The Framework Laptop 16 has an Expansion Bay system that contains both the cooling fans and an interface for high-power, high-speed PCIe peripherals like GPUs. Expansion Bay modules can extend in both thickness and depth to accomodate higher power requirements.
There are currently two Expansion Bay modules available:
- Expansion Bay Shell - This module has two cooling fans for the system as well as an open area in the middle that can be used for PCIe peripherals like SSDs or even additional I/O that can be exposed on the back of the system. This GitHub repository documents the mechanical and electrical specifications for the cards that can go in the Shell.
- Graphics Module - This module is thicker and deeper, and contains a GPU card along with the heatsink for it.
Note that one custom part is needed for development: the threaded insert that the interposer screws into. Two pieces are needed on each Expansion Bay Module. A drawing is in the PCB Reference Design folder. You can submit a request for free samples of these for development purposes at: https://forms.gle/t4oS8qWWoaaXqVot9
Expansion Bay © 2023 by Framework Computer Inc is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/