Updated
Updated · The Verge · Aug 20
Framework Replaces Bricked Laptop 13 Boards After BIOS 3.20 Hits Ryzen 7040 Systems
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Aug 20

Framework Replaces Bricked Laptop 13 Boards After BIOS 3.20 Hits Ryzen 7040 Systems

3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Aug 20

Summary

  • Framework said it will replace confirmed affected Laptop 13 Ryzen 7040 mainboards, including some out-of-warranty units, after BIOS 3.20 left systems non-bootable.
  • BIOS 3.20—released in July and still posted on Framework’s site—has bricked a small percentage of last-gen AMD laptops on both Windows and Linux, with some machines freezing on the update screen.
  • The expanded replacement policy follows complaints that some out-of-warranty owners were initially told to buy new boards, while a few users recovered devices themselves with external BIOS programmers.
  • Founder Nirav Patel said Framework is investigating the root cause and plans to add a 'Crisis Recovery Mode' to Laptop 12, 13 and 16 BIOS releases before year-end.

Insights

Could a missing hardware failsafe permanently damage Framework's reputation as the ultimate sustainable tech brand?
Why is a routine software update turning a highly celebrated, repairable laptop into an expensive paperweight?