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Framework AIO Desktop

The Framework AIO is a 3D-printed all-in-one desktop computer built from Framework Laptop 13 parts, created by Michael Armstrong (whatthefilament) in January 202312. The project converts a Framework Laptop into an iMac-style desktop by housing the mainboard, display, speakers, webcam, and expansion cards in a custom 3D-printed enclosure13. Design files, STLs, and assembly instructions are available on GitHub under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license34.

Design​

Armstrong began the project in December 2022, following his earlier Framework Tablet project1. The design went through multiple iterations over approximately one month, with early renders shared on the Framework Community forum showing the evolution from initial concept to final assembly1.

The enclosure reuses as many OEM Framework parts as possible23:

  • Mainboard
  • Display panel
  • Display hinge (left hinge, with "L" stamp)
  • Speakers (with custom-designed chambers to improve audio volume)1
  • Webcam and webcam ribbon cable
  • Audio board
  • Wi-Fi module and antenna
  • Expansion cards

The case is held together using magnets and heat-set inserts, avoiding visible fasteners on the exterior. Magnetic cover panels provide access to the expansion card slots13.

Mounting Options​

The design supports two mounting configurations3:

  • Desktop stand — Uses the repurposed Framework laptop display hinge to allow tilt adjustment of the screen
  • 75 mm VESA mount — Integrated into the rear of the case for use with monitor arms and wall mounts

Printing​

The case is designed for 3D printing with the following specifications3:

SettingDetails
Layer Height0.2 mm
Nozzle0.4 mm
SupportsNot required (built-in supports in holes)
Recommended MaterialASA or ABS (best heat resistance); PETG may also work
Min. Build Volume301 mm (X) for main chassis and bezel

The main chassis overall dimensions are 301.15 mm × 231 mm × 21 mm3.

Assembly​

Assembly requires the following hardware3:

PartQuantity
M3 heat inserts (short)14
M3 × 4 mm screws10
M3 × 8 mm screws4
M2 × 6 mm self-tap screw1
6 mm × 3 mm magnets30

Tools needed: small mallet for pressing magnets, M3 hex key, small Phillips screwdriver (the Framework laptop's included screwdriver works), and a soldering iron or heat press insert tool3.

Detailed step-by-step assembly instructions are available on Instructables4.

Technical Specifications​

SpecificationDetails
Form FactorAll-in-one desktop
Base PlatformFramework Laptop 13 mainboard
DisplayFramework Laptop 13 panel
I/OFramework Expansion Cards (4 slots, accessible via magnetic panels)
ConnectivityFramework Wi-Fi module
AudioFramework speakers with custom chambers
CameraFramework webcam
Sourcewhatthefilament/Framework-AIO (GitHub)3
LicenseCC BY-NC-SA 4.03

Reception​

The project was covered by Hackaday2, Hackster.io5, and attracted significant community interest on the Framework Community forum1. Multiple users requested the ability to purchase pre-printed shells, and Armstrong indicated willingness to create a custom order page on Etsy for printed parts1. Hackaday noted the build as part of a growing ecosystem of Framework mainboard reuse projects, alongside Penk Chen's Mainboard Terminal and Richard Sutherland's Framedeck25.

Footnotes​

  1. Framework AIO Desktop — Framework Community (whatthefilament, December 2022 – January 2023) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9

  2. Building An All-in-One Desktop Out Of Framework Parts — Hackaday (February 2023) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  3. whatthefilament/Framework-AIO — GitHub (January 2023) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11

  4. Framework AIO Assembly — Instructables (January 2023) ↩ ↩2

  5. Michael Armstrong's Framework-AIO Converts a Framework Laptop Into 3D-Printed All-in-One Desktop — Hackster.io (February 2023) ↩ ↩2 ↩3