Sustainability and upgradeability of TUXEDO notebooks - How sustainable and upgradeable are TUXEDO notebooks? - TUXEDO Computers

Sustainability and upgradability are central topics in the notebook sector. Since the announcement of the Framework Laptop, a device that strongly emphasizes upgradability, we have been receiving frequent inquiries about the upgradability of our TUXEDO notebooks.

Essential spare parts like batteries, power adapters, bottom covers, and more are, of course, available beyond the warranty period for several years. We deliberately purchase larger quantities of these components from our hardware partners to ensure long-term availability for warranty cases and spare part supplies.

However, upgrades or replacements with newer and more powerful components are only possible for certain parts that conform to standardized industry specifications.

Are You Planning a Notebook Concept Like the Framework Laptop?

The Framework Laptop’s concept is undoubtedly an innovative and commendable approach. However, it’s important to examine the details. Even in this case, the swappable components are mainly limited to those mentioned above, such as the battery, SSD, RAM, or Wi-Fi card – all of which can also be replaced in most conventional notebooks. The idea of swappable ports is clever, but from a technical standpoint, it involves adapters connected to an internal USB-C port, which can be purchased separately in a similar form.

Key performance components like the CPU are also not replaceable in the Framework Laptop. A potential dedicated GPU (if available) would similarly be integrated. While the mainboard can be replaced as a whole, this presents significant practical challenges.

Why Can’t Notebooks Be Fully Upgraded?

The limited upgradability of notebooks is inherent to their design: Unlike desktop PCs, where space is not a constraint, notebooks are meticulously engineered all-in-one devices that maximize space and energy efficiency. This results in compact designs and versatile configurations but limits the standardization of components.

For CPUs and GPUs, there are no unified standards in notebooks since the cooling solutions are tightly integrated with the chassis design. Consequently, as with the Framework Laptop, the only viable option is often replacing the entire mainboard, which is neither economically nor ecologically sensible.

The Myth of the Sustainable Desktop PC

Desktop PCs are often considered more sustainable due to their higher upgradability. But is this really true? While CPUs and GPUs can be replaced, the old components often end up on the second-hand market or, worse, in electronic waste. Moreover, upgrading the CPU frequently requires a new mainboard because socket standards change periodically.

While a desktop PC case can often be reused for years, a notebook’s case is subject to greater mechanical stress. A complete replacement of the notebook, with resale on the second-hand market, is therefore often the more practical and sustainable solution.

Why Soldered Components Can Make Sense

Soldered components are often criticized, but they do offer clear advantages. They enable more compact designs and are less prone to failure than mechanical connections when of high quality. Additionally, they improve energy efficiency by eliminating energy losses and performance reductions caused by mechanical connectors.

A notable example is Apple’s M1 chips, where CPU, GPU, RAM, and even SSDs are integrated. While this approach is controversial, it offers advantages such as higher performance per watt and lower energy consumption.

Sustainability at TUXEDO Computers

Sustainability and upgradability depend not only on the number of replaceable components but also on usage behavior. The key question is whether older devices are meaningfully reused or if individual components are frequently replaced.

At TUXEDO Computers, we are committed to offering high-performance Linux notebooks that are – within reasonable limits – upgradable and continue to work reliably even years after purchase.

For more information on the sustainability of our products, please visit here.