The Framework 13 Pro OCuLink Mod is a community exploration of adding OCuLink (Optical-Copper Link) external GPU connectivity to the Framework Laptop 13 Pro (Intel Core Ultra Series 3 / Panther Lake) by utilizing its PCIe Gen 5 M.2 NVMe slot. Announced by community member Wisky_Pro in August 2026, the project is in a very early stage with the creator awaiting hardware delivery and planning testing once the laptop arrives.
The Lexar NM790 is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor. Despite being DRAM-less (Maxio MAP1602 controller), it delivers strong performance (up to 7,400 MB/s sequential read) with excellent idle power efficiency, and is widely praised in the Framework community as one of the best-value high-capacity drives.
The Samsung 990 Pro is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor, with sequential reads up to 7,450 MB/s. It is a popular high-performance community choice for Framework laptops, confirmed working without storage-related issues.
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD (NVMe 1.4) in the M.2 2280 form factor, built on the WD/SanDisk Polaris 3 A101 controller and Kioxia 218-layer BiCS8 TLC NAND. Despite the high "7100" model number it is a PCIe Gen4 drive, not Gen5. It delivers sequential reads up to 7,250 MB/s and writes up to 6,900 MB/s with notably strong power efficiency, and was used in the Framework Laptop 13 Pro review unit tested by Tom's Hardware.
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor. It is one of Framework's officially compatibility-tested drives and a frequent community choice for the primary storage slot, with sequential reads up to 7,300 MB/s. Framework ships the related enterprise SN810 drive in pre-built Laptop 16 configurations.
The XPG Mars 970 Plus (ADATA part AMTG970P) is a PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe 2.0 SSD in the M.2 2280 form factor, built on the Silicon Motion SM2508 controller (TSMC 6nm) and 232-layer 3D TLC NAND. It delivers sequential reads up to 11,000 MB/s and writes up to 10,000 MB/s in a single-sided, laptop-friendly design. It is now offered directly by Framework on the Framework Laptop 13 Pro DIY Edition, where Framework qualified it for better performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability.