Framework has introduced its latest Graphics Module for its Laptop 16, which features the new RTX 5070 12 GB GPU, but at 72% higher price than the 8 GB variant.
Memory Prices Are So Bad That You Have To Pay 72% More For 50% More Memory When Buying Framework’s Latest RTX 5070 12 GB Graphics Module
Framework’s Laptops have a unique ability to upgrade the entire GPU by purchasing a separate graphics module. This is ideal for laptop owners who want to upgrade the performance capabilities of their laptops rather than buy a new one.
However, recent memory supply constraints have pushed prices into crazy land. Framework’s latest laptop 16 graphics module shows just how bad the memory prices have gotten. The company previously offered an RTX 5070 8 GB graphics module for $699; however, its newest model is priced way higher.
Announced today alongside the official launch of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB laptop config, the Framework Laptop 16 RTX 5070 12 GB graphics module is now available for purchase. It offers 50% more VRAM capacity (12 GB vs 8 GB), but at $1199 US.
That’s a 72% higher price for a GPU that has only received a VRAM bump. The rest of the specs for the chip remain unchanged, so unless or until you are doing VRAM-intensive tasks, you won’t find much of a difference. The company provides a specs comparison, which can be seen below:
| 8GB | 12GB | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 | 2026 |
| Ai 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 |
The RTX 5070 8 GB and 12 GB graphics modules are compatible with Framework’s Laptop 16 in both Ryzen AI 300 and Ryzen 7040 series configurations.
The pricing is a reflection of the memory-constrained world that we live in. In its official release, NVIDIA stated that the RTX 5070 12 GB GPU helps maximize memory availability and allows its partners to offer a broader range of laptops to consumers. However, what the new configuration also does is hike the prices way higher than the 8 GB model. The new module is currently available for pre-orders and will ship in June.
About the author: A Software Engineer by training and a PC enthusiast by passion, Hassan Mujtaba serves as Wccftech’s Senior Editor for hardware section. With years of experience in the industry, he specializes in deep-dive technical analysis of next-generation CPU and GPU architectures, motherboards, and cooling solutions. His work involves not only breaking news on upcoming technologies but also extensive hands-on reviews and benchmarking.
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