Unbelievable 4K Gaming on an iGPU: My Experience with the Framework Desktop in the Living Room

Being a PC gamer has its perks. You can find games at better prices and adjust your settings to your liking. But there’s a downside too: you often find yourself stuck at your desk. Meanwhile, console gamers lounge comfortably on their couches, playing on big screens. Not ideal, right?

When I used to game solo, I often moved my powerful gaming PC to the living room. Now, with a family, that’s not practical. A bulky PC under the TV risks being knocked over, and it clashes with the living room’s vibe. It’s easy for partners to accept a console as part of the decor, but a gaming PC? Not so much.

Recently, I’ve been focused on mini PCs. With the rising prices of graphics cards, I moved away from traditional desktops. Surprisingly, many mini PCs can handle top games. The Framework Desktop caught my attention—it looks like a perfect mix of power and compact design for a living room setup.

Why Mini PCs Matter

Framework’s approach stands out. Their products, like laptops and now a mini PC, are modular and upgradable. You can customize it with different panels and ports. For instance, you can equip the front with USB-A, USB-C, or card readers. This makes it an excellent choice for personalized setups.

Building the Framework Desktop was a fun throwback. It comes mostly assembled and only requires installing the storage and fan. You can choose either Windows or Linux, but I opted for Windows 11 to keep things straightforward.

Couch Gaming Experience

Setting it up in my living room was easy. The Framework Desktop even has a funky carrying handle, making it simple to move around. I found a perfect spot under my TV where it fits well without any ventilation issues. It uses a standard power cable, which is a huge plus.

For control, I used a quality wireless keyboard and mouse setup, aiming for both looks and functionality. I found that changing the resolution to match my 65-inch TV was seamless.

Game Performance

I tested it with demanding titles, like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. With AMD’s performance-enhancing technology, the system ran smoothly, reaching around 60 frames per second. This made couch gaming feel as effortless as console play.

Many assume PCs can’t match consoles for gaming, but my experience suggests otherwise. Thanks to advancements in integrated graphics, you can enjoy demanding games without needing a separate GPU. New stats show that NVIDIA’s and AMD’s technologies are improving, allowing games to run smoothly on lower specs than ever before.

The Verdict

The Framework Desktop is a game-changer. It blends traditional PC flexibility with the comfort of console gaming. While it’s pricier at $1,099, it offers customization and ease of use for those hesitant about building their own systems.

Though it won’t be a permanent fixture in my living room, its portability lets me shift it around as needed. As the mini-PC market continues to grow, I’m excited to see how it evolves.

For more insights on mini PCs, you can check out this Tom’s Guide article.

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