https://www.notebookcheck.net/Framework-Laptop-13-gets-ARM-processor-with-12-cores-via-upgrade-kit.1177930.0.html Notebookcheck Logo Notebookcheck Logo [ ] dark mode light mode V EN Flag * * Reviews * News * Videos * Benchmarks / Tech * Buyers Guide * Magazine * Library * Search * Jobs * ... * DE Flag Deutsch * US Flag English * ES Flag Espanol * FR Flag Francais * IT Flag Italiano * NL Flag Nederlands * PL Flag Polski * PT Flag Portugues * RU Flag Russkii * TR Flag Turkce * SE Flag Svenska * CN Flag Chinese * HU Flag Magyar Framework Laptop 13 gets ARM processor with 12 cores via upgrade kit The Framework Laptop 13 can now be equipped with an ARM processor (Image source: Notebookcheck)The Framework Laptop 13 can now be equipped with an ARM processor (Image source: Notebookcheck) The Framework Laptop 13 has a replaceable mainboard, which means that the processor can be easily upgraded after purchase. While Framework itself only offers Intel and AMD CPUs, a mainboard with a high-performance ARM processor from a third-party manufacturer has now launched. Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 12/04/2025 ... Laptop Launch ARM 4 [*] Reviews - [ ]exclude selected types The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite have proven that ARM processors have earned a place in the laptop market, as devices like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 stand out with their long battery life and an affordable price point. MetaComputing is now offering an alternative to Intel, AMD and the Snapdragon X series. Specifically, the company has introduced a mainboard that can be installe in the Framework Laptop 13 or in a mini PC case. This mainboard is equipped with a CIX CP8180 ARM chipset, which is also found inside the Minisforum MS-R1. This processor has a total of eight ARM Cortex-A720 performance cores, the two fastest can hit boost clock speeds of up to 2.6 GHz. Moreover, there are four Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. The mainboard can be installed in the Framework Laptop 13 or a mini PC case (Image source: MetaComputing)The mainboard can be installed in the Framework Laptop 13 or a mini PC case (Image source: MetaComputing) Additionally, there's an ARM Immortalis-G720 GPU with ten cores and an AI accelerator with a performance of 30 TOPS. This chipset is likely slower than the Snapdragon X Elite or a current flagship smartphone chip, but it should still provide enough performance for many everyday tasks. Either way, this mainboard upgrade might only be interesting for developers for the most part, because early tests show that the SoC already draws about 16 watts at idle, which means battery life will likely be fairly short when combined with the 55Wh battery of the Framework Laptop 13. Price and availability The MetaComputing ARM AI PC Kit is available now at the manufacturer's official online shop. The base model with 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD and a mini PC case costs $549. The mainboard can be installed in a previously purchased Framework Laptop 13. Users who don't own a Framework Laptop can order a bundle including the notebook for $999. MetaComputing charges an additional $100 for 32GB RAM. Shipping is free worldwide, but these list prices do not include import fees or taxes. Source(s) MetaComputing (press release | product page) Related Articles Custom OCuLink expansion bay module (Image Source: Filip@community.frame.work) User showcases custom OCuLink X8 module for the Framework Laptop 16 with 1-2% performance hit 12/03/2025 The user 3D printed the enclosure (pictured) themselves over multiple iterations. (Image source: u/C4pt41nUn1c0rn via r/framework) Framework user builds a 3D-printed console-style PC using a laptop motherboard and 7900 XTX GPU 10/27/2025 Framework is under fire, and the accusations include exclusionary practices and supporting controversial political positions. Pictured - the Framework logo. (Image source: Framework) Controversy erupts over Framework's backing of alleged divisive open-source figures 10/10/2025 The Framework Laptop 12 Stylus supports USI 2.0. (Image source: Framework) Framework Laptop 12 Stylus launches for $59, alongside accessories for Framework Desktop 09/30/2025 It may be larger, but the Framework Desktop may be the better deal than the GMK EVO-X2 or BOSGAME M5 due to its quieter, cooler, and more efficient operation (Image source: Framework) Framework Desktop runs more efficiently than the GMK EVO-X2 with the exact same Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor 09/20/2025 4 [*] News - [ ]exclude selected types Read all 1 comments / answer static version load dynamic Loading Comments Comment on this article Ubiquiti announces Dream Router 5G ... Ubiquiti UniFi 5G Max: New cellular... Hannes Brecher Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19368 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018 Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry. contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing Enrico Frahn Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5837 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021 My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I'm particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking. contact me via: LinkedIn Please share our article, every link counts! Facebook Logo Threads Logo Bluesky Logo X (Twitter) Logo Reddit Logo Pocket Logo Flipboard Logo Linkedin Logo Mail Logo > Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2025 12 > Framework Laptop 13 gets ARM processor with 12 cores via upgrade kit Hannes Brecher, 2025-12- 4 (Update: 2025-12- 4) 10 - [ ]exclude selected types [*] Contact & Imprint | Data Privacy Declaration | Cookie Settings | 05.12.2025 17:45 * If you buy something via one of our affiliate links, Notebookcheck may earn a commission. Thank you for your support! dark / light / del