Framework's new dev kit means you can jam a full desktop GPU into the back of its 16-inch laptop
The Framework 13 Pro and Wireless Touchpad Keyboard aren't the only new techie toys coming out of the Next-Gen event today, Framework is also working on upgrades for the Framework 16. And specifically one that will allow you to connect a full desktop GPU to the rear of the big boi laptop.
The key feature of the Framework 16 laptop is its large Expansion Bay on the rear. This is what allows you to plumb a full discrete mobile GPU into the machine via the Graphics Module and realise the dream of genuinely upgradeable graphics cards for gaming laptops. Well, up to a point anyway. So far we've had only two discrete GPUs available for the Framework 16—the Radeon RX 7700S and the GeForce RTX 5070—but it at least delivers on the premise better than the failed Alienware idea.
But the new OCuLink Dev Kit means that you'll now be able to connect an eGPU to the rear of the device, or even fully fledged desktop graphics cards plumbed in via an eight-lane PCIe connection enabled by the OCuLink interface. This upgrade provides 128 Gbps of bidirectional throughput across the link.
And it comes in three distinct parts. At the heart is the OCuLink Adapter Board that goes into the Framework 16's Expansion Bay Shell and exposes the PCIe interface via a connection on the rear of the laptop. Then Framework has developed a dock designed to house the discrete mobile GPU that would otherwise be installed inside the Framework 16 so that it can be housed externally on the desktop and connected via OCuLink.
For me, that's the least interesting bit, after all, I'd rather either have that mobile GPU installed or not at all.
The third part, however, has me sold. The PCIe OCuLink Dock is a wee board that allows you to take a normal desktop graphics card, pair it with a PSU to power it, and plug it directly into the laptop for a pretty minor performance hit. Certainly less than you will traditionally see with Thunderbolt or USB4, anyways.
Sure, it has a jury-rigged look to it, but that sort of science lab feel kinda works for me. I'll take having my big ol' graphics card floating about on the desktop if I can get that performance into my laptop from a single plug.
Though it is a dev kit and is actually designed so that Framework is just giving you the core electrical components; you supply the PSU, GPU, and surrounds to stop it looking so ludicrous.