this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2024
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Installation question - Storage Expansion Card required? [Answered] (self.framework)
submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by Rolando to c/[email protected]
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Hi, I was thinking of getting a Framework 13 and putting Linux on it.

So I was looking at the Ubuntu installation instructions and it says a "Storage Expansion Card" is required to install. I click "view" to see what that is, and the item page says it's a 250GB Type. The URL provided goes to a dead link, but I think that means a "250GB (2nd Gen) Storage Expansion Card" for $45 on the configuration page. I've installed Ubuntu before, but I just used a plain USB stick, and the instructions aren't clear on whether that's enough or whether I need to use their specific drive for some reason.

So my question is: when I'm configuring a Framework 13, do I need to add a 250GB expansion card, or can I just use a USB stick that I already have (to install Ubuntu)? Thanks.

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[–] UsedRealNameB4 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

USB stick should work just fine. If you scroll down on the instructions a bit it says insert your usb drive 8gigs or larger to flash Ubuntu onto.

[–] Rolando 3 points 3 months ago

Thanks, that makes sense.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

No, you can install it right on the hard drive. The expansion ports only offer additional storage space. They do not replace a standard hard drive.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I think the "Storage Expansion Card" is not necessary for installation. Most of the Youtube videos I've seen about installing Linux on the Framework don't mention this addon at all, so it is probably not required. Additionally, it is not referenced anywhere else in the installation instructions.

It is probably referenced in case you want to dual boot (you can install to the expansion card), or in case you want to use the expansion card as a USB stick.

[–] Rolando 1 points 3 months ago

Oh, I should have thought to check youtube videos, thanks for the info.