# Framework Computer with Nirav Patel

- Show: [Oxide and Friends](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends)
- Published: 2023-12-05
- Length: 1h 07m
- Episode: 33
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4f35683

## Summary

Nirav Patel, founder and CEO of Framework Computer, discusses building a repairable, modular laptop from scratch, contrasting his company's open philosophy with the planned obsolescence of incumbents like Dell. He details the engineering challenges of the Framework Laptop 16, including its upgradeable GPU module, the use of Candu retimers, and the strategic decision to manufacture in Taiwan to avoid Section 301 tariffs. Patel also explains the business model of aligning incentives around longevity, the difficulty of fundraising for consumer hardware, and the vibrant ecosystem of community-driven expansion cards and custom builds.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=0) Introduction and Laptop Roasting
- [13:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=795) Framework's Origin and Community Philosophy
- [16:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=960) Technical Deep Dive: Expansion Cards and Retimers
- [22:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=1349) DDR5 Memory Training and Open Source Firmware
- [31:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=1900) Designing the Framework Laptop 16 and GPU Module
- [37:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=2255) Manufacturing in Taiwan and Supply Chain Strategy
- [45:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=2701) Fundraising and the Consumer Hardware Investor Gap
- [49:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=2968) Business Model, Longevity, and Future Roadmap
- [55:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel#t=3315) Community Creativity and Open Source Support

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Framework Computer (company)
- Dell (company)
- Oxide Computer Company (company)
- Candu (chip)
- Chromium EC (tool)
- Coreboot (tool)
- Pathbreaker (company)
- Anorak (company)
- Spark (company)
- Herbert Research (company)
- ComPilot (company)
- TSMC (company)
- Intel (company)
- AMD (company)
- NVIDIA (company)
- Linux (other)
- FreeBSD (other)
- Windows (other)
- Acer Ferrari 3400 (product)
- Oculus (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Upgradable, Durable, and Greener Laptops for Reducing CO2 Emissions with Nirav Patel, Ceo and Founder of Framework](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-03-16-upgradable-durable-and-greener-laptops-for-reducing-co2-emissions-with-nirav-pat) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Building Modular Open Source Electronics with Lukas Henkel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-06-10-building-modular-open-source-electronics-with-lukas-henkel) (OnTrack)
- [Secret Squirrel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-10-02-secret-squirrel) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Jonathan Hirschman of PCB:NG](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-05-20-an-interview-with-jonathan-hirschman-of-pcb-ng) (The Amp Hour)
- [Interview with the Upverter Founders - Ramiform Reciprocity Raconteurs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-09-18-interview-with-the-upverter-founders-ramiform-reciprocity-raconteurs) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2023-12-05-framework-computer-with-nirav-patel. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Oxide and Friends.