Intel Takes a Leaf From Framework, MNT with Its Proposal for a Return to More Modular Computers

Intel has proposed a shift to a more modular architecture for personal computers both portable and desk-bound, highlighting the benefits of reversing the trend for components to be soldered to motherboards in terms of reducing electronic waste and improving repairability — though it has not announced any plans to actually produce such a system, at least at present.

"The right-to-repair emphasizes the importance of being able to fix and upgrade PCs on one's own," Intel's Curpreet Sandhu, Reshma PP, and Roberta Zouain explain in a joint post on the topic. "Improving repairability requires fundamental changes starting from the design methodology. Compliant devices will need to guarantee, by design, repairability and upgradability. This approach requires a modular PC architecture which is deviant from the current monolithic approach. Modular PC architecture is an innovative approach that addresses this requirement of end-of-life extension with the flexibility to upgrade and repair their systems with ease."

When IBM released its Personal Computer (PC) back in 1981, the design was notably modular — and based, more for reasons of expediency than philanthropy, around a standardized architecture. As a result, there was nothing to stop third parties from building devices designed to upgrade or repair an IBM PC or even cloning the PC itself — something that a vast number of companies did, launching the "IBM compatible" market, which effectively birthed modern computing as we know it today.

A growing desire for small-and-light, coupled with the need to trim profit margins, means manufacturers have been moving away from this modular approach. Open a modern laptop and you'll most likely find a compact single-board computer with absolutely no components you can replace without access to a hot-air soldering station — notable exceptions like the MNT Reform family and Framework Laptop range aside.

Intel's proposal leans more towards the latter than the former, and in fact directly lifts Framework's use of compact daughterboards for input/output connectivity as one of its proposals. Others include a return to motherboards that host removable storage and memory, though stops short of recommending socketed and user-replaceable CPUs and GPUs for portable devices where size and weight matter most.

Intel's proposal splits the market into three: the Premium Modular PC Architecture is, effectively, its take on the Framework Laptop, putting two modular input/output boards either side of a central motherboard — with all models in the range using the same standardized IO modules. The Entry/Mainstream Modular PC Architecture, meanwhile, extends the concept still further by promising an "upgradeable core," memory, Wi-Fi, and solid-state storage — again, like the Framework Laptop family.

Finally, the company's Desktop Modular PC Architecture is, effectively, a successor to its shuttered Next Unit of Computing (NUC) project: compact workstations that, like current desktops, can accept discrete PCI Express GPUs and other add-in boards — but which connect to the mainboard through a central Platform Controller Hub (PCH), and feature slide rails similar to vintage PCs of the 1980s. Another design tweak is removable solid-state storage accessed from the front panel, inspired by games consoles.

"By developing a new approach to system design that allows for easy upgrades and component replacements," the trio claim, "we aim to significantly extend the usable life of computing devices, thereby reducing electronic waste and promoting a more sustainable consumption model. By working closely with our customers and partners, we hope to transform the way PCs are designed and help shape the future of computing."

At the time of writing, however, neither Intel nor its partners had committed to actually producing any devices based around the concept, which is detailed in full on the company's blog.