Framework Desktop hands-on: a possible new direction for gaming desktops
The Framework Desktop.Frameworkas mission is to afix consumer electronics, one category at a timea by making them modular, repairable, and upgradable. Itas the only laptop maker to ever truly succeed at that aupgradablea part. But desktop PCs are already modular, so why is Framework making one?
At first, I thought it saw a unique opportunity to make a cute yet badass tiny gaming PC with AMDas unusual Strix Halo processor and decided to shoot its shot. As youall read below, Iam excited by the result. But I also have another idea Iall share with you afterward.
Letas start with the gadget part: yes, the tiny 4.5-liter gaming desktop that Framework announced yesterday is just as cool in person as it was in Frameworkas photos, and yes, it can game.
At first, I wasnat sure wead be able to meaningfully try that last part. Almost all the Framework Desktops at the companyas live event in San Francisco yesterday were either running games that donat offer a great sense of performance (Counter-Strike and Street Fighter) or were unplugged so we could take photos from every angle. But partway through the event, someone had fired up Cyberpunk 2077, and I saw my chance.
The first b …