In 2025, modular laptop vendor Framework announced plans to introduce a RISC-V product. RISC-V, an open-source ISA developed in 2010, is gaining attention as a customizable alternative to traditional ISAs like x86 and Arm. Despite its potential, RISC-V has yet to make a significant impact in the consumer market.

DeepComputing, a Hong Kong-based company, launched the first RISC-V notebook, the Roma, in 2023, followed by the DC-Roma II in 2024. While these laptops were praised for their flexibility, they lagged behind x86 and Arm in performance. The upcoming DC-Roma III is expected to close this performance gap.

In a strategic move, DeepComputing is joining forces with Framework, known for its modular laptops, to develop a RISC-V motherboard for the Framework Laptop 13. Framework CEO Nirav Patel expressed optimism about the potential for consumer-ready RISC-V laptops in the near future.

The collaboration aims to create the most accessible and refined RISC-V laptop yet, with a design similar to Framework’s x86 laptops. While details are still emerging, early indications suggest that RISC-V laptops may soon become more accessible to a wider audience.

RISC-V has been embraced by various tech companies for different applications, signaling its growing importance in the industry. Although mainstream consumer adoption may still be on the horizon, the collaboration between Framework and DeepComputing represents a significant advancement for the RISC-V architecture.