Still no Thunderbolt support on Framework 12

[cainedk]

Device Information

System Model or SKU

Please select one of the following

• Framework Laptop 12 (13th Gen Intel® Core™)
• Framework Laptop 13 (11th Gen Intel® Core™)
• Framework Laptop 13 (12th Gen Intel® Core™)
• Framework Laptop 13 (13th Gen Intel® Core™)
• Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen™ 7040 Series)
• Framework Laptop 13 (AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series)
• Framework Laptop 13 (Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 1)
• Framework Laptop 16 (AMD Ryzen™ 7040 Series)
• Framework Laptop 16 (AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series)
• Framework Desktop (AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 PRO Series)

BIOS VERSION

Linux: 03.06

DIY Edition information

If you are experiencing an issue on a DIY system, Please also fill out the memory and storage devices you are using.

Memory: what ever framework shipped with my laptop DDR5-5600 - 32GB (1 x 32GB)
Storage: WD_Black SN770M NVMe 500GB

Port/Peripheral information

1. [ HDMI]
2. [ USB-C ]
3. [ USB-C ]
4. [ USB-A ]

Describe the bug

No thunderbolt support,
Razer Core X shows up as connected and the Framework 12 starts to charge from the Razer Core X but does not detect the Nvidia RTX 2060 in the Razer Core X.
Have tested different cables, port combinations and tested that it works on a different computer in windows.
The issue is frame work needs to develop a BIOS for enabeling thunderbolt.

So to quote the frame work support staff:

Thank you for your response. We completely understand your frustration. It’s disappointing to discover that your eGPU isn’t working as expected after all the testing you did. You did everything right in trying different cables and expansion slots, and it’s understandably frustrating to learn about this limitation after purchase. At this time, the Framework 12 does not fully support Thunderbolt, but we recommend keeping an eye on future BIOS updates, as they may improve compatibility with eGPU setups.

Thank you for your patience while we continue to enhance support.
Regards,
Framework Support

[JohnAZoidberg]

The Laptop 12 only supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 and DisplayPort 1.4 on all ports. No USB4 or Thunderbolt.

Sorry support must have mixed up things with Laptop 13 which all support at least USB4 - and some were thunderbolt certified at release or after.

[cainedk]

Well kinda strange as the support ticket I filed have replies from several different people during its rounds at frame work support team.
The first person did not know anything about thunderbolt. the second and third person asked me to keep a lookout for BIOS updates.
and it have been made clear from the start and through all the communication that it was the framework 12 the support ticket was about.

[cainedk]

It looks like its the support team that is the issue here.
Just a reply from them regarding framework 12 and thunderbolt where they clearly did not do their work in providing correct information.

[jcdutton]

@cainedk
JohnAZoidberg is an official FW employee and his answer above is the correct one.
The FW12 would need a differently designed mainboard to support thunderbolt.
The lack of thunderbolt is mentioned in various online reviews of the FW12.
E.g. https://nanoreview.net/en/laptop/framework-laptop-12

Note: I am a user like you.

[JohnAZoidberg]

Sorry for the confusion from support, I will talk to them and make sure they can provide better informations about this in the future.
We have an official table about what the ports support here: https://knowledgebase.frame.work/usb-port-definition-matrix-framework-laptop-12-S1nUHTAReg