be firmly in place however, even though there's a plastic bit (not the tab) that still rocks around.
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Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver tighten the Mid Plate fasteners.
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Before gently tightening the screws, double check that the mid plate is aligned correctly as shown in previous step.
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These fasteners are labelled 2-17 (since the Mid Plate cable is number 1) and should be tightened in order, starting with 2 and ending with 17.
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Do not overtighten these fasteners, and we recommend against the use of powered tools for these or any other fasteners on the Framework Laptop 16.
The deck should lay flat. Pay attention to any bulges at this point, which can be caused by thicker heatsinks attached to your SSD or RAM module.
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Please see our guide here on possible Input Module configurations.
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Holding from the pull tabs at the bottom of the Keyboard module, line it up with the dashed guide lines printed on the Mid Plate. Note that you can align a Keyboard so that it is either along the left edge, the right edge, or centered. With the Keyboard held at a 20 degree angle, slide it up into place.
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The notches along the top of the Keyboard will fit into the corresponding alignment guides under the Ventilation Plate.
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Lower the Keyboard gently into place, it should snap in place magnetically and sit flat.
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Ensure that the pins in the Mid Plate to the left and right of the Input Module Connector align into the corresponding holes in the Keyboard module.
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Next install, two Spacer Modules, an LED Matrix, a Numpad, an RGB Macropad, or whichever other combination of two Small or one Medium sized Input Module you have.
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Slide these in at an angle and lower into place, the same way the Keyboard was installed.
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Whichever Input modules you chose to install, you should have no empty spaces in the top row before proceeding to the next step.
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Place the Touchpad Module flat, slightly below the Keyboard as shown.
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Like the Keyboard, you can confirm it is properly aligned by lining it up to the dashed lines on the Mid Plate.
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Applying gentle downward pressure to keep the Touchpad module flat, slide it up into place.
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Remember that the Input Deck Latches should still be open at this point, otherwise the Touchpad Module won't slide on.
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The Touchpad Module can be installed either directly below the Keyboard or offset by one space to the right. For example, the Keyboard can have the Touchpad below it, or the Keyboard can be left-aligned while the Touchpad is centered.
I had issues getting the touchpad module to slide all the way up so it was flush with it's spacers. What I figured out was gently place your hands flat on each side and give even downward pressure while sliding the touchpad module latterly up to the keyboard and this got it flush with the touchpad spacers.
I am experiencing a significant edge between the touchpad module and spacers. I realize the touchpad should be sitting above the keyboard, but the upper corners of the touchpad module sit sharp up above the spacers. Has anyone experienced this? Any solutions to get the plates to sit flush?
I tried removing the keyboard, and the upper corners of the touchpad module sit slightly lower, but still are not flush with the spacers.
I think so. Happens with the Touch Modules Spacers too. A bit unsatisfying, but I can live with it.
This is replying to the comment by @crippledlord. For some reason it does not let me delete it.
I tried to get "Keyboard... left-aligned while the Touchpad .. centered.” (with numpad on right) but this wouldn't work. I also didn't read the "The Touchpad Module can be installed either directly below the Keyboard..." note too clearly... I think it should have a warning similar to the fasteners. I went down a rabbit hole of troubleshooting. I used Possible Input Module combinations on Framework Laptop 16 and later My touchpad isn't working because I inadvertently triggered a device issue during my troubleshooting requiring the "disable/enable the touchpad in Device Manager" process.
@crippledlord Same here. I tried multiple times to get the touchpad module flush but it always ends up just a tad above the keyboard. Everything else is flush. Could be better but not something hinders the use.
I think the same goes to the right. I wanted the keys modules to the left and track all the way to the right. I can only get one space over.
It appears that the trackpad module can not be mounted any further left than the keyboard. i.e I wanted the keyboard all the way to the right and the num pad all the way to the left, but the track pad won't fit anywhere other than directly below the keyboard module.
Should the edge of the edge of the touchpad module stick above the keyboard slightly? It's not sharp, but is noticable.
@crippledlord I think so. Happens with the Touch Modules Spacers too. A bit unsatisfying, but I can live with it.
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Just like installing the Touchpad module, place the Touchpad Spacers flat on the Input Deck, slightly below the Keyboard or Spacers above.
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Applying gentle pressure, slide the Touch Module Spacers into place.
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With the Touchpad Module Spacers installed there should now be no empty spaces on the Input Deck.
I am experiencing a significant edge between the touchpad module and spacers. I realize the touchpad should be sitting above the keyboard, but the upper corners of the touchpad module sit sharp up above the spacers. Has anyone experienced this? Any solutions to get the plates to sit flush?
