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Framework Laptop 13 (11th Gen Intel, 2021)

The original Framework Laptop1, launched in July 20212. It was Framework's first product, shipping with 11th Gen Intel Core processors. The laptop received a 10 out of 10 in iFixit's repairability score34. It was available as a fully assembled laptop or as a DIY Edition with RAM, storage, OS, and WiFi module uninstalled5.

Discontinued

This model has been discontinued.

Specifications​

ComponentDetails
CPUIntel Core i5-1135G7, i7-1165G7, i7-1185G7
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe integrated graphics
MemoryDDR4-3200, 2 slots, up to 2x32 GB
Storage1x M.2 2280 (up to 4 TB)
Display13.5" IPS, 2256x1504 (3:2), 60 Hz, 400 nits, glossy
Battery55 Wh (80% capacity after 1000 cycles), described as middling6
ChargingUp to 100 W USB PD, 60 W GaN adapter included
I/O4x USB 10Gbps / Thunderbolt 4 (100 W, DP 1.4) via Expansion Cards
WirelessIntel AX201, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
AudioStereo 2 W speakers, dual microphones, 3.5 mm TRRS
Webcam1080p, 1/6", f/2, 80° FOV
KeyboardBacklit 78-key, 1.5 mm travel
Touchpad115 mm x 76.6 mm
FingerprintYes
Dimensions297 mm x 229 mm x 15.9 mm
Weight1.3 kg (2.9 lb)
OSWindows 11 (pre-installed) / DIY: user-provided Windows or Linux
Cooling28 W rated dissipation, 2x5 mm heatpipe, 65 mm fan

Linux​

Display calibration​

The BOE NE135FBM-N41 display panel is uncalibrated from the factory, resulting in suboptimal default sRGB coverage. An ICC color profile measured with an X-Rite i1Pro 2 is available from Notebookcheck7.

Speaker audio​

The downward-firing speakers sound unbalanced by default. Framework provides an official EasyEffects preset in their linux-docs repository8. A community-created alternative with convolver impulse responses measured using HiFiScan is also available9.

Fingerprint reader​

Install fprint to enable fingerprint authentication. If you have fitted a replacement fingerprint reader module, you may need to update the firmware10.

Ambient light sensor​

Install iio-sensor-proxy to enable automatic screen brightness in GNOME. Other desktop environments are unsupported11.

Known Issues​

  • There is a known issue with the 11th Gen Intel motherboards where both the main battery and RTC coin cell battery must be completely removed and reconnected if the laptop is left uncharged for a relatively short period1213. This was caused by an Intel silicon bug. Framework offered replacement RTC batteries and motherboards to affected users1415. The battery also drains in shutdown state with UEFI version 3.07 or earlier16, later fixed in BIOS 3.09 beta17.
  • Keyboard intermittent keys — Some Input Cover units from a subsupplier had a manufacturing defect (burr in the lattice near the Delete key) causing keys to intermittently stop working, most commonly in the right-side keyboard columns (Enter, Backspace, Delete, D, or P, 0, minus). Framework added quality checks and provides replacement Input Covers under warranty18. See the full problem page for details.
  • Hinge wobble and looseness — Original 3.3 kg hinges were tuned for one-hand opening, resulting in display resonance and insufficient holding force during lap or mobile use. A fall 2021 hinge batch shipped below spec. Framework added quality checks and released a 4.0 kg Hinge Kit and CNC Top Cover as upgrades19. See the full problem page for details.
  • Blinking red side LED after reassembly — If the black foam pad on the input cover shifts during maintenance, the chassis intrusion switch (SW3) won't be engaged, causing both side LEDs to blink red continuously. See the full problem page for details.
  • Battery flipping between charging and discharging — Battery status rapidly oscillates when on AC power with a charge limit set, causing microcycling, LED flicker, and dock disconnections. See the full problem page for details.

Firmware​

DetailInfo
UEFIInsydeH2O by Insyde Software20
ECOpen-source, based on CrOS EC, open-sourced January 20222122
Latest UEFI3.24

Footnotes​

  1. Introducing the Framework Laptop — Framework Blog ↩

  2. The Framework Laptop is now shipping and press reviews — Framework Blog ↩

  3. Framework Laptop Teardown: 10/10, but is it perfect? — iFixit ↩

  4. Framework Laptop Teardown — iFixit ↩

  5. Framework Laptop starting at $999, pre-orders are open — Framework Blog ↩

  6. Review: Framework's lightweight modular laptop is a winner — Ars Technica ↩

  7. Framework Laptop 13.5 i7-1165G7 display measurements — Notebookcheck (ICC profile measured with X-Rite i1Pro 2) ↩

  8. FrameworkComputer/linux-docs — EasyEffects preset — GitHub ↩

  9. cab404/framework-dsp — EasyEffects Framework DSP profiles — GitHub ↩

  10. Updating Fingerprint Reader Firmware on Linux — Framework Knowledge Base ↩

  11. Framework Laptop 13 (11th Gen Intel Core) — ArchWiki ↩

  12. Laptop won't power on unless I plug in AC power — Framework Community ↩

  13. Review, usage and repair of the Framework laptop — Yeo Kheng Meng ↩

  14. FrameworkComputer/RTCRework — GitHub ↩

  15. RTC Battery Substitution on 11th Gen Intel Core — Framework Guides ↩

  16. Battery slowly drains when completely shut down — Framework Community ↩

  17. 11th Gen BIOS 3.09 Beta release — Framework Community ↩

  18. Broken delete key — Nirav Patel official response — Framework Community ↩

  19. Explainer: Lid rigidity, hinge force, the CNC Top Cover, and the new 4.0kg Hinge Kit — Framework Community ↩

  20. Insyde Software powers newly launched Framework modular laptop — Insyde Software ↩

  21. Open Sourcing our Firmware — Framework Blog ↩

  22. FrameworkComputer/EmbeddedController — GitHub ↩