Framework Laptop 13 Mainboard Home Server Kit
In this kit, we recommend some of the most cost-effective parts available from the Framework Marketplace. If you need more performance for your home server, scroll down on this page and check out our Compatibility section for parts compatible with your desired Mainboard.
For step-by-step video instructions to set up your home server, follow our video guide.
Zach Feldman was the original creator of this DIY project. Check out Zach's written instructions on his blog post.
Recommended Framework parts
- Mainboard: Framework Laptop 13 Mainboard (11th Gen Intel® Core™) - i7-1185G7
Our recommendation: At 67% off the original price, this Mainboard is the most cost-effective way to build a home server. - Mainboard case: Framework Laptop 13 Cooler Master Mainboard Case
- Memory: DDR4-3200 - 16GB (2 x 8GB)
Our recommendation: This is likely enough for hosting personal websites with small databases. Memory capacity needs depend on the number of apps, the type of apps, and the amount of expected traffic for the home server, which can vary by use case. - Storage: Western Digital SN770 NVMe™- M.2 2280 - 250GB
Our recommendation: This is likely enough for hosting personal websites with a small amount of assets and a relatively small database of information to serve. Storage capacity needs depend on the number of apps, the type of apps, and the amount of expected traffic for the home server, which can vary by use case. - Expansion Cards: USB-C Expansion Card x 2, and Ethernet Expansion Card x 2
Our recommendation: Having two Ethernet cards allow you to build for redundancy, so you can have a backup to keep your website up if you run into connection issues and are not able to address it immediately. - Power Adapter: Power Adapter - 60W
Compatibility
All Framework Laptop 13 Mainboards are compatible with the Cooler Master Mainboard Case, Expansion Cards, storage, and the 60W Power Adapter. For memory compatibility, please refer to the lists below.
Compatible with DDR4 memory:
- 11th Gen Intel® Core™
- 12th Gen Intel® Core™
- 13th Gen Intel® Core™
Compatible with DDR5 memory:
- Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 1
- AMD Ryzen™ 7040 Series
Other products (not available from Framework Marketplace)
For interface through USB-C:
- USB-C Hub
- USB Keyboard
- USB mouse
- HDMI cable
- External monitor
For networking:
- Network switch
- Ethernet cables x2
Ease of Setup
This is considered a medium to medium-difficult project. The full setup includes assembling parts and enabling web access. The process from start to finish can take 30-60 minutes for an experienced individual and may take a few hours for a first-time creator, depending on your knowledge and experience in computer hardware, software, and networking.
We recommend following the step-by-step written instructions provided by our lead software engineer, Zach Feldman, on his blog post, or watching this video where our content creator, Hyelim Choi, shares her setup experience.