DeepComputing brings RISC V upgrade option to Framework Laptop 13

DeepComputing has opened orders for a new RISC V mainboard designed for the Framework Laptop 13, giving developers a rare way to turn an existing modular laptop into a native RISC V Linux machine. The DC ROMA RISC V Mainboard III starts at $699 and is built around the SpacemiT K3 SoC, with the first batch expected to ship at the end of June 2026.

The mainboard was first announced at FOSDEM 2026 in January and later shown again at Framework’s NextGen event in April. Now that orders are open, the board gives Framework Laptop 13 owners another example of why modular notebooks matter. Instead of replacing the whole laptop, owners can swap the motherboard and move from an x86 Intel system to a RISC V development platform.

The upgrade is aimed at developers, not normal laptop buyers

This is not a mainstream laptop upgrade for everyday users. DeepComputing says the Ubuntu image is meant for RISC V developer use and is not production ready. That makes the board more suitable for people working on Linux ports, compilers, software testing, RISC V tools, and the RVA23 software stack.

The SpacemiT K3 chip includes an 8 core RVA23 CPU running at up to 2.5 GHz, along with an 8 core RVA22 AI specialized CPU. DeepComputing also claims up to 60 TOPS of general purpose AI compute. Memory is onboard LPDDR5, with 16GB and 32GB options available.

The board also includes one M.2 2280 slot for SATA or NVMe storage, a microSD slot, and an M.2 2230 slot for wireless connectivity. Display output works through USB C with DisplayPort 1.4 support up to 4K at 60Hz, while the internal 2.2K Framework Laptop 13 display is also supported.

One of the most interesting parts is support for older Framework laptops. Owners of the original 2021 Framework Laptop 13 with an 11th Gen Intel mainboard should be able to replace the old x86 board with this new RISC V option. The chassis, screen, keyboard, battery, and Expansion Card system can stay in place, while the machine moves to a completely different processor architecture.

Pricing starts at $699 for the Basic 16GB version without an SSD. The 32GB Basic version costs $999. Standard bundles with a 1TB SSD start at $899, while the Pro bundle with a full Framework Laptop 13 chassis starts at $1,499. The top listed version with 32GB memory and 1TB SSD reaches $1,799.

That pricing makes it clear who this is for. Most people looking for a daily laptop should still choose a normal Intel, AMD, or ARM based machine with mature software support. But for developers and researchers interested in RISC V, this is a useful and unusual option.

The launch also strengthens Framework’s modular idea. A laptop bought years ago can become something very different through a mainboard swap. That is still rare in the notebook market, where many systems are effectively disposable once the platform becomes outdated.

DeepComputing’s new board may not make RISC V mainstream overnight, but it gives developers a practical machine for real testing. For Framework owners, it is also a reminder that modular laptops can do more than extend repair life. They can turn old hardware into a completely new kind of development platform.