TL;DR
After buying the Framework 16 DIY, assembling it and testing multiple operating systems, the author decided to return the machine. While the laptop impressed on modularity and repairability, complaints about weight, build feel, display output, and certain hardware/driver problems made it unsuitable for their needs.
What happened
The author replaced a 2019 X1 Carbon with a Framework 16 DIY kit, installing the supplied SSD, RAM and magnetic keyboard/touchpad spacers. Shipping took about a week but routed through multiple countries. FreeBSD 15 was tried first; Wi‑Fi worked only after swapping the bundled Mediatek card for an Intel AX210, but loading AMD GPU drivers triggered a kernel crash and suspend remained unreliable. The author moved to Fedora 43, which ran without those showstoppers. Hardware impressions were mixed: assembly was straightforward and modularity and serviceability praised, but the 16" model weighed about 2.2 kg (vs 1.3 kg for the X1 Carbon), had flexible removable spacers with sharp edges and wobble, and a display that the author found overly saturated, non‑uniform and too bright at low settings. The power button LED could not be disabled in the BIOS. These issues led to the decision to return the laptop.
Why it matters
- Modular, repairable laptops like the Framework can simplify upgrades and repairs compared with many competitors.
- Real‑world fit matters: weight and build quality affect how and where a laptop is used, especially for people who carry machines frequently.
- Linux and BSD support remain uneven: driver and suspend issues can negate the benefits of open hardware if core components lack stable support.
- Display characteristics (color accuracy, uniformity, minimum brightness) directly impact usability in low‑light and color‑sensitive workflows.
- Premium pricing raises expectations for refinement; design or fit‑and‑finish shortcomings can undermine perceived value.
Key facts
- Author bought the Framework 16 DIY edition with a Ryzen AI 7 350, 2×8 GiB DDR5‑5600, and a 500 GiB WD Black SN7100 SSD.
- An Intel AX210 Wi‑Fi card was purchased and installed because the default Mediatek card did not work on FreeBSD.
- Shipping took about a week and the package tracked through multiple countries en route to the Netherlands.
- Assembly required installing SSD, RAM and magnetic keyboard/touchpad spacers; opening and reassembling took only a few minutes.
- FreeBSD 15 installed but failed after AMD driver load (kernel crash) and had suspend problems; Fedora 43 ran without those issues.
- The Framework 16 weighed about 2.2 kg on the author's scale versus 1.3 kg for their X1 Carbon.
- The removable spacers are flexible, create visible gaps and edges, and can cause the chassis to wobble when held at the sides.
- The display showed overly saturated colors, uneven white/gray uniformity and remained bright even at low settings.
- The power button includes an LED that the author reports cannot be disabled in the BIOS.
What to watch next
- Firmware or driver updates that address GPU kernel crashes and suspend stability on BSD/Linux — not confirmed in the source
- Software or firmware changes allowing lower minimum display brightness or disabling the power LED in BIOS — not confirmed in the source
- Framework responses or hardware revisions tackling spacer flex, fit‑and‑finish and build quality concerns — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- DIY edition: A configuration sold as a kit requiring the buyer to install components such as SSD, RAM and modular parts themselves.
- Asahi Linux: A Linux project focused on providing support for Apple Silicon hardware; distinct from macOS.
- QMK/VIAL: Open firmware and configuration tools used to customize mechanical keyboard behavior and key mapping.
- OLED: A display technology known for high contrast and deep blacks, but susceptible to image retention or burn‑in over long periods.
- Suspend: A low‑power state where a device pauses activity and can quickly resume, sometimes also called sleep.
Reader FAQ
Did the Framework 16 work with FreeBSD?
Partially; the author got Wi‑Fi working after swapping to an Intel AX210, but loading AMD GPU drivers caused a kernel crash and suspend did not work reliably.
Was assembly difficult?
No; installing SSD, RAM and magnetic keyboard/touchpad spacers was quick and reassembly took only a few minutes.
Is the display suitable for dim environments?
The author found the display too bright at low settings and noted overly saturated colors and non‑uniformity.
Can the power LED be turned off in BIOS?
The author reports the power button LED cannot be disabled in the BIOS.
I'm returning my Framework 16 Dec 23, 2025 My current laptop is an aging X1 Carbon generation 7, purchased some time in mid 2019. A few months ago a few…
Sources
- I'm returning my Framework 16
- What is the Framework Return Policy?
- Framework Return experience and packaging tips?
- Return responses and investigation respon
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