Framework Laptop 16 Unveils OCuLink 8i Support for dGPU and eGPU Expansion

Framework announced on April 22 that the Framework Laptop 16 supports new expansion capabilities through the Expansion Bay Shell. The company introduced support for adding a discrete graphics card and a dual M.2 drive bay adapter to the device. This announcement applies to the Framework Laptop 16, which the vendor originally released in 2023.

The expansion capabilities rely on a PCIe Gen4 x8 DGFF interface located on the top of the laptop. PCIe Gen4 x8 Framework stated that this interface allows users to connect high-speed PCIe peripherals without the performance loss associated with protocols like Thunderbolt. The vendor confirmed that the Framework Laptop 16 becomes the first laptop to offer OCuLink 8i support.

Framework also introduced several new upgrade modules for the Laptop 16. These modules include a one-piece haptic trackpad and a US English one-piece keyboard. The vendor also released new semi-transparent smoke gray bezels and an AMD Ryzen 5 340c processor option.

First laptop with OCuLink 8i support for external graphics and storage expansion

Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay Shell Specifications

• Supports discrete graphics card and dual M.2 drive bay adapter via Expansion Bay Shell
• Features PCIe Gen4 x8 DGFF interface on the top of the device
• First laptop to offer OCuLink 8i support
• Compatible with upgrade modules including haptic trackpad, keyboard, bezels, and AMD Ryzen 5 340c processor

The vendor has not confirmed the launch window for these new expansion shells or upgrade modules. Framework also has not disclosed pricing or availability details for the new hardware accessories.