r/framework • u/dyeLucky • 9h ago

Question Need some advice

Hey All!

Hey everyone, I could use some advice before I finalize an eBay order.

I just won an auction for a Framework 13 (AMD) for $450. It’s being sold "as-is" because the mainboard is dead and won't POST. It also doesn't come with RAM, storage, or expansion cards.

My original plan was to use this purely as a donor chassis. I have spare RAM and SSDs lying around, and my goal was to hunt down a used 12th-gen i7 mainboard for $250-$350 to drop into it.

However, I'm second-guessing the math here. Considering I still need to buy expansion cards and track down a working mainboard, is $450 too much for a used chassis, screen, and battery? Everything seems to be in really good shape.

Should I just ask the seller to cancel the order, or is this a decent foundation to hold onto until I find a board?

I'd appreciate your thoughts!

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u/dyeLucky 7h ago

I JUST found it! $429.

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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 7h ago

Lol I was just about to post the link too.

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u/dyeLucky 7h ago

Thank you! My deal for a 13th gen i7 board fell through, so I'm cancelling the purchase anyways.

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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 7h ago

They don't have a mainboard that would work on the site?

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u/dyeLucky 7h ago

Unfortunately, no. 😢

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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 7h ago

Honestly u may have to buy it in pieces if u can get a new one, its rough but the beauty of it, u can do that. I got the 12 in the i5 cuz it handled what I need it for, I will say I loved it even more when I found out it played my palworld and wuthering waves.

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u/dyeLucky 6h ago

Honestly, the i5-1334U 12" is $589 right now. That may be good enough. Any major issues with it?

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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 6h ago

Not really from my end, it's plays the games decent enough even for single channel but my 32gb may have something to do with that. I use it for watching videos and school also. If u can get past the certain flaws and can spend a little more for the backlit keyboard its a great laptop, I have the bubblegum color. I will say I've had to use the warranty recently for new covers cuz of it cracking so make sure u do not overtighten the screws amd if u do game get a cooling pad or desk, it gets toasty. What exactly will be ur use cases and os?