Framework Laptop 13 Pro Memory Speed Lags Apple M5 by 39%

Framework users who prioritize raw memory throughput will find the new Laptop 13 Pro falls short of Apple's latest M5 MacBook Pro. A recent benchmark comparison highlights a significant performance gap in memory bandwidth between the two machines. This matters because high-bandwidth memory directly impacts how quickly data moves between the processor and system RAM. Buyers who rely on memory-intensive workflows should note this disparity before making a purchase decision.

Intel Core Ultra 3 platform caps bandwidth at 97.8 GB/s

The comparison pits the Framework Laptop 13 Pro against the Apple M5 MacBook Pro. Framework utilizes its new LPCAMM2 modular memory standard, which allows for user upgrades. Apple relies on soldered LPDDR5X memory that cannot be changed after purchase. Both systems use LPDDR5X generation technology, but they operate at different speeds. Apple's memory runs at 9600 MT/s, while the Framework module tested at 7467 MT/s.

Spec comparison

Benchmark results show Apple achieving 136000 MB/s in memory bandwidth tests. The Framework Laptop 13 Pro reached 97775 MB/s, which equals approximately 97.8 GB/s. This translates to Apple's memory being 39% faster in STREAM benchmark tests. The performance gap stems from the speed difference in the memory modules themselves. Framework modules support speeds up to 8533 MT/s, but the system runs slower.

The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 platform limits the Framework's memory speed to 7467 MT/s. Framework officially confirmed that the platform restricts the modules from reaching their maximum potential. Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips offer even higher bandwidths of 307 GB/s and 614 GB/s respectively. These figures highlight the advantage of Apple's integrated memory architecture. Framework does support up to 96 GB of memory, whereas the base M5 MacBook Pro tops out at 32 GB.

We have been tracking Framework Laptop 13 Pro closely and covered its launch with LPCAMM2 memory and Linux support earlier. The company currently cannot source 9600 MT/s LPCAMM2 modules despite Samsung demonstrating them. Framework's modular design offers upgradeability that Apple's soldered solution cannot match. The trade-off remains between raw bandwidth speed and the ability to upgrade capacity.

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro delivers 97.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth. This figure is 39% lower than the Apple M5 MacBook Pro in benchmark tests. The limitation comes from the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 platform. Users can upgrade memory up to 96 GB, but they cannot exceed the current speed limit.