- Update
By updating the BIOS, XMG has made the APEX 15 MAX (E22) desktop replacement laptop compatible with AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D. This turns the device into the world’s first notebook with support for AMD’s 3D V-Cache, which gives the fast eight-core processor a leg up, especially in games. The freely configurable APEX 15 MAX with GeForce RTX 3070 or 3060 is currently available with a 300 euro saving at XMG‘s partner shop bestware.com.
Newly developed BIOS makes the XMG APEX 15 MAX compatible with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Already in May, the APEX 15 MAX received a BIOS update specially developed by XMG, which made the desktop replacement laptop compatible with significantly more and more powerful processors. Since then, XMG has offered CPUs including the Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 7 5700X or Ryzen 9 5900X. Although the Ryzen 9 5950X is also officially supported and can be configured via bestware.com, it does not receive an official recommendation from the manufacturer because the performance advantages to be achieved depend too much on the quality of individual processors.
With the second major BIOS update to version 1.07.09A01 (including AGESA update to version 1.2.0.7), it is now possible to configure the APEX 15 MAX with AMD’s fastest gaming CPU Ryzen 7 5800X3D with 3D V-cache – or to upgrade an existing laptop of the E22 model generation with it, as the processors are installed on a B550 mainboard with desktop socket AM4.
Based on its own benchmarks, XMG shows how the 3D V-cache of the 5800X3D can have an advantage, especially in gaming scenarios. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it is around 30 percent ahead of a lower-priced Ryzen 7 5700X, which in turn performs better in CPU-heavy applications. The measurements are based on an APEX 15 MAX with GeForce RTX 3070 and 64 (2x 32) GB DDR4 3200 RAM. Processors from the Ryzen 7 5800X upwards always run in AMD’s ECO Mode with a PPT (Package Power Tracking) of up to 88 watts in this laptop.
Ryzen 7 5700X | Ryzen 7 5800X3D | Ryzen 9 5900X | |
---|---|---|---|
CineBench R20 Single | 584 | 556 | 583 |
CineBench R20 Multi | 4757 | 4623 | 6350 |
CineBench R23 Multi | 12061 | 11647 | 15697 |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Preset: High) | 117 | 152 | 133 |
For all CPUs except the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, XMG’s firmware update also unlocks additional BIOS overclocking settings, including Precision Boost Overdrive 2 (PBO2) and the AMD Curve Optimizer. XMG provides more information in the laptop’s latest firmware documentation PDF.
Freely configure and buy XMG APEX 15 MAX (E22)
The base configuration of the XMG APEX 15 MAX (E22), which can be freely configured on bestware.com, includes AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X, a GeForce RTX 3060, 16 (2×8) GB DDR4-3200-RAM, a 500 GB Samsung 980 SSD and a 240 Hz Full HD IPS display. The starting price including 19% VAT is € 1,379. Faster processors such as the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (€ 342) and many other AMD desktop CPUs as well as an upgrade to a GeForce RTX 3070 (€ 245) are available for an additional charge.
Up to and including October 11th, 300 euros can be saved on all configurations: bestware.com is running a major discount campaign with price reductions on various XMG laptops under the motto “Zocktoberfest”. During this period, the APEX 15 MAX starts at a price of just € 1,079.
Configure now: XMG APEX 15 MAX (E22)Additional information
For more information on the features and data sheets, please check out the product page of the XMG APEX 15 MAX on xmg.gg.