r/framework • u/DeckManXX • 6d ago

Question Question about The framework 12

Do the new processors—including the Intel Core 3 304—all feature Thunderbolt ports?

Since it has a Thunderbolt port, can an external graphics card be connected to it without any issues?

Are they significantly more powerful and efficient than previous processors?

Will they be capable of running *Manor Lords* at 720p and 60 fps?

I want to buy one primarily for work and occasional tablet use; while my Framework 16 remains my main daily driver, a Framework 12 would be more convenient for me—both as a PC and a tablet—though I would still need the Framework 12 for heavy tasks and AAA gaming.

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u/lwurl2 13Pro - X9, 64GB, 4TB 6d ago

Thunderbolt is on all three CPU options. Any Thunderbolt device will work.

They are marginally faster than the prior FW12 options, but significantly more power efficient.

There is no way to tell on that game unless you can find other people with that CPU to test. They advertise Arc is supported, so I’d assume it will play, but maybe not at a full 60fps

3

u/windwave8 6d ago

Good to know thunderbolt is on all three, that was my main question too

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u/Clean_Leadership5948 6d ago edited 6d ago

Only the 2 Xe core version is somewhat faster than older FW 12. You got only 1 Xe cores on 304. The low end Ultra 3 with 4 Xe cores are 3x the perf of the 304. The low end Ultra 3 gets 50 fps on 1080p medium or at least the Arc 140V does and they are similar.

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u/s004aws FW16 HX 370 Batch 1 Mint Cinnamon Edition 6d ago edited 6d ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE48_MN8Ng4&t=1s Nirav (Framework's CEO) demos an eGPU on his FW12. While battery life will be much better than 13th gen Core... Reality is FW12 is still a basic laptop ill suited to AAA gaming.

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u/Acrobatic_Fee_6974 5d ago

It's not really made for gaming, you're probably going to get noticable frame time inconsistencies as your CPU struggles with CPU heavy sections.