Framework has unveiled its newest Graphics Module for the Laptop 16, featuring the advanced RTX 5070 equipped with 12 GB of VRAM. However, this upgrade comes at a steep price, costing 72% more than its predecessor with 8 GB of VRAM.
Skyrocketing Memory Prices Force 72% Price Increase for 50% More VRAM
One of the standout features of Framework laptops is their modularity, allowing users to enhance their laptop’s performance by simply swapping out the GPU. This flexibility provides an appealing alternative to buying an entirely new device, catering to those looking to boost graphical capabilities.
NVIDIA officially announced the 12GB version of their RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, and we’re happy to share that we have a new Graphics Module for Framework Laptop 16 with it. This is our 3rd Graphics Module, and we’re living up to the promise of graphics upgradeability in a laptop! pic.twitter.com/4vsMyXLeSr
— Framework (@FrameworkPuter) April 28, 2026
However, the current market constraints surrounding memory supply have led to a significant increase in pricing. For instance, the previous RTX 5070 model with 8 GB was priced at $699, while the new 12 GB model has shot up to $1, 199.
Launched alongside NVIDIA’s official announcement of the RTX 5070 12 GB configuration, the Framework Laptop 16 RTX 5070 graphics module is now available for order, boasting a 50% increase in VRAM capacity at a much higher price point. This increase is striking, as it represents a 72% jump solely for the added memory.

It’s crucial to note that apart from the increased VRAM, the remaining specifications remain unchanged. Unless your tasks are particularly VRAM-heavy, the performance difference might not be substantial. A detailed comparison between the two models is available below:
| 8GB | 12GB | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 | 2026 |
| You have Tops | Up to 798 AI TOPS | Up to 798 AI TOPS |
| Clock Speeds | • 2.0GHz base clock• Up to 2.4GHz boost | • 2.0GHz base clock• Up to 2.4GHz boost |
| Total Graphics Power | Up to 100W (on AC power) | Up to 100W (on AC power) |
| Cuda Cores | 4608 | 4608 |
| Memory | • 8GB GDDR7• 128-bit memory bus• 384GB/s memory bandwidth | • 12GB GDDR7• 128-bit memory bus• 384GB/s memory bandwidth |
| Graphics Architecture | • 4th‑Gen Ray Tracing Cores• 5th‑Gen Tensor Cores• DLSS 4 | • 4th‑Gen Ray Tracing Cores• 5th‑Gen Tensor Cores• DLSS 4 |
| Video Encode/Decode | • 1× 9th‑Gen NVIDIA Encoder • 1× 6th‑Gen NVIDIA Decoder | • 1× 9th‑Gen NVIDIA Encoder • 1× 6th‑Gen NVIDIA Decoder |
| I/O | USB‑C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and charging | USB‑C with DisplayPort Alt Mode and charging |
| Dimensions | +20.2mm to the laptop’s depth+3.0mm to the rear section height+0.3kg to the total weight | +20.2mm to the laptop’s depth+3.0mm to the rear section height+0.3kg to the total weight |
| Included Items | Graphics Module + Interposer | Graphics Module + Interposer |
Both the 8 GB and 12 GB graphics modules are compatible with Framework’s Laptop 16, accommodating both the Ryzen AI 300 and Ryzen 7040 series configurations. This pricing situation serves as a stark reminder of the memory supply challenges we currently face. NVIDIA indicated that the RTX 5070 12 GB GPU is designed to optimize memory availability, thus allowing manufacturers to present a wider array of laptop options to consumers. Yet, this advancement also results in significantly higher costs compared to the 8 GB model.
The new graphics module is currently available for pre-order, with shipping expected to commence in June.
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