Framework upgrades SSD storage for preorders at lower prices
Hardware storage speed is a bottleneck for local LLM inference; see if these new SSDs improve your dev workflow.
30-Second TL;DR
What Changed
Preorders for 500GB SSD configurations are being upgraded to 1TB at a lower price point.
Why It Matters
This pricing adjustment improves the value proposition for developers using Framework laptops for local AI model development. Lower costs for high-speed storage make local LLM inference and dataset management more accessible.
What To Do Next
If you are building a local AI workstation, check the Framework configurator to see if the new PCIe Gen 5 SSD options meet your throughput requirements for local model fine-tuning.
Key Points
- •Preorders for 500GB SSD configurations are being upgraded to 1TB at a lower price point.
- •Framework secured a new supply agreement with Adata for PCIe Gen 5 SSDs.
- •New 1TB and 2TB SSD configuration options are now available for order.
Deep Insight
AI-generated analysis for this event — not the original article.
Enhanced Key Takeaways
- •Framework is leveraging the transition to PCIe Gen 5 storage to improve the price-to-performance ratio across its modular laptop lineup.
- •The Adata supply agreement specifically targets the high-speed NVMe market, allowing Framework to bypass previous supply chain bottlenecks that kept SSD prices artificially high.
- •Existing customers who already placed preorders for the 500GB model are being automatically upgraded at no additional cost, reflecting Framework's commitment to its 'right-to-repair' and customer-centric philosophy.
- •The integration of PCIe Gen 5 SSDs requires updated thermal management solutions within the Laptop 13 Pro chassis to handle the increased heat output of faster drives.
- •Framework's move aligns with broader industry trends where modular laptop manufacturers are increasingly commoditizing storage components to compete with traditional OEMs like Dell and Lenovo.
Competitor Analysis
- Framework Laptop 13 Pro
- Fully Modular (User-replaceable)
- Dell XPS 13 (2026)
- Soldered (Non-upgradable)
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- Soldered (Non-upgradable)
- Framework Laptop 13 Pro
- PCIe Gen 5
- Dell XPS 13 (2026)
- PCIe Gen 4
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- PCIe Gen 4
- Framework Laptop 13 Pro
- Lower (via Adata deal)
- Dell XPS 13 (2026)
- Premium
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- Premium
- Framework Laptop 13 Pro
- 10/10
- Dell XPS 13 (2026)
- 4/10
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- 5/10
| Feature | Framework Laptop 13 Pro | Dell XPS 13 (2026) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Upgradability | Fully Modular (User-replaceable) | Soldered (Non-upgradable) | Soldered (Non-upgradable) |
| SSD Interface | PCIe Gen 5 | PCIe Gen 4 | PCIe Gen 4 |
| Base Storage Price | Lower (via Adata deal) | Premium | Premium |
| Repairability Score | 10/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Technical Deep Dive
- The new Adata SSDs utilize the PCIe 5.0 x4 interface, theoretically doubling the bandwidth of previous Gen 4 drives to approximately 10-14 GB/s sequential read speeds.
- Implementation involves a dedicated M.2 2280 slot with enhanced thermal pads to mitigate the higher power consumption and thermal throttling common in Gen 5 controllers.
- The drives utilize 3D TLC NAND flash memory, optimized for the Framework Laptop 13 Pro's power management firmware to ensure battery efficiency during idle states.
- Framework has updated its BIOS to support the NVMe 2.0 specification, ensuring full compatibility with the advanced features of the new Adata storage modules.
Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources
Timeline
- 2021-07Framework launches its first modular laptop, the Framework Laptop 13.
- 2023-05Framework announces the Laptop 16, expanding the modular ecosystem.
- 2025-11Framework begins internal testing of PCIe Gen 5 storage integration.
- 2026-06Framework secures Adata supply deal and upgrades Laptop 13 Pro preorder storage.
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Original source: The Verge ↗
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