Essential expansion cards for the Framework Laptop 13?

Question

Hey everyone! I’m finally pulling the trigger on a Framework Laptop 13, and I’m a bit stuck on which expansion cards to prioritize for my initial order. The modularity is the main reason I'm switching from my old MacBook, but with only four slots to work with, I want to make sure I’m picking a 'daily driver' set that covers all the bases without needing to carry a bag full of extra dongles.

Right now, I’m definitely getting at least one USB-C card for charging, but I’m torn on the rest. I still use a legacy USB-A mouse and various thumb drives for work, so that feels like a must-have. However, I also frequently connect to an external monitor via HDMI at my desk. I’ve read some older community posts mentioning that certain cards—specifically the HDMI and DisplayPort ones—can cause a slight battery drain even when not in use. Is that still a major concern with the newer models, or has that been optimized? I’m also debating if the MicroSD card expansion is worth it for quick photo transfers, or if I should just stick to a standard port.

For those of you who have been using the FW13 for a while, what’s your 'golden' configuration? If you could only pick four cards to live in your machine 24/7, which ones would they be and why?

SeraphicSalsa · Accepted Answer

> If you could only pick four cards to live in your machine 24/7, which ones would they be and why?

tbh i’ve stuck with 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, and a MicroSD for my daily driver. The HDMI battery drain was a thing, but mostly patched now iirc. Still, I just keep my HDMI card in my desk drawer and swap it in when I’m at my monitor. It’s cheap enough to have as a spare and basically gives you better battery on the road! gl!

PixelPioneer · Answer

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, don't overspend on specialized cards yet. Since ur worried about battery and budget, just grab 2x Framework USB-C Expansion Card and 2x Framework USB-A Expansion Card (2nd Gen). It's the safest, cheapest way to start.

* Stick to a USB-C to HDMI Adapter for your monitor to avoid any legacy drain issues.
* Use a cheap Anker 2-in-1 USB 3.0 SD Card Reader instead of the MicroSD card to save some cash.

I've been super happy with this setup and it works well without the extra drain. peace

QuietQuasar · Answer

Just sharing my experience: so I went through this exact same dilemma when I got my first FW13. Honestly, the Framework HDMI Expansion Card (3rd Gen) vs Framework DisplayPort Expansion Card (2nd Gen) debate is real.

I basically found that the newest DP cards are way better on battery now, but I still swap my HDMI out for a Framework USB-C Expansion Card when I'm traveling just to be safe. My 24/7 setup is 2x USB-C, 1x Framework USB-A Expansion Card, and the Framework microSD Expansion Card cuz I'm always moving photos from my camera. Works like a charm and I literally never use dongles anymore lol. Ur gonna love the modularity tho!! gl