What if the modular computing evangelists at Framework decided to make a handheld? YouTuber Pitstoptech has largely answered this question by building a “fully upgradeable gaming handheld” around one of Framework’s upgradable motherboards.
Pitstoptech intends to prepare and sell handheld DIY kits “soon,” based on the prototype design you see in the pictures / video.
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As it’s a modding project, rather than a professional endeavor, the result isn’t as sleek as it could be, but the work shown (h/t Liliputing) still admirably illustrates the potential here.
One of the key attractions is the ease with which users can replace their laptop mainboard to grab generational mobile platform upgrades provided by both Intel and AMD.
We have already seen some interesting projects, like a wedge-style computer designed with a mechanical keyboard containing a Framework motherboard, and a retro-style gaming console based on this same essential but swappable component.
Luckily for would-be project followers, Framework’s board with an AMD Phoenix chip is due to be released shortly.
Unluckily, as Liliputing observed, the Framework mainboard with an alluring Ryzen 7 7840U costs basically the same as a fully kitted out and sleekly designed handheld like the ROG Ally.
Pitstoptech intends to prepare and sell handheld DIY kits “soon,” based on the prototype design you see in the pictures / video.
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Unluckily, as Liliputing observed, the Framework mainboard with an alluring Ryzen 7 7840U costs basically the same as a fully kitted out and sleekly designed handheld like the ROG Ally.
“Unluckily”? I see this as an absolute win! Good luck swapping out or re-using components in the Ally!
Same. Unlike the Ally, if you already have this mainboard from buying a laptop and want to upgrade the mainboard later, the cost of the mainboard is essentially 0 since it’s just a component being EOL’d at that point. Better in a handheld for its final days rather than as e-waste.
This is a great boon for open, module hardware.
I’m not sure how good it’s going to be, considering the lack of discrete GPU… but that said, even onboard graphics would be plenty for many games, and certainly for streaming them from a more powerful computer.
The exciting part here is the shell, not the insides. Indeed the Intel boards aren’t that great for gaming, but once Framework start shipping the AMD boards next month, this thing would become a real contender to the Steam Deck, ROG Ally etc. Load up something like ChimeraOS on it and you’d get a near-Steam Deck like experience.
Framework is also releasing their GPU modules. Hopefully someone finds a way to make that work with a handheld as well, although the form factor of the module might not be handheld-friendly.
It’s not like you’ll be installing it in there permanently. If you’ve got a Framework laptop or PC case for instance, you could also use it in there. Basically it’s a BYOM (bring your own mobo) situation, so when you’re not gaming on the go, instead of wasting that piece of idle hardware, it could be put to good use. Or vice versa. Maybe you already have a Framework laptop and want to convert it into a handheld gaming device.
Original video linked in the article: https://youtu.be/zd6WtTUf-30?feature=shared
Nice way to re-use an old board instead it going to landfil!
Framework’s already been encouraging this, they released some designs for a Mini-PC when they released the first upgraded board kit. I think it’s an awesome use case for old laptop parts.
