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Discussion around the Framework mission of building products that last longer by making them upgradeable, customizable, and repairable. Consumer electronics can be better for you and for the environment.

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AMD interfaces, some clarification (alien.top)

submitted 1 year ago by coffeefuelledtechie@alien.top to c/framework@hardware.watch

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I'm going to get the DIY edition of the 13-inch, comparing AMD to Intel

The Intel variant doesn't appear to have any limitations - it seems that any expansion module can go in any slot, but for AMD it says

Supporting USB4/DP for upper left and right slots, USB 3.2/DP for lower right slot and USB 3.2 only for lower left slot, along with USB-C power input on all four slots

Looking at the forum posts, I'm still a bit confused.

If I'm using HDMI output to two external monitors which I'm going to be doing, can I still use any slot, or am I only limited to one HDMI output on the lower left slot only (and DP on another)?

I could go for Intel but it's the end of DDR4 and I'd quite like to be on DDR5

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[–] morhp@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you go with AMD you can put DP or HDMI cards in any slots except the front left one. However if you wanted to connect two external monitors I'd probably use DP chaining or an external docking station instead of using up half of the ports with HDMI cards.

[–] mloru@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Oh, that's nice to know. I've asked about this a few comments before this one, I didn't see yours first :)

[–] K0nr4d@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

This graphic should be helpful:

https://knowledgebase.frame.work/en_us/expansion-card-functionality-on-framework-laptop-13-amd-ryzen-7040-series-SkrVx7gAh

[–] 20dogs@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Pretty confusing. I hope next year's AMD has 4.0 on all four slots.

[–] hopelessautisticnerd@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

this is an AMD issue and not a Framework issue, so that's not one they can fix unfortunately

[–] 20dogs@alien.top 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Couldn't AMD have it ready in time for next year? Or am I missing something

[–] hopelessautisticnerd@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

well they could, I'm just saying Framework has no control over it

[–] Nordithen@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

To further clarify where I think OP's confusion is coming from: there's no difference in port compatibility on AMD between HDMI and DP. That's why you'll see the graphic simply label it as "Display Output." The HDMI expansion card converts from DP internally.

[–] mloru@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I wonder if docks with multiple video ports can work. I've ordered a 7840 with 3 hdmi expansion cards as I have 3 external displays (they should work if connected to the right ports + upper left) but I also happen to own a usb-c dock with 3 hdmi (I use it with my work MacBook Pro): does anyone know if I'll be able to connect all the three displays to it, with the AMD FW13?

[–] K0nr4d@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

I got sick for two weeks so I couldn't try it sooner, but I'm happy to report that the ones we have at work, function perfectly!

We use the HP USB-C G4 dock.

All three external monitors worked (2xDP,1xHDMI), my speakers and headset were recognized and working, and it was charging. The only thing that didn't work was using the button on the dock to turn the FW on, but I can live with that.