Intel shows off Framework-style modular laptop and mini PC designs

Framework’s completely modular laptops, easily serviced and upgradeable by even novices with just a screwdriver, are having a big impact on the industry. Laptop designs from companies like Dell and Asus are showing clear inspiration by being much easier to upgrade than they used to be. Intel seems to be paying attention, too, going by some new modular guidelines for both laptops and PCs.

Okay, “guidelines” might be a strong term for these concepts, which Intel laid out in its latest community blog post. But these ideas for modular designs are undeniably appealing.

Intel proposes a setup that breaks a laptop motherboard into three pieces (instead of the usual all-in-one approach), with sub-boards on the left and right (where your USB and HDMI ports go) that can be customized by the manufacturer to support their particular I/O needs. That means that the central motherboard (including the processor and cooling setup) could be upgraded separately from the left and right components.

Intel’s proposed design integrates separate components for the new LPCAMM memory standard, plus the more common Wi-Fi and SSD upgrades that can be handled with M.2 cards. Intel says that these designs offer “seamless scaling” for laptops with screen sizes from 14 to 16 inches, with options for fanless, single-fan, and dual-fan cooling.

What about desktop PCs? They’re already mostly modular, with exceptions for smaller form factors and exotic cases. You know, like mini PCs. These little machines are growing in popularity thanks to low costs and (usually) easy upgrades for RAM and storage. But reliance on laptop parts to fit in those tiny cases means other upgrades are tricky at best.

Intel is also addressing this, with a modular mini PC design that separates the CPU/motherboard module from the GPU (and any other PCIe components) with a platform controller hub, all of which fits into a five-liter chassis. Additional designs could use M.2 boards for I/O replacements and upgrades. It’s not exactly a return to the NUC standard… but it’s not not that, either.

Intel’s blog post positions these modular guidelines as a win for environmentalists (by way of reducing e-waste) and right-to-repair proponents. And those are certainly valid points. But I can’t help but notice that the tri-board setup offers advantages over Arm-based laptops (Qualcomm Snapdragon and others), which are typically reliant upon a single integrated board, including memory. To be fair, Intel’s Lunar Lake laptops also have integrated, non-upgradeable memory.

That being said, more widespread adoption of upgradeable laptop designs is a win-win for everyone. I hope plenty of Intel’s hardware partners take note.