The Modular Laptop Dilemma

For PC gamers and tech enthusiasts, staying on the cutting edge of technology isn’t just a hobby—it’s a necessity. Gaming performance, upgradability, and customization are critical factors, and while desktops have reigned supreme for years, the concept of modular laptops is starting to stir up excitement in the PC gaming and laptop upgrading communities.

These modular machines are designed with customization and upgradability in mind, bridging the divide between laptops and desktops. But are they worth the investment? And can they stack up to a customized gaming desktop? With brands like Framework leading the charge and the Lenovo T16 ThinkPad Gen 3 offering a compelling option, it’s time to explore the world of modular laptops—and why, for now, I’m sticking with my desktop PC for gaming.

What Are Modular Laptops?

Modular laptops are designed to allow users to upgrade, customize, and replace key components in the same way they would with a desktop PC. Unlike traditional laptops, where components like the CPU or GPU are often soldered to the motherboard, modular laptops make it significantly easier to swap out parts like storage, memory, or even the processor.

Key Features of Modular Laptops:

• Upgradability: Swap out components to keep your system relevant for years to come.

• Sustainability: Replace individual parts instead of discarding the whole device.

• Customization: Tailor your machine to fit your specific performance and aesthetic needs.

• Longevity: Modular designs reduce obsolescence, future-proofing your investment.

For gamers and tech enthusiasts, the idea of a laptop that evolves with your needs is incredibly appealing. Yet, this dream comes with hurdles, including a steep cost of entry.

Exploring the Best Modular Laptops

Two modular laptops stand out on the market today for their upgradability and feature sets:

1. Framework Laptop

The Framework Laptop is perhaps the flagship example of modular design. Built specifically to empower users to repair, upgrade, and customize their laptops easily, it’s a game-changer in how we think about portability and performance.

Highlights:

• Fully modular mainboard and ports.

• Compatibility with user-selected storage, memory, and CPUs.

• Eco-friendly commitment with replaceable components and recyclable parts.

Though the Framework Laptop isn’t primarily marketed as a gaming laptop, its hardware is solid enough to deliver above-average gaming performance, particularly for casual and mid-level gaming. Benchmarks reveal it can handle popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 at high settings, maintaining playable frame rates even at 1920x1080 resolution. For example:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Runs at 68.1 FPS on high settings (1080p) and 60.7 FPS on ultra settings.

• Baldur's Gate 3: Achieves 76.4 FPS on high and 73.6 FPS on ultra (1080p).

• F1 22: Stays strong with 168 FPS on high settings and 47.7 FPS on ultra.

• Tiny Tina's Wonderlands: Delivers 92 FPS on high settings and 71.2 FPS on ultra.

Paired with external GPUs, the Framework Laptop can push demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 to higher resolutions like QHD or 4K, achieving 37.3 FPS and 15.8 FPS on ultra, respectively. These figures demonstrate that while it may not rival high-end gaming laptops, the Framework’s modularity and versatility make it a compelling option for gamers who value flexibility and repairability in their devices.

2. Lenovo T16 ThinkPad Gen 3

The Lenovo T16 ThinkPad has long been a favorite among professionals, but the Gen 3 version is more versatile and offers modular capabilities that appeal to gamers and everyday users alike.

Highlights:

• Support for upgradable RAM, SSDs, and swappable network cards.

• Robust performance that can handle gaming and high-end multitasking.

• It is built for durability and has a track record of ThinkPad reliability.

While the T16 ThinkPad Gen 3 excels in productivity tasks, its GPU performance is more moderate for gaming. Benchmarks reveal its ability to handle popular titles at low to medium settings, though it struggles on higher presets. For example:

• GTA V (2015) performs well at 142.9 FPS on low settings and 110.4 FPS on medium but drops significantly to 22.1 FPS on high.

• Dota 2 Reborn (2015) is playable across settings, achieving 92.5 FPS on low and 56 FPS on ultra.

• Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) reaches 36.2 FPS on low and 24.3 FPS on medium.

• Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 Phantom Liberty (2023) and Baldur's Gate 3 (2023) stay around 20 FPS on low, making them playable only at reduced settings.

