Framework Laptop 16 Upgrade Guide: RAM and SSD

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

The Framework Laptop 16 lets you swap its RAM and M.2 SSDs yourself, and this guide covers what fits, the limits and the pitfalls. In short: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (64 GB documented at launch), a fast primary M.2 2280 slot, a slower secondary M.2 2230 slot, and an optional Dual M.2 Adapter for more storage.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, 2 x 32 GB (64 GB) documented at launch, running up to 5600 MT/s.
  • No soldered memory is mentioned, so both sockets are the whole memory story.
  • Primary SSD slot: M.2 2280 NVMe, PCIe 4.0 x4, listed up to 8 TB.
  • Secondary SSD slot: M.2 2230 NVMe only, PCIe 4.0 x2 on current models, up to 2 TB.
  • The Dual M.2 Adapter adds two more SSD slots but takes the place of the Graphics Module.
Memory (SO-DIMM)2 × DDR5 SO-DIMM · up to 64 GB total · 5600 MT/s
Primary M.2 2280 slotSSD M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 8 TB
Secondary M.2 2230 slotSSD M.2 2230 (NVMe) · up to 2 TB
Expansion Bay Dual M.2 Adapter2 × SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2242 / M.2 2260 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)
Expansion Card slots (storage cards)6 × Expansion card microSD (Proprietary) · up to 1 TB
2 × SO-DIMM · DDR5up to 64 GB totalPrimary M.2 2280 slotSSD M.2 2280 (NVMe) · up to 8 TBSecondary M.2 2230 slotSSD M.2 2230 (NVMe) · up to 2 TBExpansion Bay Dual M.2 Adapter2 × SSD M.2 2230 / M.2 2242 / M.2 2260 / M.2 2280 (NVMe)Expansion Card slots (storage cards)6 × Expansion card microSD (Proprietary) · up to 1 TB
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

20232024202520262027Today11 · Release · October 2023
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 October 2023 Official Framework said first batches were due to ship in Q4 2023; the exact first-ship day is not published. Date given as the start of Q4 2023. InvGate's January 2024 launch date conflicts with this and is not used.
Source ↗

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

Memory: two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots

The Framework Laptop 16 has two DDR5 SO-DIMM sockets, and no soldered memory is mentioned. At launch the documented maximum was 32 GB per module, so 64 GB in total. Factory configurations on the current Ryzen AI 300 page are 16 GB (2 x 8 GB), 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) and 64 GB (2 x 32 GB). The older Ryzen 7040 page shows 16 GB and 32 GB options.

The supported speed is DDR5-5600. Faster modules work but run at the supported speed. The current Ryzen AI 300 page lists up to 96 GB, which implies 48 GB modules, but that figure is documented only for the newer model. Don't assume it for the Ryzen 7040 version.

ECC and registered memory support isn't stated in the documents we found, so check Framework's validated memory list before buying anything unusual. After a RAM change, the first boot is slow while the laptop runs memory training. That is normal.

Buying tips

  • Buy DDR5 SO-DIMM modules, and buy them as a matched pair if you fill both slots.
  • Stick to 32 GB per module (64 GB total) unless you have the newer Ryzen AI 300 model.
  • Don't pay extra for modules faster than 5600 MT/s; they will run at the supported speed.
  • Avoid ECC or registered modules unless Framework's validated list includes them.
  • Pre-built configurations have fixed RAM and SSD combinations, while the DIY Edition lets you bring your own.

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Storage: two M.2 slots, an optional adapter and expansion cards

The primary slot takes an M.2 2280 NVMe drive over PCIe 4.0 x4. The current spec page lists drives up to 8 TB. A 2023 Framework blog post cited 4 TB for the DIY Edition while noting that 8 TB 2280 drives exist, so the 8 TB figure comes from the newer page. Put your fastest drive here.

The secondary slot takes short M.2 2230 NVMe drives only, up to 2 TB. The current spec page says it runs PCIe 4.0 x2, so an x4 drive will be slower there. The 2023 blog called both sockets PCIe Gen4x4, so the two documents disagree. 2230 drives are less common than 2280 drives. Framework lists up to 10 TB across the two internal SSDs.