I tried removing the keyboard, and the upper corners of the touchpad module sit slightly lower, but still are not flush with the spacers.
If the spacers don't seem to fit properly, check that you've tightened the underlying Mid Plate screws enough, particularly numbers 16 and 17.
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Once all Input Modules are installed, close both Input Deck Latches to secure them in place.
don't forget to replace the expansion cards :) (Step 4)
At this point or earlier, if you have both a graphics card and expansion bay in your order you might wonder what the L shaped extra part is and where it goes. My graphics module came installed and there was an L shaped interposer left in the box (labeled FRAKHNC PA1403200JM). That part is only used if you swap out the graphics card for the expansion bay, it's not needed if your graphics module is pre-installed.
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Open the Framework Laptop 16 lid to more than 90 degrees to attach the Bezel.
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Align the corners of the Bezel to the display and place it down. The Bezel is attached by magnets and should easily click into place.
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Make sure that all of the corners and edges of the Bezel are fully flat to the Top Cover. If the corners are not aligned. carefully lift up the part of the Bezel and guide it into place.
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If installing a new Bezel, remove the protective film covering the Webcam and sensor.
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Before inserting Expansion Cards, make sure that the Expansion Card Latches are open, these will appear red/orange when open and light grey when closed.
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Install the Expansion Cards as shown and once all are in place, close the Expansion Card Latches.
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Note that some Expansion Cards only function in certain slots, so please make sure to reference this article when choosing which slots to use.
I was trying to figure this out as well. I would only assume the type A that needs higher power usage would go in the higher power consumption ports. I wish these were labeled on the frame of the laptop as to not confuse anyone.
I have the 1TB (2nd Gen), and it no longer works after less than a month. Does not even appear in the list of storage devices I have. I turned off the laptop. Pull and replace the card to no avail. Need some help.
The Ethernet expansion card has different dimension from the others.
More over, in the layout of how to use the 6 ports, there is no info on where it is better or possible to insert this expansion card.
Could someone suggest me something?
Thanks,
Antonio
Totally confused of what goes where regarding the 6 Expansion cards!. To us 'plebs' it would be useful for a guide as to what goes where and why. Ive only got the location of the charging module into '4' from the video picture of connecting the power adapter. No idea about where or why I should be putting the rest of them . And whats the significance of the USB -A module going into 1 or 4 re 'Higher Power Consumption'. Its taken me longer to try and sort this out than to build the entire laptop which I have to say was extremely easy with the video guide.
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Before powering on, you will need to plug the power adapter into one of the USB-C Expansion Cards.
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Note that the front two Expansion Card ports do not support power input. If in doubt check this guide to see which ports to use.
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Power on the laptop by pressing the power button, and get ready to start using your Framework Laptop!
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The first boot may take a bit longer (10-30 seconds) while the system recalibrates the installed memory.
I assume (I hate doing that) the other end of the AC adapter will go into an AC socket.
Don't we also need to plug the other end of the AC adapter into an AC socket?
Don't we also need to plug the other end of the power adapter into an AC socket?
This step should add: Wait for the battery to fully charge. When I powered on before the battery had initially charged, the power LED lit up, the board got warm, but the fan and the display didn't turn on! When battery has fully charged, the LED by the expansion cards turns from solid orange, to solid white. I think it also blinks white when transitioning.
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If installing Windows 11 we recommend referring to this guide, which provides steps for an offline installation.
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If installing Fedora, refer to this installation guide for Fedora 39.
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If installing Ubuntu, refer to this installation guide for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
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Once you have installed an Operating System, you should make sure to install the latest Driver Bundle and BIOS updates from here.
The Fedora link is wrong. The correct link is Fedora 40 Installation on the Framework Laptop 16
Since you support and recommend ubuntu 24.04, I suggest you supply the link for ubuntu 24.04 (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Installation on the Framework Laptop 16)
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77 other people completed this guide.
19 Comments
It took me approximately 25 minutes if we count only the time it took to partially disassemble, put primary and secondary storage in, RAM in and assemble back with keyboard and NUMPAD plus putting Bezel on. And then expansion cards. Also I had 2 issues: 1. I found very thin strip of thermal pad around the area where primary storage is. IDK if I should put it on primary, because the only thing that it will have to to dissipate heat would be mid-plate. 2. One of the screws that are in latching mechanism came loose and it took me a moment to realize that screwdriver thankfully has 2 sided bit. Also this time doesn't include unboxing, installing OS and powering the device on. And I watched all tutorials beforehand. If someone does it while watching tutorials it might easily take twice as much time. I suspect then that time will be highly variable. For assembly itself it might be 20-60 minutes easily.
