- New Product
XMG introduces an updated version of its Intel-based XMG NEO 16. The laptop is available with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, 5080 or 5070 Ti and replaces the previous Core Ultra 9 275HX with the new Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus. The 2026 model also features upgraded 1600p display options. For the first time, the NEO 16 is available with a 240 Hz OLED panel, while the IPS panel – exclusively available in the entry-level RTX 5070 Ti configuration – now covers 100 per cent of both the sRGB and DCI-P3 colour spaces. A Mini-LED display with G-SYNC support is also planned, but will be introduced at a later date.
XMG NEO 16 with even more performance thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
The XMG NEO 16 (M26) retains the aluminium chassis of its predecessor, the E25 model, while updating its components and display options. The dimensions therefore remain unchanged at 356.7 x 259.9 x 27.9 mm. Depending on the selected display, the laptop weighs 2.6 kg with the OLED panel or 2.65 kg with the IPS panel. The design remains understated and elegant, complemented only by an RGB LED light bar at the front of the chassis, which can be disabled if desired.
The processor has been upgraded for the M26 generation: the previous Core Ultra 9 275HX is replaced by the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, Intel’s top-of-the-range laptop processor. Based on the Arrow Lake HX Refresh architecture introduced earlier this year, it features 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores). It also supports Intel Binary Optimization Tool (IBOT) and features a die-to-die frequency that is 900 MHz higher than that of the Core Ultra 9 285HX. This higher frequency helps improve gaming performance by reducing system latency.
On the graphics side, the NEO 16 continues to offer NVIDIA’s three fastest laptop GPUs. Customers can choose between the GeForce RTX 5090, RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti. Depending on the GPU, the maximum graphics power is 175 watts for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, or 140 watts for the RTX 5070 Ti, including Dynamic Boost.
Cooling system and power limits
The high-performance composite cooling system remains unchanged. It combines copper heat pipes with two 80 mm fans and a third 47 mm fan dedicated to cooling the RAM. The CPU and GPU are equipped with Honeywell PTM7958 phase-change thermal compound. Fresh air is drawn in through the bottom of the chassis and the keyboard area, while two rear air outlets are positioned in front of copper heat sinks.
The optional XMG OASIS external laptop water cooling system is also supported. The current Mk2-V4 version is already familiar from the NEO 16 (E25). Together with the high power limits, the cooling system allows the main components to sustain their full performance. Under simultaneous Prime95 and FurMark load, the CPU and GPU reach a sustained total system power of 240 watts with air cooling and 300 watts with water cooling.
Displays with 2,560 x 1,600 pixels and a 180-degree hinge: New 240 Hz OLED panel, IPS panel now with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, Mini-LED panel with G-SYNC coming later
For the first time, the XMG NEO 16 is available with a 240 Hz OLED panel, a display technology previously exclusive to the XMG FUSION 16. Like all display options for the NEO 16, the OLED panel has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. It is HDR-capable and offers a brightness of 500 nits in SDR mode and 1,000 nits in HDR mode.
The new 300 Hz IPS panel with 500 nits brightness is available exclusively for the entry-level configuration with the RTX 5070 Ti. Unlike the previous model, it covers not only the sRGB colour space but also 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space. This means that full DCI-P3 coverage is now available across all display options.
In addition, XMG plans to introduce a new Mini-LED display for the NEO 16, which is expected to become available in October. The HDR-capable panel offers 750 nits of brightness in SDR mode and 1,000 nits in HDR mode. Local dimming can be disabled if desired, and the display has a refresh rate of 300 Hz. A key new feature is support for NVIDIA G-SYNC and Advanced Optimus, which dynamically switches between the integrated and dedicated graphics processing unit.
Both the OLED and IPS displays use a MUX switch and NVIDIA Optimus for GPU switching. Unlike the previous NEO generation (E25), both panels support Adaptive Sync and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) via NVIDIA Optimus using Intel’s iGPU. VRR operates at 60-240 Hz on the OLED panel and 100-300 Hz on the IPS panel. All display options can also be switched to a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz for more energy-efficient operation.
Up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM and 16 TB of SSD storage
With two SO-DIMM slots, the XMG NEO 16 supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM, including CSO-DIMM modules with speeds of up to 6400 MT/s. However, due to the ongoing memory shortage and limited availability of high-capacity DRAM modules, this maximum configuration is not currently available on bestware.com. At present, the highest selectable configuration is 2 x 64 GB DDR5-5600. Two M.2 slots, equipped with thermal pads and additional heat shields, provide up to 16 TB of SSD storage. The primary slot supports PCI Express 5.0 for maximum storage performance.
Versatile connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4
The NEO 16 offers extensive connectivity, with numerous ports located on the rear of the chassis. These include a Thunderbolt 4 port with integrated DP80-compatible DisplayPort 2.1 and 140 W (20 V, 7 A) or 100 W Power Delivery, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port, a DP80-compatible Mini DisplayPort 2.1, the power adapter connector and self-sealing ports for the optional XMG OASIS.
The sides feature three USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports, a USB-C port with integrated DisplayPort 1.4a and 100 W Power Delivery, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, an SD Express-compatible card reader for full-size SD cards and a 2-in-1 audio jack for headphones and a microphone. Wireless connectivity is provided by Wi-Fi 7. For video conferencing, the NEO 16 features a Full HD webcam with Windows Hello support and a physical privacy cover.
In addition to its internal display, the NEO 16 can natively drive up to four external monitors. The HDMI and Mini DisplayPort connections are routed directly through the powerful NVIDIA dGPU, while the two USB-C ports use Intel’s energy-efficient iGPU.
99.8-Wh battery, RGB keyboard with N-key rollover, and glass touchpad
Like its predecessor, the M26 model features a screw-mounted 99.8 Wh battery. Depending on the selected graphics card, it is supplied with either a 420-watt or 330-watt power adapter. The more powerful unit is included with configurations featuring the RTX 5090 or RTX 5080.
As usual, the NEO 16 features a generously sized 123 x 77.5 mm glass touchpad with automatic palm detection. The keyboard offers programmable per-key RGB backlighting, N-key rollover, anti-ghosting and concave keycaps. Full-size offset arrow keys, a full four-row numeric keypad and an Fn-Lock function further enhance typing comfort.
Pricing and availability
The base configuration of the XMG NEO 16 (M26), which can be freely configured on bestware.com, features an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a 1600p OLED display with a 240 Hz refresh rate. The starting price is €3,199 (incl. 19% VAT).
Upgrades to an RTX 5080 (€625) or RTX 5090 (€1,295), as well as additional RAM and SSD storage, are available at an additional charge. Alternatively, customers configuring the laptop with an RTX 5070 Ti can select the 300 Hz IPS panel, saving €145 compared to the OLED display. All XMG NEO 16 configurations are available to order now, with the exception of the Mini-LED version, which is expected to launch in October and will only become available to order at that time.
Several promotions currently running on bestware.com can be combined with the purchase of an NEO 16. Samsung SSDs are available at reduced prices in the configurator until September 14th. In addition, as part of Intel Gamer Days, customers purchasing laptops or desktop PCs with qualifying Intel processors can receive the games “Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis” and “STAR WARS: Galactic RacerTM“. Just a few hours after the NEO 16 launch, another promotion will give customers the opportunity to unlock a third game.
Configure now: XMG NEO 16 (M26)Additional information
For more information on the features and data sheets, please check out the product page of the XMG NEO 16 on xmg.gg.
