XMG NEO 16: Completely redesigned for maximum performance

XMG NEO 16: Completely redesigned for maximum performance

XMG introduces the XMG NEO 16, the definite flagship model of their 2024 laptop range in terms of performance and features. Accordingly, the latest model combines Intel’s Core i9-14900HX with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards up to an RTX 4090. The 16.0-inch laptop has been redesigned from the ground up and features a wide range of improvements, including a more compact aluminium chassis, a new cooling system with additional optimisations for the optional XMG OASIS laptop water cooling system, a 500 nits bright 16:10 display, and a revised keyboard layout.

Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX Graphics Cards and a New Cooling System

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

The NEO 16 boasts a significant overall increase in performance thanks to a redesigned composite cooling system featuring five heat pipes that makes the laptop the fastest in the XMG portfolio: Compared to the previous model, the height of the fans increases from 11 to 12 mm, the number of fan blades increases from 71 to 81, and all four heat sinks in front of the air outlets are now made of copper and feature 281 cooling fins. Airflow has been significantly optimised: Air intake has been enhanced to include both the underside and the keyboard area. While the more powerful versions of the NEO 16 (RTX 4090, 4080) utilise Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut liquid metal, the two lower-tier models incorporate phase-changing Honeywell PT7958 pads.

Key features such as CPU undervolting, RAM tuning (XMP profiles, adjustments to timings and voltages), the ability to create individual performance profiles including CPU and GPU power limits and customisable fan curves are available via the BIOS and the XMG Control Center.

Enhancements for the Optional XMG OASIS Water Cooling System

While previous XMG NEO laptops used a water pipe soldered onto the air-cooling system, the NEO 16 (E24) integrates a water channel covering both the CPU and GPU directly into the heat sink. As a result, the contact surface and thus the thermal efficiency are increased.

Also new: the self-sealing connectors on the laptop include a snap-in securing mechanism to prevent the tubes from accidentally slipping off. This requires new tubes, but the water-cooling system remains compatible with all OASIS Ready laptop generations when fitted with the matching (and separately available) set of tubes.

For the NEO 16 (E24), the same applies as for the NEO 17 (E24): Only laptops with a GeForce RTX 4090 or 4080 support external water cooling. Customers who prefer a model with RTX 4070 or 4060 and OASIS can opt for the XMG NEO 17 (E23) with Core i9-13900HX, which continues to be available.

XMG NEO 16: Power Limits and Performance

The table below illustrates the power limits of an XMG NEO 16 (E24) in its maximum configuration, equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900HX and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, during stress tests (Prime95, Furmark) conducted with both air and water cooling:

More Compact Aluminium Chassis, 16:10 Display with 500 Nits, New Keyboard Layout

Measuring 356.7 x 253 x 26.6 mm and weighing 2.5 kg (with RTX 4080 and 4090) or 2.4 kg (up to RTX 4070), the XMG NEO 16’s chassis, made entirely of aluminium except for the display frame, is more compact than its predecessor. The new 16:10 IPS display, which can be opened up to 180 degrees with one hand, still features a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels and a 240 Hz refresh rate but is now significantly brighter at 500 nits. The sRGB colour space coverage is over 95 percent, pre-calibrated colour 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 onto the area in front of the laptop.

Despite its smaller dimensions, the laptop integrates both an enlarged glass touchpad (123 x 77.5 mm) and a keyboard with an improved layout, which is almost flush with the outer edges. It includes a full, four-row numeric keypad, dedicated navigation keys, full-size offset arrow keys and an Fn-Lock function. The membrane keyboard supports N-key rollover, anti-ghosting and offers a freely customisable per-key RGB illumination.

Extended Connectivity, 99.8 Wh Battery, and Optimised SSD Cooling

The connectivity of the XMG NEO 16 includes two USB-C ports (USB4 and 3.2 Gen1) for the first time, one of which supports both Thunderbolt 4 and charging via a USB-C power supply with up to 100 watts. Power supply units with 330 watts (RTX 4090, 4080) and 280 watts (RTX 4070, 4060) are available as the primary power supply source, while the battery capacity continues to be 99.8 Wh. In addition, the laptop features HDMI 2.1, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, three USB-A.3.2-ports, an SD card reader for full-size memory cards and a 2-in-1 audio jack for headsets. The Full HD webcam now includes a privacy shutter, while an infrared camera enables Windows Hello logins, for example.

Alongside up to 64 GB of plugged-in DDR5 RAM, the NEO 16 also offers two M.2 SSD slots with PCIe 4.0 connection, which are both fitted with separate heatshields and thermal pads.

Freely Configure and Buy XMG NEO 16

The base configuration of the XMG NEO 16 (E24), which can be freely configured 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 nits WQXGA IPS display with 240 Hz. The starting price including 19% VAT is €1,849.

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