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Framework Laptop 13 (5th Gen, 2025) – Modular by Design, Built for Circularity

Reviewed by Sustainability Analyst

May 17, 2025

Overall Rating: 8.1/10

The Framework Laptop 13 (5th Gen), released in May 2025, continues to redefine what sustainable computing can look like. It stands out for its fully modular design, user-replaceable components, and commitment to transparency. This generation introduces AMD’s new Ryzen AI 300 series processors, along with support for up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, setting a new bar for performance in repairable ultrabooks. While it’s not perfect—mainly due to higher upfront costs and average power efficiency—it delivers exceptional alignment with sustainability and ITAD objectives.

Product Page:
https://frame.work/laptop13

Technical Specifications

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840U (Ryzen AI 300 series) or Intel Core Ultra
  • Memory: Up to 96GB DDR5 SO-DIMM (2 slots, user-replaceable)
  • Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD (M.2 2280)
  • Display: 13.5″ 2256×1504 IPS, 3:2 aspect ratio
  • Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon 780M or Intel Arc
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Ports: 4x customizable Expansion Card slots (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DP, Ethernet, storage, etc.)
  • Battery: 61Wh, user-replaceable
  • Weight: 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
  • OS: Windows, Linux compatible
  • Availability: Shipping from May 2025

AI Features

With AMD Ryzen AI onboard, the 5th Gen Framework Laptop supports on-device processing for tasks like live transcription, real-time language translation, and video effects in conferencing apps. Unlike typical AI laptops, however, Framework users have the freedom to upgrade future AI-capable mainboards without replacing the full system—an inherently sustainable approach.

Sustainability (Materials & Environmental Impact) – 8.5/10

Framework openly shares repair guides, materials sourcing, and carbon footprint data. The chassis is made of 50% recycled aluminum, and modules are shipped in minimal, recyclable packaging. Unlike most vendors, Framework discloses individual part availability and lifecycle tracking. Their reuse-first model avoids planned obsolescence. A minor deduction reflects the lack of EPEAT certification, though the product arguably exceeds EPEAT criteria.

Repairability & Serviceability – 10/10

No mainstream laptop scores higher. Nearly every part—mainboard, battery, screen, ports, keyboard, webcam—is user-replaceable or upgradeable, with no adhesives, soldered memory, or firmware locks. Parts and guides are published on Framework’s marketplace. The system is designed around the idea that users or refurbishers can extend life indefinitely. This category sets the industry benchmark.

Performance & Enterprise Integration – 8.0/10

The Ryzen 7 8840U delivers excellent productivity performance, especially in multitasking, office suites, and developer workloads. Wi-Fi 6E and modular ports support flexible deployment. Enterprise features like vPro or biometric logins may be optional or DIY, depending on configuration. Integration is solid for general enterprise use but not designed with large fleet security needs in mind.

Lifecycle Management & Longevity – 9.0/10

Unlike any sealed laptop, this model can evolve. Users can swap mainboards, upgrade RAM or storage, or replace ports over time. Framework has proven its commitment to backward compatibility—new mainboards support older chassis, and vice versa. The only reason it’s not a perfect 10 is the reliance on user initiative to keep the device current.

Cost-effectiveness & Total Cost of Ownership – 7.5/10

Upfront pricing is higher than similarly specced ultrabooks, especially if buying modules individually. However, its TCO is lower over time due to upgradeability, reusability, and easy repair. For organizations able to self-manage, this system dramatically reduces hardware turnover and replacement budgets. For less tech-savvy buyers, the DIY nature might be a barrier.

End-of-Life Processing & Recyclability – 8.0/10

Few systems are easier to dismantle for parts reuse. Modules retain value and can be resold individually or repurposed. Framework encourages part recovery through its marketplace and offers a buyback program in some regions. Devices are labeled for easy disassembly and sorting. A higher score would require a full vendor-operated global take-back system.

Power Consumption – 6.5/10

The use of AMD processors with high base clocks means that under heavy load, power draw is higher than ultrabooks tuned for efficiency. Thermal design is competent, but battery life trails sealed competitors like MacBook Air or Surface Laptop. Users can mitigate this with Linux tuning or undervolting, but power efficiency isn’t the laptop’s strongest point.

Data Security – 7.0/10

Framework supports hardware encryption (via NVMe), TPM 2.0, and secure boot, but lacks integrated biometric authentication out of the box unless a user adds it. For enterprise deployments with custom needs, this may be acceptable. For plug-and-play security, the offering lags behind preconfigured commercial platforms.

What You Should Know If You Are a Recycler

This is arguably the most recyclable laptop in its class. You can remove every component with a screwdriver—no heat, solvents, or adhesives needed. Labeling and QR-code-linked guides further simplify teardown. Modular resale potential is strong.

What You Should Know If You Are a Refurbisher

Refurbishers will find this system ideal. You can easily upgrade RAM, clean and resell modules, and swap motherboards to create new configurations. The existence of a vendor-backed marketplace adds liquidity to the refurbishment process.

What You Should Know About This Product’s Sustainability If You Are a CIO or IT Manager

Framework aligns closely with ESG procurement standards. It offers clear documentation, long lifespan, and minimized waste. However, it requires IT staff to handle some modular maintenance and may not suit environments needing pre-validated corporate security and software stacks.