I also filmed myself unboxing and assembling it. It's on YouTube, but I don't know if rules here allow for linking the video.
Apologies for bad layout of my post. I'm used to Shift+Enter being new line and Enter alone being "send". Sadly more than 5 minutes have passed when I realized it.
I'd like to suggest a time of 25 minutes, but I don't seem to have time suggesting privileges, so I'm making that suggestion as a comment.
I'm very happy with my purchase and ease of setup! Each step is simple to complete and the markings inside the laptop are a helpful guide. Things just click in place once installed properly. It took me ~25 minutes to complete. I can't wait to see what else this company has in store!
There is an extra component that I'm not sure of its use. It looks like an internal webcam, and I don't see the instructions covering it. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?
When I pay North of £2 k I expect to be provided with a magnifying glass so that I can read the bloody instruction leaflet with its minute typeface. Ridiculous!
I received the Framework 16 today, installed memory, ssd and everything and just finished with the Linux install. This is really a laptop showcase of mastering the mechanical engineering. I think my next hope is to get expansion slot for swappable storage/usb stick which is in expansion card shape and stays there tightly when carrying the laptop from place to place.
it seems to be a great product but its sad that the edge of the trackpad part are sharp and sticking out a bit, it can be dangerous and i fear that i may scratch the screen at one point
The OOB process and build was very simple. Kudos to you folks at Framework!
Windows 11 setup was a breeze with a default 23H2 installer. Only hiccup (if you want to call it that) was the (expected) lack of network support for the WiFi, but no big deal there. Continuing setup without networking isn't really a problem. All of this was outlined in your actual Windows installation guide listed at the bottom of the Quick Start Guide on this page.
The only item I can think of that you guys might want to address is the unmarked Expansion Bay Shell Interposer included when you purchase a video card and an Expansion Bay Shell. I had no idea what it was until I dug through the components list on the site.
Thanks!
No network, what is going on?
Install drivers.
This is one of the best designed modular DIY laptops I have ever invested in! The step-by-step videos were fantastic, the captive screws in the middle plate was an excellent design choice, the components being placed top side under the plate (RAM, CPU, SSDs, etc.) is another very well executed design choice, the keyboards and the electronic contact points for the add-ons are very well designed and thought out. I am also very excited for the detachable expansion cards!
The separate videos guiding the assembly of the Laptop 16 were very informative and useful. I had my moments where the touch pad module wasn't fitting correctly and I absolutely fumed that maybe I did something wrong. But after looking through the videos, I tried once more to mount the touch pad module and it mounted as it should. I guess my own OCD bothered me that the touch pad module was not perfectly straight facing the keyboard.
All in all, the assembly took 20 minutes for me, plus another 25 minutes for the OS. I chose Zorin OS Pro as my OS.
It took me about 40 minutes to assemble the hardware, without updating the BIOS or installing the OS. Very easy to build and really helpful video sequences. Thanks!
It was my first time doing anything like this; it only took me an hour, also without updating the BIOS or installing the OS.
Good thing the screws are captive.
Didn't look at the time, nor hurry, could have been 1 h.
In my 16in machine, both touchpad module side edges rise about higher toward the back than the spacers to either side. On inspection, it's metal frame doesn't look bent, though.
Otherwise, impressively made!
Touchpads are too long and hang of Laptop edge closest to user, and for some reason, although I PAID FOR IT, there is no GRAPHICS CARD!
You might want to reach out to support directly.
Open a ticket with the option at the bottom. Submit support request. Get your order info ready.
Tochpads are too long, and hang over edge of laptop nearest user. What, why, how? I am totally Lost!
This guide says "Suggest a time" -- not including the OS in Step 24, this guide took me 50 minutes to build my Framework 16 (coming from basically zero knowledge).
I feel like a link to Expansion Bay instructions or a little more detail would be useful here, for folks who ordered both a GPU bay and the shell and are wondering what the little bit of hardware left over is if they follow these instructions as-is. A quick search reveals it is the expansion bay interposer for the shell and isn't needed unless you swap out the GPU bay for the basic shell.
Christopher Krietz - Reply
When I pay North of £2 k I expect to be provided with a magnifying glass so that I can read the bloody instruction leaflet.
Bernard Marsden - Reply
I think I missed out on the screw driver as well - but I did throw out some of the packaging already - but didn't see anything when I looked back in the bin.
Andrew - Reply
Didn't get a screwdriver
KSmith - Reply