Framework Laptop 12 Gets Intel Wildcat Lake Chips From $549

The Framework Laptop 12, the company's repairable and modular convertible laptop, has been updated with a new motherboard built around Intel's latest Core Series 3 "Wildcat Lake" processors. The update brings faster chips, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 7 to a laptop designed so owners can repair and upgrade it themselves rather than replace it every few years.

Processor options and pricing
Buyers can pick between the Intel Core 3 304, Core 5 320, and Core 7 350, all part of Intel's Wildcat Lake generation. The DIY Edition, which ships without RAM, storage, or an OS installed, starts at $549. Pre-built models loaded with Fedora 44 start at $699 for the Core 3 304 configuration with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7
This is the first Laptop 12 motherboard to include a Thunderbolt 4 port, alongside two additional USB-C ports with USB-PD and DisplayPort Alt Mode support. Wireless connectivity moves up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 through an Intel BE213 module, a notable jump for a laptop in this price range and one that should help with video calls and file transfers alike.

Repairable by design
True to Framework's approach, the Laptop 12 supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory through a single SO-DIMM slot, an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD slot for storage, and four swappable Expansion Cards for ports like HDMI, Ethernet, and SD card readers. Existing Laptop 12 owners can buy just the new motherboard for $299 and up rather than replace the whole machine.

Display and design
The convertible has a 12.2-inch, 1920 x 1200 display with a 360-degree hinge that lets it fold flat into tablet mode. It supports both MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 styluses, and an optional battery-powered stylus is available at checkout alongside a 60W GaN USB-C charger.

Software and availability
The Laptop 12 ships with a choice of Fedora 44 with KDE Plasma or Windows 11 Home or Pro, with Windows adding $100 to $150 to the price. Framework says pre-orders for the Wildcat Lake configuration are open now, with shipping scheduled to start in November, giving buyers a few months to decide on RAM, storage, and color options.

Round out your setup with Komodoty
A laptop built to be repaired for years is worth pairing with gear that lasts just as long. Komodoty makes cases for the phones and earbuds most people carry alongside a laptop like the Framework Laptop 12, in slim wood with a Kevlar core, aramid fiber, and Alcantara, with precise cutouts and support for wireless charging. Browse the full lineup in the Komodoty best-sellers collection.