Building A Gaming PC With The Framework Desktop: Our First Impressions

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Post on Feb 28, 2025

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Building a Gaming PC with the Framework Desktop: Our First Impressions

The modular PC revolution is here, and it's packing a serious punch. Framework's long-awaited foray into the desktop market, the Framework Desktop, promises unparalleled upgradability and repairability. But how does it fare as a gaming rig? We spent a week building and benchmarking our own, and here's our verdict: a compelling blend of flexibility and power, with a few caveats.

Unboxing and Initial Setup: A Breath of Fresh Air

Unlike the usual chaotic mess of cables and components, unpacking the Framework Desktop was a surprisingly pleasant experience. The minimalist design, coupled with the well-organized packaging, sets a positive tone from the get-go. The motherboard's innovative expansion card system is instantly noticeable, promising easy upgrades and customization – a gamer's dream. Installation of the CPU, RAM, and storage was straightforward, even for a relative novice. Framework's clear and concise instructions, along with their helpful online resources, made the process incredibly smooth. This is a huge win for accessibility, allowing even less experienced builders to jump in.

Performance: A Solid Contender

We configured our Framework Desktop with a Ryzen 7 7700X, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a high-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070. The performance was impressive, delivering smooth gameplay at high settings in popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Red Dead Redemption 2. Benchmark scores were in line with expectations for the chosen components, showcasing the system's ability to handle demanding games without issue. The quiet operation during gameplay was also a pleasant surprise.

The Modular Advantage: Upgradeability and Repair

The true strength of the Framework Desktop lies in its modular design. Upgrading components is a breeze; swapping out RAM or storage takes mere minutes. Replacing the graphics card is equally simple, offering effortless future-proofing. This ease of access is a game-changer, significantly extending the lifespan of the system and reducing e-waste. The ability to easily repair individual components is equally compelling, offering cost savings and environmental benefits.

Areas for Improvement:

While the Framework Desktop shines in many aspects, there's room for improvement. The price point is slightly higher than traditional pre-built gaming PCs with comparable specs. This higher cost reflects the premium placed on modularity and repairability, but it might deter budget-conscious gamers. Additionally, while the expansion card system is brilliant, the current selection of expansion cards is somewhat limited, hopefully expanding in the future.

Conclusion: A Future-Proof Gaming Investment?

Our first impressions of the Framework Desktop are overwhelmingly positive. Its modularity, ease of build, and strong performance create a compelling package for gamers who value upgradability, repairability, and sustainability. While the premium price tag might be a deterrent for some, the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits make it a worthy investment for many. The Framework Desktop is not just a gaming PC; it's a statement about the future of computing. It's a solid contender in the gaming PC market, and we eagerly anticipate seeing how the ecosystem expands in the future. For gamers looking for a truly future-proof and sustainable gaming experience, the Framework Desktop is certainly worth considering.

Keywords: Framework Desktop, Gaming PC, PC Build, Modular PC, Upgradable PC, Repairable PC, Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 4070, PC Gaming, Sustainable Gaming, PC Review, First Impressions, Gaming PC Build Guide, DIY PC.