The answer, at least for the Framework Desktop announced today: a gaming PC that takes advantage of many PC standards and offers a unique combination of small size and high performance but which is otherwise substantially less modular and upgradeable than a mini PC you can already buy or build for yourself.

The company's debut desktop is a compact microtower that combines Framework's signature swappable I/O modules with quirky design touches. Plus, it promises real productivity and gaming punch from a special AMD CPU.

In terms of hardware inside of the case, Framework’s Mainboard (which is available on its own for $799, if you already have a Mini-ITX case that you like) is unusual for a desktop motherboard. That’s because it’s essentially a laptop board.