Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 Mini PCs Offer 192GB RAM for Local AI. Acemagic, GMKtek and Framework are launching mini PCs built on AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 chip with up to 192GB of unified memory, enough to run 300-billion-parameter AI models entirely on-device. What happened. A wave of mini PC makers, including Acemagic, GMKtek and Framework, are launching compact desktop systems built around AMD's new Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495 processor, configured with up to 192GB of unified memory. The memory capacity is large enough to run local large language models with roughly 300 billion parameters entirely on-device, without relying on cloud infrastructure. These systems represent a new category of small-form-factor "AI workstations" that bring capabilities previously reserved for data-centre GPUs or high-end workstations into a desktop unit small enough to sit on a shelf. The high memory ceiling is the standout feature, as it allows the chip's integrated graphics and AI processing units to hold and run very large models locally rather than offloading inference to remote servers. Why it matters. The emergence of mini PCs capable of running 300-billion-parameter models locally signals a meaningful shift in where AI inference can realistically happen. Until now, models of this scale have typically required cloud-hosted GPU clusters or specialised on-premises hardware. Compact machines with this kind of memory headroom point toward a future where organisations - and even individual developers - can experiment with, fine-tune or deploy substantial AI models without routing data through third-party cloud services. For technology and digital transformation leaders, this matters less because of the specific hardware brands involved and more because of what it makes possible: greater control over data residency, latency and cost for AI workloads that would otherwise depend on external infrastructure. Local-first AI capability at this scale could reshape decisions around where sensitive or performance-critical inference tasks are run, particularly for regulated industries or regions prioritising data sovereignty. By the numbers. * 192GB of unified memory available in the top configuration, enabling large-model workloads to run without external GPU support. * 300 billion parameters is the scale of large language model these systems are reported to be capable of running locally. The renascence take. The headline number here is memory, but the more interesting story is about where AI processing power is heading - away from centralised cloud dependency and toward the edge, even down to desk-side hardware. That has implications well beyond hobbyist and developer circles. Most coverage will focus on the novelty of "supercomputer-grade" mini PCs, but the real signal is behavioral: when powerful AI capability becomes physically local and personally owned, trust and adoption dynamics change. Teams are more willing to experiment with AI when it feels contained, private and under their control rather than routed through an unseen cloud vendor. Organisations exploring AI-enabled service design should watch this shift closely - not to buy the hardware, but to understand that "local AI" is becoming a credible design constraint customers and employees will start to expect, particularly around data privacy and responsiveness. This briefing was written by its Newsdesk, synthesising reporting from the outlets below. Follow the links for the original coverage. Questions Renascence get on this topic. With up to 192GB of unified memory, these mini PCs can run large language models of roughly 300 billion parameters entirely on-device, without relying on cloud servers. More in AI Stay ahead of CX Get the signal, not the noise. The stories shaping customer experience - plus the Journal and Experience Loom - in your inbox.

