Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040) RAM and SSD Upgrade Guide

Lifecycle and support

No longer sold new. The manufacturer hasn't published an end-of-support date.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

RAM: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB

The Laptop 13 has two memory slots (Channel A and Channel B), and both are user-replaceable. No memory is soldered to the board. It takes unbuffered DDR5 SO-DIMMs only, up to 32 GB per module, so the official maximum is 64 GB (2 x 32 GB). The top supported speed is JEDEC DDR5-5600 at CL40. Framework's own kits are 8, 16, 32 and 64 GB, all DDR5-5600.

There is no XMP or EXPO support. A kit sold as 6000 MT/s relies on an XMP profile and won't run at that speed here. A module whose default is 4800 MT/s will simply run at 4800 and lose performance. Some owners also report boot problems with modules whose JEDEC speed isn't 5600 MT/s, including some documented Linux cases.

Two matched modules fill both memory channels. A single module likely means single-channel operation and lower performance, though that is our reasoning rather than a Framework statement. 24 GB and 48 GB modules reportedly work but aren't officially supported, so treat them as at-your-own-risk. ECC modules work without ECC functionality and are not fully validated. Registered modules don't apply to this platform.

Buying tips

• Look for true JEDEC 5600 (5600A, CL40) SO-DIMMs, not overclocked or XMP-only kits.
• Buy a matched pair, such as 2 x 16 GB or 2 x 32 GB, rather than a single module.
• Owners report good results with the Kingston KF556S40IBK2-64 and G.Skill F5-5600S4040A32GX2-RS kits.
• Skip ECC and registered modules; they add no benefit here.
• Ignore any mention of 96 GB support. That figure appears to describe a newer Framework generation, not this one.

Storage: M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, up to 4 TB

The laptop supports M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. Framework sells drives up to 4 TB for this model (WD_BLACK SN850X). Some Framework marketing text mentions up to 8 TB, but that appears to describe the newest generation; for the 7040, Framework's own options top out at 4 TB.

A few details are unconfirmed. Framework's documents we checked don't state the number of M.2 slots (the listing describes a single drive option), the PCIe generation of the slot, or whether SATA M.2 drives work. The WD_BLACK SN770 and SN850X drives Framework sells are PCIe 4.0 models, but that doesn't confirm the slot's link speed. Check Framework's specs page or service guide before buying anything unusual.

For extra space, the laptop has four Expansion Card slots, which Framework describes as covering ports and storage. Only the upper (back) left and right slots support USB4. The lower right slot is USB 3.2 and DisplayPort, and the lower left is USB 3.2 only, so a storage or video card in the wrong slot may not perform as expected.

Buying tips

• Choose an M.2 2280 NVMe drive. Smaller or SATA-only drives aren't listed as supported.
• Don't assume PCIe 4.0 speeds from the slot until you've checked Framework's specs page.
• Put a storage Expansion Card in an upper (back) slot to get USB4 speeds.
• Keep 4 TB as your capacity ceiling for this model.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up your files, and have your operating system install media ready if you plan to replace the SSD.
• Check that the DIY Edition or your unit has no RAM or SSD you want to keep; the DIY Edition ships without RAM, storage or an OS.
• Have your new SO-DIMMs or M.2 drive on hand. Look for DDR5-5600 JEDEC modules or an M.2 2280 NVMe drive.
• Work on a clean, flat, static-free surface and keep the owner's manual or Framework's official guides open for the exact disassembly steps.
• Allow time: Framework estimates DIY Edition setup at about 10 to 20 minutes.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage, especially if you are swapping the SSD.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the laptop down completely, disconnect the charger and any Expansion Cards or cables.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch a bare metal object or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling components, and hold modules and drives by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Follow Framework's official guide or your owner's manual to remove the bottom cover and disconnect the battery if the guide says so. We don't list screw counts or latch details here.
5. Install the RAM
   Seat matched DDR5 SO-DIMMs in both slots (Channel A and Channel B), making sure each is fully inserted and secured as the guide describes.
6. Install the SSD
   Fit an M.2 2280 NVMe drive in the M.2 slot and secure it as the official guide shows. Alternatively, add a storage Expansion Card, preferably in an upper (back) slot.
7. Close up and reconnect
   Refit the cover, reinstall any Expansion Cards and reconnect power.
8. Check that the system sees the new parts
   Enter the BIOS setup or boot your operating system and confirm the total memory and the new drive are detected. If the RAM doesn't show correctly, check that the modules are true JEDEC 5600 parts, and consider a BIOS update. Early units had a battery cutoff issue on certain chargers that was fixed in BIOS 3.05.

Good to know

• Framework's knowledge-base article on supported memory could not be read in full, so we can't point to its list of validated modules. Check it before you buy.
• The number of M.2 slots, the slot's PCIe generation and SATA support aren't confirmed. Check Framework's specs page or service guide.
• Single-module performance is our reasoning: one module likely runs single-channel, which isn't stated by Framework.
• 24 GB and 48 GB modules are reported to work but are unsupported.
• We found no confirmed information on a CPU upgrade for this model, so this guide covers RAM and storage only.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040) take?

Up to 64 GB officially, using two 32 GB DDR5 SO-DIMMs. Both slots are user-replaceable and no memory is soldered. Claims of 96 GB appear to apply to a newer generation, not this one.

What RAM speed does the Framework 13 AMD support?

DDR5-5600 (JEDEC 5600 MT/s, CL40). There is no XMP or EXPO, so a 6000 MT/s kit won't run at that speed, and a module with a 4800 default will run at 4800.

Can I use 24 GB or 48 GB modules?

They reportedly work but aren't officially supported. The official limit is 32 GB per module.

What size SSD can I install?

The laptop supports M.2 2280 NVMe drives, and Framework sells up to 4 TB for this model. Mentions of 8 TB appear to relate to a newer generation. The slot's PCIe generation and SATA support aren't confirmed.

Can I add a second SSD?

We couldn't confirm a second M.2 slot, and the listing describes a single drive option. You can add storage through an Expansion Card, ideally in an upper (back) slot for USB4 speeds.

Can I upgrade the CPU on the Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040)?

We found no confirmed information on a separate CPU upgrade for this model. The Ryzen 5 7640U and Ryzen 7 7840U versions share the same memory and storage options, differing only in battery size (55 Wh versus 61 Wh). Check Framework's own pages for any processor options.

Official documents and references

• Framework Laptop 13 (AMD) specifications
  Official specs and Expansion Card details
• Framework Laptop DIY Edition 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040)
  Official RAM and SSD options for this model
• Announcing the Framework Laptop 13 powered by AMD Ryzen
  Launch details on memory speed and ports
• What RAM is supported in Framework Laptop 13 Ryzen 7040 Series
  Framework's supported memory article
• Framework Laptop 13 7040 Series on Framewiki
  Community-maintained memory, ECC and BIOS notes
• RAM memory for AMD Ryzen 7040 series (Framework Community)
  Owner reports on tested RAM kits