What You Should Know If You Are an ITAD Service Provider

This is the gold standard for ITAD. Nearly every component is harvestable and retains resale value. A pre-established parts marketplace simplifies disposition. Rapid teardown and upgrade paths support circular resale programs at scale.

Recommendations for the Vendor

  • Provide optional configurations with pre-installed enterprise security (e.g., fingerprint, Smart Card)
  • Expand regional buyback and take-back programs globally
  • Publish comparative power efficiency benchmarks versus sealed competitors
  • Work toward EPEAT and ENERGY STAR certification for procurement alignment

Final Thoughts

The Framework Laptop 13 (5th Gen) delivers on the vision of a sustainable, repairable, and upgradeable computing platform. While it won’t win battery benchmarks or match the polish of major OEM flagships, it sets the industry pace for circular design, ITAD alignment, and user empowerment. For any organization focused on lifecycle cost, sustainability, and recovery, Framework remains the model to follow.

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Technical Specifications
AI Features Analysis
Sustainability (Materials & Environmental Impact) Analysis
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Repairability & Serviceability Profile
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End-of-Life Processing & Recyclability Profile
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Framework Laptop 13
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Framework Laptop 13 Ratings

Sustainability (Materials & Environmental Impact) - 8.5
Repairability & Serviceability - 10
Performance & Enterprise Integration - 8
Lifecycle Management & Longevity - 9
Cost-effectiveness & Total Cost of Ownership - 7.5
End-of-Life Processing & Recyclability - 8
Power Consumption - 6.5
Data Security - 7

8.1

Total Score

The Framework Laptop 13 (5th Gen) achieves an overall rating of 8.1/10, driven by its industry-best repairability, forward-compatible modular design, and clear alignment with circularity principles. Its sustainability transparency, longevity, and ITAD viability make it one of the most responsible laptops on the market. Minor deductions in power efficiency, upfront pricing, and enterprise-grade security features keep it from a perfect score, but for ESG-focused organizations and refurbishers, it remains a leading example of sustainable hardware design.

Disclaimer.

This analysis is based on publicly available information, including vendor’s official statements, product specifications, and independent third-party benchmarks where applicable. While we may have referenced data from the vendor’s corporate announcements and external performance reviews, this report does not constitute an endorsement of the vendor’s claims, nor does it independently verify all sustainability and performance metrics.

Key sustainability assertions, such as the use of recycled and renewable materials, are based on vendor’s or third-party disclosures, and while these figures reflect corporate sustainability initiatives, they have not been audited by an independent third-party environmental certification body within the scope of this analysis. Performance metrics referenced from benchmark studies, such as CrossMark ratings, come from external testing firms but may not represent real-world performance across all user scenarios.

Buyers and stakeholders—including IT procurement teams, IT asset disposition (ITAD) providers, and sustainability-focused enterprises—should conduct independent due diligence when evaluating the products reviewed by Compliance Standards LLC. This includes assessing total cost of ownership (TCO), repairability policies, recyclability logistics, and long-term software support to align with their specific needs and sustainability objectives.

Additionally, given the rapid evolution of enterprise IT hardware and sustainability standards, this analysis is subject to change based on future developments, regulatory shifts, and independent third-party evaluations that may emerge after publication. (Disclaimer update on March 5, 2025)

How we review

Methodology Statement

The ratings and analysis presented in this review are derived from a combination of independent analyst assessments and AI-assisted data processing. Our approach incorporates both expert evaluation and AI-driven analysis to ensure a comprehensive and data-informed perspective on the product reviewed on this page and other products on this platform.

AI is primarily used to sift through technical details reported by the vendor and third-party specialists, extracting and organizing key specifications, performance metrics, and sustainability claims. This assists in identifying patterns, contradictions, or areas requiring further scrutiny. AI also helps process complex technical statistics that are difficult to interpret manually, such as energy efficiency benchmarks, thermal dissipation data, lifecycle carbon impact, and component failure rates. Additionally, AI analysis simplifies comparisons between different hardware architectures and their implications for repairability, recyclability, and performance longevity.

While AI enhances efficiency in reviewing technical information, final judgments are made by analysts, who interpret and contextualize the findings. The ratings assigned to various categories reflect a balanced consideration of available data, industry standards, and sustainability concerns, but they should not be viewed as absolute.

The interpretation of the ratings and assessments provided should not be considered final or definitive. Readers are encouraged to use this analysis as a supplementary tool to refine their own evaluations.

The authors are not responsible for decisions made based on this information or for any outcomes resulting from its use. This review is intended as an additional service to help industry professionals assess IT hardware more effectively, incorporating sustainability and lifecycle considerations into their decision-making process.

  • Sustainability
  • Repairability & Serviceability
  • Performance & Enterprise Integration
  • Cost-effectiveness & TCO
  • Lifecycle Management & Longevity
  • Power Consumption
  • Data Security

Contact Us

Compliance Standards’ analysis who review these products can be reached via: inquiries@compliance-standards.com.  They can also be engaged by scheduling a free consultation at: https://compliancestandards.com/consultation/

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