You’ll soon be able to configure the Framework Laptop 13 with a RISC-V chip. It’s not as powerful, but the scoop is an important step for the open alternative to x86 and ARM.

Framework is working with DeepComputing to develop a motherboard with a RISC-V processor for the Framework Laptop 13. The Framework Laptop 13 is a modular laptop whose components can be upgraded over time. The chassis is already available with options from Intel and AMD, and now RISC-V is also being added.

RISC-V is an alternative processor architecture alongside x86 and ARM. RISC-V differs from the other two in that it is completely open. Think Linux, but for the processor architecture. On the other hand, RISC-V is currently less advanced than its competitors from Intel and Arm respectively.

Lightweight CPU

The processor is a RISC-V StarFive JH7110 with four cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. This is a very light chip, but it hardly weighs anything. The special Framework Laptop 13 is not intended for the general public, but for developers. For the first time, they can now work with a RISC-V processor in an attractive laptop that is completely comparable to conventional x86 devices.

The rise of ARM for the PC shows that x86 is no longer the sole ruler of the computing landscape. In theory, RISC-V can benefit from this momentum, although there is more to it than just hardware. A different architecture means that all software must either be optimized or emulated (as with Rosetta on Apple M laptops). Currently, you can’t even run Windows on the Framework Laptop 13, as that operating system is only designed for x86 and ARM.

The Framework Laptop 13 with RISC-V processor is not yet generally available. For further news, you can register yourself on the Framework website.