XMG NEO 16: Completely redesigned for maximum performance

With the XMG NEO 16, XMG presents the definitive top-of-the-line model in terms of performance and features in its 2024 laptop lineup. Accordingly, the latest model combines Intel's Core i9-14900HX with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards up to the RTX 4090. The 16.0-inch laptop has been completely redesigned and boasts numerous improvements, including a more compact aluminum chassis, a new cooling system with optimizations for the optional XMG OASIS laptop water cooling, a 500 cd/m² bright 16:10 display, and a redesigned keyboard layout.

Core i9-14900HX and GeForce RTX graphics cards benefit from a new cooling system

As a representative of the high-end segment, the XMG NEO 16 (E24) combines Intel's fastest laptop CPU Core i9-14900HX with a selection of mobile NVIDIA graphics cards from the GeForce RTX 4060 to the RTX 4090, which, including the maximum specified graphics performance of up to 175 watts (150 watts plus 25 watt Dynamic Boost), will still be the benchmark in 2024.

The NEO 16 boasts a significant overall performance boost thanks to a new composite cooling system with five heat pipes, making it the fastest laptop currently in the XMG portfolio. Compared to its predecessor, the fans are now 12 mm taller (up from 11 mm) and have 81 fan blades (up from 71). All four heatsinks in front of the air vents are now made of copper and feature 281 cooling fins. Furthermore, the ventilation has been optimized: the laptop now draws in fresh air not only from the bottom but also from the top (keyboard). While the higher-end NEO 16 models (RTX 4090, 4080) utilize Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut liquid metal, the two lower-end models employ Honeywell PT7958 phase-changing thermal pads.

Key features such as CPU undervolting, RAM tuning (XMP profiles, adjustments of timings and voltages), the creation of custom performance profiles including CPU and GPU power limits and customizable fan curves remain available via the BIOS or the XMG Control Center.

Optimizations for the optional external laptop water cooling system XMG OASIS

While previous XMG NEO laptops used a water pipe soldered onto the air cooling system, the NEO 16 (E24) takes a new approach, fully integrating a water channel that covers both the CPU and GPU areas into the heatsink. This increases the contact area and thus also the thermal efficiency.

Also new: The self-sealing connection on the laptop features a locking mechanism to prevent the hoses from accidentally slipping off. This requires new hoses, but with the appropriate (and also separately available) hose kit, the water cooling system remains compatible with all OASIS Ready laptop generations.

As with the NEO 17 (E24), the NEO 16 (E24) is only compatible with laptops equipped with a GeForce RTX 4090 or 4080. Those who prefer a model with an RTX 4070 or 4060 and OASIS can opt for the still-available XMG NEO 17 (E23) with a Core i9-13900HX.

XMG NEO 16: Power Limits and Performance

The following table shows the power limits within which an XMG NEO 16 (E24) in its maximum configuration with Intel Core i9-14900HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 operates in stress tests (Prime95, Furmark) with both air and water cooling:

More compact aluminum housing, 16:10 display with 500 cd/m2, new keyboard layout

Measuring 356.7 x 253 x 26.6 mm and weighing 2.5 kg (from RTX 4080) or 2.4 kg (up to RTX 4070), the XMG NEO 16's chassis, made entirely of aluminum except for the display bezel, is more compact than its predecessor. The new 16:10 IPS display, which can be opened up to 180 degrees with one hand, still has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels and a 240 Hz refresh rate, but at 500 cd/m², it is significantly brighter. The sRGB color gamut coverage is over 95 percent, and pre-calibrated color profiles are available for download via the Control Center. The optional RGB light bar has been significantly upgraded with higher brightness, more effects, and a positioning that directs the light beam towards the area in front of the laptop.

Despite its smaller dimensions, the laptop integrates both a larger glass touchpad (123 x 77.5 mm) and a keyboard with an improved layout that sits almost flush with the laptop's outer edges. This includes a full, four-row numeric keypad, dedicated navigation keys, separate full-size arrow keys, and an Fn lock function. The membrane keyboard supports N-key rollover, anti-ghosting, and offers freely programmable per-key RGB backlighting.

Enhanced connectivity, 99.8 Wh battery and optimized SSD cooling

The XMG NEO 16's connectivity options include, for the first time, two USB-C ports (USB4 and 3.2 Gen1), one of which supports both Thunderbolt 4 and charging via a USB-C power adapter up to 100 watts. Power supplies are available in 330-watt (RTX 4090, 4080) and 280-watt (RTX 4070, 4060) versions, while the battery capacity remains at 99.8 Wh. The laptop also features HDMI 2.1, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, three USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-size SD card reader, and a 2-in-1 audio jack for headsets. A new feature is the physical webcam cover for the Full HD webcam, and an infrared camera enables features such as Windows Hello login.

In addition to up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM, the NEO 16 also features two M.2 SSD slots with PCIe 4.0 connectivity, which are equipped with separate heat shields and thermal pads.

Configure and buy the XMG NEO 16 for free

The base configuration of the freely configurable (E24) on bestware.com includes Intel's Core i9-14900HX, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 16 (2x 8) GB DDR5-5600 RAM, a 500 GB SSD, and a 500 cd/m² bright WQXGA IPS display with a 240 Hz refresh rate. The starting price is €1,849 including 19% VAT.

Upgrades to an RTX 4070 (€295), RTX 4080 (€975), RTX 4090 (€1,597) or the XMG OASIS (Mk2) with improved connector (€199, only with RTX 4080 and 4090) are available for an additional charge.