An avid PC builder, known as TheJiral, has channeled immense excitement for forthcoming components into a remarkable mini desktop PC. This ambitious endeavor revolves around the collaboration between Framework and AMD's Strix Halo line of motherboards. The project serves as a testament to the enthusiasm within the PC building community for pushing boundaries, even before all necessary parts are readily available.
Showcased on SFF Network, TheJiral's creation, dubbed \"Monochrome 2,\" is a visually striking mini PC. Its design features a high-contrast black and white vented case, meticulously engineered to facilitate passive heat dissipation. This custom system is intended to house the Framework desktop mainboard, specifically the Ryzen-powered AI Max+ 395 variant, complemented by 64GB of DDR5 RAM, priced at approximately $1,299 USD.
A key highlight of these motherboards is their integrated graphics, particularly the Radeon 8060S. Early benchmarks suggest this integrated GPU could deliver performance comparable to modern gaming consoles, potentially even rivaling dedicated graphics cards like the RTX 4060. AMD's strategy to incorporate such powerful integrated graphics aims to eliminate the need for discrete GPUs in devices like laptops, exemplified by the new ROG Flow Z13.
While the new motherboards are slated for a Q3 release, with potential supply limitations, TheJiral's project presses forward. A significant aspect of this build is its entirely custom cooling solution, crucial for a fanless design. Utilizing Framework's 3D models and technical drawings, the builder has crafted a bespoke heatsink and piping system, a hefty metal ensemble that perfectly complements the case's two-tone aesthetic. The builder acknowledges the experimental nature of this thermal concept, aiming for a 140W heat dissipation capacity, and looks forward to validating its efficiency in real-world scenarios once the motherboard arrives.
TheJiral candidly admits that this undertaking is driven more by passion than by strict logical or financial considerations. It represents a journey of exploration and innovation in PC construction, promising a gorgeous, compact desktop machine. This project not only ignites anticipation for its completion but also inspires curiosity about what other ingenious creations will emerge from Framework's collaborative ventures in the future.