Something I found interesting: The Reform 2 uses a system on module with soldered RAM and processor on a carrier board, while this uses a motherboard with soldered processor but replaceable RAM. They have two different models of upgradability, both with pros and cons.
You can only replace the entire compute module at once on the Reform but (AFAIK) the interface is an industry standard so there is more than one manufacturer, whereas with the Framework, you have to hope that they keep making upgraded, and more importantly, compatible main boards, but you can upgrade the RAM in the meantime.
I think reform is bound to this method because they need open-source processor, which means arm, which means compute modules with soldered ram. They would certainly have done it with swappable ram if there was a way I bet.
Something I found interesting: The Reform 2 uses a system on module with soldered RAM and processor on a carrier board, while this uses a motherboard with soldered processor but replaceable RAM. They have two different models of upgradability, both with pros and cons.
You can only replace the entire compute module at once on the Reform but (AFAIK) the interface is an industry standard so there is more than one manufacturer, whereas with the Framework, you have to hope that they keep making upgraded, and more importantly, compatible main boards, but you can upgrade the RAM in the meantime.
Thoughts on which one is better?
I think reform is bound to this method because they need open-source processor, which means arm, which means compute modules with soldered ram. They would certainly have done it with swappable ram if there was a way I bet.
How is ARM open source? It’s proprietary “IP”