For more space, the optional Expansion Bay Dual M.2 Adapter adds two M-key slots that accept 2230, 2242, 2260 and 2280 drives, for up to 16 TB extra. It sits in the Expansion Bay, so you can't fit the Graphics Module at the same time. The Graphics Module version is also heavier (2.40 kg vs 2.10 kg) and thicker.

The six Expansion Card slots are USB-based, not native card slots. Storage options are 250 GB and 1 TB cards plus a MicroSD card reader. They use USB 3.2 Gen 2 with about 1000 MB/s reads. Writes are 375 MB/s on the 250 GB card and 1000 MB/s on the 1 TB card. There are no 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch bays and no SATA.

Buying tips

  • Buy an M.2 2280 NVMe drive for the primary slot and keep the best one there.
  • Only buy a 2230 drive for the secondary slot; longer drives won't fit.
  • Expect reduced speed from an x4 drive in the secondary slot on current models.
  • Choose the Dual M.2 Adapter only if you don't need the Graphics Module.
  • Treat Expansion Cards as extra portable storage, not a replacement for an internal SSD.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up your files, because swapping a drive can mean reinstalling your operating system.
  • Check which model you own (Ryzen 7040 or Ryzen AI 300), since maximum memory differs in the documents.
  • Have your new RAM or SSD ready, and confirm the SSD length: 2280 for the primary slot, 2230 for the secondary.
  • Work on a clean, hard, static-free surface and keep the owner's manual open for exact disassembly steps.
  • Know that the first boot after a RAM change will be slow.

Steps

  1. Back up and prepare
    Back up your data and note any drive encryption recovery keys. Check for BIOS or firmware updates and install any available.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the laptop down fully, disconnect the charger and any Expansion Cards or cables.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal or use an anti-static strap before handling modules, and hold them by the edges.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the Framework owner's manual for exact steps to open the laptop and reach the memory and SSD slots.
  5. Install the RAM
    Seat each DDR5 SO-DIMM in its socket and make sure it is fully and evenly in place. Fill both sockets with matching modules if you want two modules.
  6. Install the SSD
    Fit a 2280 drive in the primary slot. For the secondary slot, line up the 2230 drive's notch with the slot's notch. That slot is flat, not angled like the primary.
  7. Close up and reconnect
    Close the case following the manual, then reconnect power.
  8. Check that the system sees the parts
    Power on and be patient: the first boot is slow while memory training runs. Open the BIOS or your operating system to confirm the RAM total and the SSD are detected, then install or restore your system if needed.

Good to know

  • The 96 GB memory maximum is documented only for the Ryzen AI 300 model, not the Ryzen 7040 version.
  • ECC and registered memory support is not stated, so check Framework's validated memory list first.
  • The documents disagree on the secondary 2230 slot: older material says PCIe x4, the current spec page says x2.
  • The primary slot was cited at 4 TB in 2023 and is listed at 8 TB on the current spec page.
  • No CPU upgrade procedure or compatibility list is documented here, so this guide does not cover CPU swaps.
  • Exact disassembly steps are in the owner's manual; this outline is general.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Framework Laptop 16 take?

At launch Framework documented 2 x 32 GB, or 64 GB total, of DDR5 SO-DIMM. The current Ryzen AI 300 page lists up to 96 GB, which implies 48 GB modules, but that is documented only for the newer model.

Is the memory soldered?

No soldered memory is mentioned. The laptop has two SO-DIMM sockets that you can upgrade yourself.

Does the Framework Laptop 16 support ECC memory?

We couldn't find ECC support stated in the documents. Check Framework's validated memory list before buying ECC or other unusual modules.

How many SSDs can I install?

Two internally: an M.2 2280 in the primary slot and an M.2 2230 in the secondary slot. The optional Dual M.2 Adapter adds two more M.2 slots, but it takes the Expansion Bay, so the Graphics Module can't be fitted at the same time.

Are both M.2 slots equally fast?

Not on current models. The primary slot is PCIe 4.0 x4, while the secondary 2230 slot is PCIe 4.0 x2, so an x4 drive runs slower there. A 2023 Framework blog described both as x4, so the documents disagree.

Can I upgrade the CPU?

The documents we found don't describe a CPU upgrade path for this laptop, so we can't confirm one. Check Framework's own pages before planning a processor change.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.