Framework responds to complaints that BIOS update bricks Ryzen 7040 laptops. Framework says it's replacing some out-of-warranty AMD mainboards. A BIOS update for the Framework Laptop 13 with AMD Ryzen 7040-series processors is bricking the systems, multiple users have reported online. Framework started shipping pre-built Ryzen 7040-based Framework Laptop 13 computers and compatible motherboards in 2023. In June 2026, Framework released BIOS 3.20 for the devices. The update adds mainboard support for features, including a haptic touchpad and new speakers, for the higher-end Framework Laptop 13 Pro and fixes issues, including one "where the Battery Extender status was reported incorrectly following a reboot, hibernation, or shutdown after the timer had expired," per a post on Framework's forum from an employee. Some users say that they installed the update successfully. "[T]he update process seems to have stalled," a Framework forum user named Sven posted in July. "What I see is a black screen and a progress bar with 2 dots and then the Framework logo. The progress bar is not moving for about 3 hours now. Also, I can't turn off the Framework using the power button, no matter how long I hold it down. Now the BIOS update is stuck, and I can not power down or reboot the machine." Ars Technica contacted Framework, asking how many customers are affected. In a company statement, Framework said it has "received reports of a small percentage of Framework Laptop 13 7040 Series BIOS updates resulting in non-bootable boards." Framework is investigating the root cause of the issue, the statement said. There are reports of users having problems with BIOS upgrades on Ryzen 7040-based Framework Laptop 13 devices going back to at least March 2025. After the most recent BIOS update, some users reported that Framework support told them they needed a new motherboard, but Framework wouldn't provide it for free because the customer was past warranty. Framework's statement to Ars says: ... in addition to replacing in-warranty Mainboards, we are making exceptions for out-of-warranty replacements where we can confirm a stable-release BIOS update caused the board to become non-bootable. Framework is also introducing a "Crisis Recovery Mode" BIOS functionality to enable a path for failed updates to be directly recoverable. "Our latest Framework Desktop BIOS release includes this functionality, and we are actively bringing it to Framework Laptop 12, 13, and 16 in our upcoming BIOS release cycles for each," Framework said. We won't be sure of the source of the problems until Framework provides more information. Blogger Guanzhong Chen, however, wrote a detailed blog post this week about their purported experience with their motherboard breaking and suggested the problem stems from "some bug with the software that caused it to display what appears to be random memory on the screen, especially when this has happened before to other people for other BIOS versions." The software developer, who was ultimately able to flash the firmware onto their motherboard after a support representative reportedly told him to buy a new one, added: "At the same time, it somehow flashes the BIOS slower in regular operation than a cheap 15 MHz programmer over pogo pins, which really makes you wonder what it's doing under the hood." Scharon is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica writing news, reviews, and analysis on consumer gadgets and services. She's been reporting on technology for over 10 years, with bylines at Tom's Hardware, Channelnomics, and CRN UK.

Framework gave its 12-inch laptop some hardware upgrades. The Laptop 12 has new Intel chips, a Linux option, a fingerprint reader, and a backlit keyboard. by Jess Weatherbed Aug 19, 2026, 3:14 AM PDT If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Image: Framework Jess Weatherbed is a news writer focused on creative industries, computing, and internet culture. Jess started her career at TechRadar, covering news and hardware reviews. Framework has refreshed its 12-inch convertible laptop, introducing Intel's latest Core Series 3 processors, expanded hardware customizations, and a pre-built Linux option. The cheapest pre-built base configuration for the Framework Laptop 12 now starts at $699 - $100 less than the previous version when it launched last year. Preorders are open now, with the first wave of deliveries expected to ship in October. That pre-built base configuration is only available in green, and includes an Intel Core 3 304 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It also comes preloaded with Linux Fedora 44 KDE Plasma, a decision brought on by Framework finding that almost 80 percent of Laptop 12 owners are already running Linux "across a range of distros." You can still configure the updated laptop to come with Microsoft's Windows 11 Home operating system instead, but doing so will increase the price by $100. Framework says that the Core Series 3 is "purpose built for smaller, lower-power, entry-priced laptops," and should help to improve battery life, temperatures, and fan noise on the more powerful chip options. The Core 3 304 chip only has one performance core, however, and the only laptop we've tested with this Intel Wildcat Lake processor left us bitterly disappointed. That chip update does allow for a smattering of internal hardware and port improvements, including higher DDR5 memory speeds of up to 6400 MT/s, Wi-Fi 7 R2, and Thunderbolt 4 support for the rear two Expansion Card slots, which allows you to plug in two 4K 60Hz displays or eGPUs. One small downgrade is that the front two USB slots are now only USB 3.2 Gen 2, but Framework says all four slots still support power input for charging. For all Core 5 and Core 7 configurations, the Laptop 12 now includes two additional features as standard: a fingerprint reader built into the power button, and a backlit keyboard. The illuminated keyboard is also available as an optional customization on the DIY Edition of the Laptop 12, which starts at $549 and provides more color options compared to the pre-built version. The original Laptop 12 that uses 13th Gen Intel Core chips is still available if none of this entices you, however, and prices now start at $699 for the pre-built version or $499 for the DIY Edition. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. * Jess Weatherbed The Verge daily. A free daily digest of the news that matters most.