XMG Unveils NEO 16 Featuring Up to 24 GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU and EVO Ultrabooks Powered by AMD Strix “Ryzen AI 300” APUs

XMG has officially launched the advanced NEO 16 laptop, now featuring Intel Arrow Lake-HX processors and an option for NVIDIA’s top-tier RTX 5090 24 GB GPU. Additionally, AMD-based EVO configurations have also been introduced, providing further choices for high-performance computing.

XMG NEO 16: Next-Level Components and Performance

Press Release – At the CES 2025 event held in Las Vegas, XMG showcased its latest rendition of the NEO 16, a high-end gaming and work laptop. The updated model is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and supports NVIDIA graphics options, scaling up to the GeForce RTX 5090 with 24 GB of GDDR6 VRAM.

This new iteration introduces support for CSO-DIMM technology and offers an optional 1000-nit mini-LED display. Furthermore, the XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 ultrabooks have been refreshed with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors while retaining their upgradeable RAM. Additionally, the SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro, a powerful desktop replacement laptop from XMG’s sister brand, features the same Intel processor and GPU options, along with dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.

Enhanced Features of the XMG NEO 16 (E25)

The 2025 edition of the XMG NEO 16 boasts a thorough redesign internally, incorporating cutting-edge hardware advancements, including the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with an impressive 24 cores, and NVIDIA’s elite GeForce GPU lineup (RTX 5090, 5080, or 5070 Ti).

Notably, for the first time, this model supports up to 96 GB of expandable DDR5 CSO-DIMM RAM with a maximal speed of 6400 MT/s, a feature mirroring the CU-DIMM technology initially seen in Intel’s desktop setups. Moreover, one of the dual M.2 SSD slots comes equipped with a PCI Express 5.0 x4 interface. In addition, the updated XMG Control Center enhances user experience with functions like CPU undervolting, RAM adjustments, and customizable RGB lighting options.

The laptop’s display offers a stunning 16-inch, 300 Hz, 2560 x 1600 resolution with a brightness level of 500 nits and is G-SYNC enabled. Users can opt for a mini-LED panel upgrade that delivers 1000 nits brightness, covering the complete DCI-P3 color gamut at the same resolution and refresh rate. Enhanced hinge mechanisms have been applied to minimize display wobble, ensuring a solid user experience. The chassis dimensions are 356.7 x 259.9 x 27.5 mm, weighing approximately 2.4 kg for the IPS display version and 2.6 kg for the mini-LED variation.

A standout innovation of the XMG NEO 16 (E25) is its modified internal architecture, featuring a dedicated motherboard for the CPU, RAM, and SSD, while the graphics card is located on a separate board connected via a secure screw-fastened connector. This modular design not only allows for increased flexibility in component integration but also enhances cooling performance by employing a revamped fan system that includes three fans and two optimized air outlets.

The enhancements extend to the laptop’s connectivity options as well. A new Mini DisplayPort 2.1 has been introduced, along with a Thunderbolt 4 port that supports up to 140 watts of Power Delivery. The USB-C 3.2 port is now upgraded to Gen2 status, and an updated card reader accommodates the full-size SD Express format. The existing configuration retains popular ports, including three USB-A outlets, 2.5 Gigabit LAN, HDMI 2.1, and a 2-in-1 audio jack.

Other features include a responsive per-key RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting capabilities, a spacious glass touchpad, and a robust 99.8 Wh battery. The keyboard design has been refined to enhance the typing experience with improved scissor-switch mechanisms, while the keystroke depth remains at 1.4 mm. High-end variants of this laptop, configured with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, will come with a powerful 420-watt power supply. Notably, this new adapter utilizes silicon carbide technology, making it as compact and lightweight as the previous 330-watt model.

The XMG OASIS cooling system, designed for compatibility with all XMG NEO 16 GPU variants, has also seen upgrades. The quieter operation of this optional external water cooling unit is due to an optimized pump system, firmly securing the connection to the laptop, shifting from a magnetic to a lock-in mechanism.

Upgrades in the XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 Models

Initially launched in July 2024, the XMG EVO ultrabooks rapidly garnered positive reviews for their performance, lightweight aluminum designs, and robust connectivity features. By the end of 2024, the EVO series stood as the third highest-selling model in XMG’s portfolio, following the NEO series and CORE 15.

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The chassis design, display technology, and crucial specifications for the 2025 XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 remain largely consistent. Each ultrabook is equipped with USB4 ports that are Thunderbolt-compatible, supporting DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery up to 100 watts, as well as a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port with equivalent capabilities. The models also include HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, a fast SD card reader compatible with SD Express, dual audio jacks, and three USB-A ports. A minor enhancement in the EVO 15 aligns all USB-A ports with the 3.2 Gen1 standard.

Key advancements in this series revolve largely around processor options from AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series, offering various tiers from Krackan Point to Strix Point. The pinnacle configuration for both models is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. Notably, the EVO 15 will now feature a 150-watt USB-C power supply, enhancing the previous 100-watt system, alongside an improved cooling solution to fully leverage CPU capabilities.

SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro (E25): A Mobile Workstation Redefined

In an exciting development, SCHENKER, XMG’s sister brand, has unveiled the SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro, the first 18-inch portable high-performance workstation. Currently in the prototype phase, the laptop will run the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor while offering flexible GPU options, including the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, or 5070 Ti, all optimized for peak performance.

The KEY 18 Pro is designed with optimal connectivity in mind, featuring dual Thunderbolt 5 ports for high-speed data transfer and display connectivity, coupled with dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are beneficial for professional networking requirements. Additional ports include USB-A slots, HDMI 2.1, an audio jack, and a microSD card reader.

The device offers users a choice between two impressive 16:10 IPS display configurations—one at 2560 x 1600 resolution with 500 nits brightness at 240 Hz and the other at 3840 x 2400 with 400 nits brightness and a refresh rate of 200 Hz. Both displays will support G-SYNC and provide complete DCI-P3 color space coverage, enhancing both productivity and entertainment. The audio experience is further enriched by an integrated subwoofer, making the KEY 18 Pro a unique offering from XMG and SCHENKER.

Similar to other models, the KEY 18 Pro is presented in a robust yet lightweight aluminum case, with expected dimensions of 402 x 320 x 28 mm and a weight around 3.9 kg, including a 98 Wh battery. These specifications are subject to change prior to the official release.

Availability

Following NVIDIA’s release schedule, the XMG NEO 16 and SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro are anticipated for pre-order towards the end of February, with general sales expected to begin in early March. The XMG EVO series ultrabooks are set for a potential launch starting February 18, 2025, subsequent to AMD’s embargo. Once available for pre-order, these laptops will be listed on XMG’s partner shop, bestware.com.

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