The Framework Laptop 13 Pro has undergone a significant storage upgrade, swapping to the ADATA XPG MARS 970 SSD. This shift is expected to enhance performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability at a reduced cost compared to previous options. Simultaneously, the company has issued a warning about potential CPU price hikes, which could impact future orders.
Pre-orders for the Laptop 13 Pro with Gen 5 SSD will automatically transition to the new ADATA XPG MARS 970, now available in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities. The 1 TB option is priced lower than the previous 500 GB model, while existing orders for the 500 GB drive will be upgraded to the 1 TB version at no additional cost. For those who do not require PCIe Gen 5 SSD performance, alternative options based on Sandisk SN7100 and 850X PCIe 4.0 SSDs remain available.
Key Specifications
- Storage: ADATA XPG MARS 970 (PCIe Gen 5), available in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities; Sandisk SN7100 and 850X PCIe 4.0 SSDs also offered.
- CPU Warning: Framework anticipates CPU price increases, which may affect new orders in the coming weeks.
The move to the ADATA XPG MARS 970 SSD reflects a broader industry trend toward higher-performance storage solutions. The 1 TB and 2 TB options provide ample capacity for modern workflows, while the lower cost makes it an attractive choice for both consumers and businesses. However, the potential CPU price increase introduces uncertainty, particularly for those planning to purchase or upgrade their systems soon.
Real-World Impact
The new SSD options are designed to deliver better performance and efficiency, which can translate to faster load times and improved battery life. This is particularly beneficial for users who rely on storage-intensive applications, such as video editing or large dataset processing. The automatic upgrade for existing 500 GB orders ensures that customers receive more capacity without additional cost.
On the other hand, the CPU price warning adds a layer of complexity for potential buyers. While existing pre-orders remain unaffected, those considering new orders may need to weigh the current pricing against future costs. Framework's decision to maintain fully refundable pre-orders provides some flexibility, but the timing of any price adjustments remains unclear.
The introduction of the ADATA XPG MARS 970 SSD and the CPU cost warning highlight the dynamic nature of the laptop market. For IT teams evaluating hardware upgrades, this shift underscores the importance of monitoring both storage and processor trends to optimize performance while managing costs effectively.
