Framework Laptop 13 Faces BIOS Update Issues on Last-Generation AMD Chips
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Some Framework Laptop 13 owners with last-gen AMD chips have reported that a recent BIOS update is bricking their laptops on both Windows and Linux. The BIOS update causing this issue is version 3.20 for Ryzen 7040-series mainboards, released back in July and still available on Framework’s site at the time of this writing. Upon running the update, some users reported their laptops getting stuck on the update screen.
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Ars TechnicaFramework started shipping pre-built Ryzen 7040-based Framework Laptop 13 computers and compatible motherboards in 2023. In June 2026, Framework released BIOS 3.20 for the devices. The update adds mainboard support for features, including a haptic touchpad and new speakers, for the higher-end Framework Laptop 13 Pro and fixes issues, including one “where the Battery Extender status was reported incorrectly following a reboot, hibernation, or shutdown after the timer had expired,” per a post on Framework’s forum from an employee.
EngadgetAfter introducing a new high-end model of its 13-inch laptop, Framework is turning its attention to its colorful and compact sibling. The newly updated Framework Laptop 12 features Intel's latest Core Series 3 chips and an optional backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader, meaningful hardware upgrades to the charming but expensive first model.
ZDNetIt represents a new approach for Framework and a maturation of the brand's catalog. Having perfected the DIY assembly process through its own robust collection of guides and QR-coded components, Framework turns to a more mature design. This laptop brings a premium set of features to a workstation that would resemble a ThinkPad, MacBook, or XPS… if not for the signature DIY aesthetic.
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Hardware and performance The Framework Laptop 13 Pro comes with the Intel Core Ultra 5, X7, or X9 Series 3 "Panther Lake" processors for improved performance and battery efficiency -- one of the biggest critiques I had with last year's Framework Laptop 16. Here, battery longevity is excellent, easily getting an entire day in the office on one charge, and then some.
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EngadgetFramework leaned on efficiency improvements the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 brought to its Framework Laptop 13 Pro, and the company says the entry-level, non-Ultra chips bring similar benefits to the Framework Laptop 12. Pre-built versions of the new laptop features either a Core 3, Core 5 or Core 7 chip, with 8GB of RAM, 16GB of RAM or 32GB of RAM, respectively. Framework says the Laptop 12 has improved battery life as a result of its new chip, and specifically notes the Core 5 model demonstrated 70 percent better battery life while streaming Netflix when compared to the Core i5 version of the original Laptop 12. Starting at 8GB of memory isn't ideal, but it's possibly a reflection of the RAMaggedon issues all computer makers are dealing with.
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For example, the Framework Laptop 13 Pro DIY version starts at $1,199, but that's before you select a CPU or add in memory and an SSD. Even with the low-end configuration of 16GB of RAM, 500GB of storage, and an Intel Core Ultra 5 325, you're looking at around $1,700.
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EngadgetThe Framework Laptop 12 starts at $699 for a pre-built Linux configuration in green or $549 for a DIY version in black, gray, light purple, pink, or green. Framework is collecting pre-orders now and plans to start shipping the new laptop in October.
4 details only one outlet reported
Independent claims that didn't surface elsewhere in our corpus. Treat as supplementary — not corroborated across outlets.
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01 ZDNet When Framework announced the Laptop 13 Pro in April 2026, CEO and founder Nirav Patel called it the "MacBook Pro for Linux users", highlighting its thin and light form factor as much as its performance.
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02 The Verge While some users on Framework’s community forums reported that the company was sending them replacement mainboards under the one-year warranty, several with out-of-warranty boards said they were told they’d have to buy new ones. A few were able to take matters into their own hands with external BIOS programming equipment.
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03 Engadget The Framework Laptop 12 now ships with Intel's Core Series 3 chips and other hardware upgrades.
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04 Ars Technica Some users say that they installed the update successfully. Numerous others, however, claim that the installation stalls, bricking the laptop.
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Sources (4)
- zdnet
- arstechnica
- verge
- engadget