Framework Laptop 12 Teardown: Easy Repair Guide and Insights

Key Takeaways

1. Affordable Pricing: The Framework Laptop 12 starts at a base price of $549, making it a budget-friendly option, especially for students.

2. Convertible Design: It features a 360-degree hinge and a touchscreen, allowing it to function as a convertible device.

3. Easy Repairs: The laptop is designed for easy repairs, with tools not required for replacing ports and easy access to internal components.

4. Smart Internal Connections: The motherboard and keyboard connect via pogo pins, reducing the risk of damage during repairs, and internal components have QR codes linking to repair guides.

5. User-Friendly Upgrades: Users can easily replace key components like the battery, RAM, and SSD, and the lack of adhesive on the display simplifies future replacements.


The Framework Laptop 12 comes at a much lower price compared to the Framework Laptop 13, with the base price starting from $549. While the entry-level model packs an Intel Core i3-1315U, which is not very high-powered, it’s still a great choice for students. This laptop features a 360-degree hinge and a touchscreen, making it usable as a convertible device. Plus, all its parts can be swapped out with relative ease.

Easy to Repair

A teardown video by iFixit (linked below) illustrates how simple it is to fix the Framework Laptop 12. True to the design of Framework laptops, the four ports can be replaced without needing any tools, enabling upgrades to include HDMI, Ethernet, or even an SD card reader. Accessing the inner parts of the laptop is straightforward since both the keyboard and trackpad can be detached easily without tools.

Smart Design Choices

One smart design feature is that the motherboard and keyboard connect through pogo pins rather than a flex cable, which could be damaged during replacement. The trackpad can be changed independently from the keyboard by just loosening a few screws. Most internal components have QR codes that link to repair guides, and replacement screws are conveniently stored inside the case.

User-Friendly Upgrades

In just a few steps, users can replace the battery, power button, speakers, RAM, and the small M.2 2230 SSD. Even the mainboard can be swapped out by loosening a few screws, allowing for future processor upgrades. Furthermore, Framework avoids using adhesive on the display, making it easier to replace when necessary. With all these repair-friendly features, the Framework Laptop 12 earns a perfect repair score of 10 from iFixit.

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