This performance profile indicates the T16 ThinkPad is suitable for lightweight and older games at lower settings. However, an external GPU or alternative setup is necessary for AAA titles and ultra settings to achieve smooth gameplay. Despite this, its modular capabilities and professional-grade build make it an intriguing option for hybrid users who need both work and casual gaming functionalities.

A Brief Comparison

The Framework Laptop stands out with its modularity and sustainability. It offers decent mid-level gaming performance, particularly when paired with an external GPU. It handles popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 at high settings with playable frame rates, making it a versatile option for casual gamers who value upgradability and repairability.

On the other hand, the Lenovo T16 ThinkPad Gen 3 provides moderate gaming capabilities, performing well with older or less demanding games at lower settings. While it struggles with AAA titles on high or ultra presets, its reliable build and productivity-focused design make it ideal for hybrid users seeking a balance between work and casual gaming. However, its high price tag may limit its appeal to budget-conscious gamers.

The Appeal of Modular Laptops for Gamers

For PC gamers, modular laptops represent a dream configuration:

• Performance Flexibility: Upgrade graphic cards, RAM, and more without committing to a full device overhaul.

• Portability Meets Power: Gaming laptops traditionally struggle with customization, leaving gamers tied to desktops. Modular laptops could break that mold.

• Future-Proofing: With gaming hardware constantly evolving, modular laptops mean you won’t need to replace your entire system just because of a single aging component.

• Sustainability: Reduce e-waste generated by upgrading individual pieces rather than throwing out entire machines every few years.

While these benefits are enticing, the significant cost difference compared to building a gaming desktop can be a sticking point for many.

The Barrier to Entry: Cost

Cost is one of the biggest issues holding modular laptops back from mainstream adoption. Both the Framework Laptop and Lenovo T16 ThinkPad Gen 3 come with premium price tags. For the same cost, you could build a powerful gaming desktop that outperforms most laptops on the market. In addition, the premium for additional modular components diminishes the financial appeal.

Consider This:

• Gaming desktops typically offer better performance per dollar spent.

• Desktops remain superior for cooling, which is critical in high-performance gaming rigs.

• Custom desktop builds still provide more extensive GPU options than modular laptops.

For now, the high cost of modular laptops makes them more of a niche option for eco-conscious users or professionals focused on portability and performance rather than a go-to choice for competitive gamers.

Community Insights on Modular Laptops

Laptop upgrading communities and early adopters have shared mixed experiences with modular laptops. Some hail the Framework Laptop as a milestone in tech innovation, while others wish for a wider range of modular GPUs. Similarly, the Lenovo T16 ThinkPad Gen 3 is appreciated for its flexibility but is considered out of reach for many due to its price.

Case Studies:

1. A PC gamer shared their experience shifting from a traditional gaming laptop to a Framework. They praised the laptop’s memory upgrades and modular ports, noting its performance was solid for indie and AA games, though it required an external GPU for AAA titles.

2. A tech community repurposed a fleet of modular laptops for gaming tournaments, showing

   how these devices can handle moderate gaming loads while supporting collaborative use.

These examples demonstrate both the potential and limitations of modular laptops in gaming contexts.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Modular Laptops

What does the future look like for modular laptops in gaming and tech?

Predictions:

• Improved GPUs: Introducing more modular GPU options could help modular laptops compete directly with gaming desktops.

• Lower Costs: As the concept gains popularity, economies of scale may bring prices down to more competitive levels.

• Broader Ecosystem Support: Major brands entering the market with modular designs could help streamline standards, making upgrades easier for users.

As modular laptops evolve, I hope we’ll see better options tailored specifically to the gaming community.

Final Thoughts on Modular Laptops

Modular laptops are an exciting step forward in tech innovation, offering customizable and sustainable options for PC gamers and tech enthusiasts. However, high costs and limited modular GPU options remain barriers to adoption. Still, devices like the Framework Laptop show that decent gaming performance is attainable, especially with external solutions, while maintaining the flexibility and future-proofing that modular designs promise.

For now, I’m sticking with my desktop PC for gaming—it offers the power and value that modular laptops can’t quite match yet. But I’m keeping an eye on brands like Framework and Lenovo. With time, modular laptops may change the game.

Do you have thoughts on modular laptops? Join our community to discuss!