GPU-NLOCKED
Product and service designer
Mentors
Drupad Mistry
Team Members
Individual
Date
1 week
A Tale of Two Realities
We don't throw away a car for a flat tire or replace a fridge because the door squeaks. Yet, when a laptop’s GPU can’t keep up with modern software, we often discard the entire machine. This isn't because the device is broken, but because one crucial part is locked into a linear economy model with no upgrade path.
The Problem: The Soldered Ceiling
Most modern laptops use soldered NVIDIA GPUs, making upgrades impossible. This creates a "system-wide problem" where millions of users with capable CPUs and RAM are held back by a single aging component. So i conducted a small research study by interviewing 20 students who live in the hostel.
17/20
Find modern tools too resource-intensive for their current laptops.
13/20
Are willing to pay ₹7K–12K for an official NVIDIA upgrade.
15/20
Desire to optimize existing devices rather than discard them.
The existing linear economy cycle.
The next logical step
Inspired by the 1966 Le Mans race, where Ford beat the Legendary team of Ferrari with a historic 1-2-3 podium win by simply changing their normal brakes which could not handle the high speeds with modular brakes which could simply be swapped out during pit stops. So why cant this be applied to GPUs?
The Proposed Circular Economy
How can I propose as solution with tech which doesnt exist?
NVIDIA had introduced MXM technology in the early 2000s which enabled modular GPUs but made laptops bulky with thermal issues, and with rise of light and thinner laptops the market phased it out. But in 2023 AMD launched their chiplet technology which solved the problem for thermal and size related issues and are currently using it for their CPUs and will apply it to their GPUs within a few years. So based on this it can be said that modular GPUs are going to be part of the near future.
MXM
Tech by NVIDIA to enable modular GPUs but made laptos bulkier with thermal issues. Soon phased out.
Chiplet tech
Tech introduced by AMD swaps modular parts out (like relpacing Lego pieces). Currently used in CPUs
Modular GPUs
With the existing concept from MXM and they new invention of the CHiplet tech, Modular GPUs are possible
This is not a guess, Its a market trend
Across computing history, complex hardware has evolved into smaller, modular, and swappable units. This isn’t a breakthrough it’s a pattern. Just like RAM and SSDs, modular GPUs will become a design necessity, not an option. As for OEM’s either adapt or be left behind
Using Existing Experience
Levaraging the existing app "NVIDIA GeForce Experience" made specially to manage graphic driver, by adding a simple button of "Upgrade GPU".
Selecting Preferred Upgrade
Hyperlinking users to their browser to smoothen out the checkout process, where the users are provided GPU options based on their laptops limitation at discounted prices as the old GPUs will be exchanged.
Details for Exchange
Next the user as taken to the checkout page for the GPU at an discounted price since it will be exchanged with the old GPU.
Where & When
The user provides preferred date and address for GPU exchange.
Book Exchange
After finishing a technician will arive at the address on the given date and time with the new GPU, exchange it with the older GPU which will be taken back and refurbished or reused in industries with lower GPU requirements.
Benifits of sustainable laptop practices
Coming to live
Only a few months after completing this project, Framework has started developing laptops which can support modular GPU concepts for NVIDIA GPUs also.
My Key Learnings
Small Hardware Shifts, Big Impact: Even minor adjustments in hardware design can significantly extend a product's lifecycle and lead to more sustainable outcomes.
Prioritize Value over Replacement: Designing for circularity focuses on maximizing the ongoing value of a product rather than simply replacing it.
Vision-Led, Future-Ready Strategy: Leveraging existing technology patterns, like those from NVIDIA, allows for future-ready solutions that anticipate market needs.
