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What we think
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Updated March 21, 2024·
For general use with a focus on customization and repairability, the Framework Laptop may be the better choice, especially if you appreciate a slightly lower price point. On the other hand, if you prioritize performance for gaming, 3D tasks, or engineering software, the Gigabyte Aero 17, despite being pricier and heavier, often offers more powerful hardware suitable for those applications. The Aero 17's larger chassis typically includes better cooling, which can be essential for long, intensive work sessions. However, it's less portable than the Framework, which could be a drawback if you travel frequently or prefer a lighter device. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
- Very good for software development
- Good portability
- Good battery life
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Gigabyte Aero 17
- Good for gaming and AI
- Excellent overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
7.9
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Gigabyte Aero 17 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, while adequate for gaming and 3D applications, is generally outfitted with a less powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) and a standard screen refresh rate, which may limit high-end game performance and less fluid motion in 3D tasks. In contrast, the Gigabyte Aero 17 is equipped with a high-performance GPU and a higher refresh rate display, offering smoother gameplay and more robust 3D performance, alongside a capable CPU and high-quality screen that further enhance its suitability for demanding multimedia tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.8
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Gigabyte Aero 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design, though the Gigabyte Aero 17 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a balance of solid CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities suitable for engineering and design, with a focus on modularity and repairability, but the Aero 17 stands out with a more powerful graphics performance and a high-quality screen, making it a better fit for demanding engineering tasks. However, the Framework tends to be more portable and has a slightly quieter operating noise, which might be more comfortable for frequent travellers or noise-sensitive environments.
Screen Quality
8.4
9.2
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aero 17 for software development, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 has a better screen for general use, engineering and design, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a high-resolution display and good brightness, making it suitable for general use and detailed engineering work, but its lower refresh rate diminishes its appeal for fast-paced gaming and 3D applications. Conversely, the Gigabyte Aero 17's superior color coverage with wider gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB make it an excellent choice for professionals in engineering and design who require utmost color accuracy, although it still falls short for gaming due to a less than optimal refresh rate. Neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D work where a high refresh rate is crucial to keep visuals smooth and responsive.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte Aero 17 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$2,071
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the Gigabyte Aero 17 costs $2,071.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
8.1
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
368.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.6/10
The Gigabyte Aero 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed with portability in mind, offering a balance of a high-quality screen, adequate CPU, and RAM for smooth general use, and a focus on long battery life, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods without charging. In contrast, the Gigabyte Aero 17 provides a larger, high-quality display and more powerful CPU and RAM, suited for more demanding applications, but this comes at the expense of heavier weight and typically shorter battery life, making it less portable but better for performance-intensive tasks.
Content Creation
8.1
8.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The Gigabyte Aero 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.0
7.9
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for software development, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and Gigabyte Aero 17 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the Gigabyte Aero 17 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | Gigabyte Aero 17 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $2,071 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | March 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 15.6'' x 9.5'' x 0.92'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 5.73 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 15.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 9.5" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 99 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | Mini LED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 3840 x 2160 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 368 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
Gigabyte Aero 17
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NotebookCheck
Mike Wobker | May 2021
"Not only is the Aero 17 a very good laptop for gamers but also for content creators. With the upgrade to the Intel Core i9-11980HK, Gigabyte particularly improved the system performance. In addition, the hardware package is rounded by the extremely fast SSD and 32 GB of working memory in dual-channel mode. Compared to the predecessor, the battery life is reduced only moderately, and the 4K display also basically keeps its good qualities."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the Gigabyte Aero 17
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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