One notable feature of Framework laptops is their modular structure. Take the Laptop 16, for instance; you can easily replace the AMD Radeon 7700S graphics module with an Expansion Bay Shell if you prefer a lighter, more streamlined setup. Additionally, the mainboard can be swapped out, enabling you to upgrade the processor as needed.
A New Contender Emerges
However, it appears that Framework may have a new rival in the market. The brand Firebat has introduced its Huan 16 Air, which includes a separate GPU board. Although the company hasn’t directly stated that it’s modular, the way the boards connect through a bridge and the presence of contact points suggest that users might be able to upgrade the GPU themselves.
Spec Comparisons
While Firebat hasn’t provided information about which GPU boards can be interchanged, the situation is similar for Framework, as the Laptop 16 only offers the Radeon 7700S as its graphics module. Regarding the Huan 16 Air, it comes equipped with solid specifications. This gaming laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS and includes the Nvidia RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, which is rated at 140W (currently priced at $899.99 for the Dell G15 on Best Buy). It boasts a 16-inch display with a refresh rate of 240 Hz, a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, and full 100% sRGB color coverage.
Build Quality and Pricing
The build quality also seems commendable, featuring a slim design along with a good selection of ports. In terms of cost, the Huan 16 Air is priced at CNY 6,999 (approximately $970). It’s worth noting that Firebat doesn’t typically offer its products outside of China. Nevertheless, reports from 孤城Hardware indicate that other Chinese brands may follow suit with similar internal designs.
@realVictor_M on X , JD.com, 孤城Hardware via: Wccftech
