- Kai Tubbesing
Las Vegas / Leipzig, January 6th / 7th 2025 – XMG has introduced the latest version of the XMG NEO 16 high-end laptop at CES in Las Vegas. The 2025 model features a new internal design, an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, and NVIDIA graphics cards up to the GeForce RTX 5090 with 24 GB GDDR6 VRAM. It also includes CSO-DIMM support and is available with an optional 1000-nit mini-LED display for the first time. The XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 ultrabooks have been updated with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors while retaining upgradeable RAM. The SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro, a desktop replacement laptop from XMG’s sister brand, features the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, GPUs up to the RTX 5090, and boasts impressive features including dual Thunderbolt 5 ports.
XMG NEO 16 (E25): Redesigned Internal Architecture and High-End Components
The 2025 XMG NEO 16 introduces a comprehensive internal redesign alongside an update to the latest hardware components, including Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores and NVIDIA’s high-end GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, or 5070 Ti graphics cards, each configured to their maximum specified TDP (CPU) and TGP (GPU). It is the first laptop in XMG’s portfolio to support up to 96 GB of upgradeable DDR5 CSO-DIMM RAM with a maximum clock rate of 6400 MT/s – the laptop version of CU-DIMM technology first introduced with Intel Arrow Lake in desktop PCs. Additionally, the primary of the two M.2 SSD slots features a PCI Express 5.0 x4 connection. The advanced XMG Control Center offers enhanced functionality, enabling CPU undervolting, RAM tuning, and customisation of the lighting settings for the slightly enlarged RGB bar located on the laptop’s front.
The 16-inch, 16:10 display now features a refresh rate of 300 Hz with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, 500 nits brightness, and G-SYNC support. An optional mini-LED upgrade provides 1000 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage, identical resolution, 300 Hz refresh rate, and G-SYNC. Enhanced display hinges have been introduced to reduce screen wobble. The laptop, which features an aluminium chassis, measures 356.7 x 259.9 x 27.5 mm and weighs approximately 2.4 kg with the IPS panel or 2.6 kg with the mini-LED display, depending on the chosen option.
Among the updates is the addition of a Mini DisplayPort 2.1 (DP80), while the Thunderbolt 4 port now supports Power Delivery up to 140 watts alongside DisplayPort 1.4a functionality. The USB-C 3.2 port has been upgraded from Gen1 to Gen2. The card reader for full-size SD cards has also been updated, featuring the SD Express-compatible model first introduced in the XMG EVO series. Other connections remain consistent with the previous E24 generation, including three USB-A ports, 2.5 Gigabit LAN, HDMI 2.1, and a 2-in-1 audio jack.
Additional features, such as the per-key RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting and N-key rollover, a large glass touchpad, and the 99.8 Wh battery, remain unchanged. However, the keyboard now offers an optimised typing experience due to an improved scissor switch mechanism, while the total travel of the concave keycaps remains at 1.4 mm. The two top-tier configurations of the laptop, featuring the RTX 5090 and 5080, now include a 420-watt power supply. Despite the increased power, the new adapter, utilising SiC (silicon carbide semiconductor) technology, is nearly as compact and lightweight as the previous 330-watt model.
The XMG OASIS, compatible with all announced GPU configurations of the XMG NEO 16, has also been improved. The optional external laptop water cooling system now operates more quietly, thanks to an optimised pump, and attaches more securely to the laptop. The connector, previously held in place magnetically, now locks firmly and can only be detached by pressing on it.
XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 (E25) Updated to AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series
Although XMG’s first ultrabooks were only introduced in July 2024, the XMG EVO series quickly gained recognition for its powerful processors, modern iGPUs, extensive connectivity, and lightweight yet robust aluminium chassis. By the end of 2024, it had ranked third in XMG’s sales charts, following the NEO series and the CORE 15. The chassis design, displays, and key specifications of the 2025 XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 models remain largely unchanged. Both ultrabooks feature a Thunderbolt-compatible USB4 ports with DisplayPort 2.1 (DP40) and Power Delivery of up to 100 watts, a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery of up to 100 watts, HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, a fast SD card reader supporting SD Express, 2-in-1 audio jacks for headphones and a microphone, and three USB-A ports. A minor upgrade in the EVO 15 brings all USB-A ports in line with the 3.2 Gen1 standard.
The main update lies in the choice of processors from different performance tiers of the Ryzen AI 300 series, offering options between AMD Krackan Point and Strix Point. The top configuration for both models is confirmed to feature an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. In this version, the EVO 15 is equipped with a 150-watt USB-C power supply instead of the previous 100-watt model and includes a revised cooling system to maximise the CPU’s performance. Many other features align with those of the previous models, with further details available on the respective product pages.
SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro (E25): Mobile High-Performance Workstation with Four M.2 and SO-DIMM Slots, Dual Thunderbolt 5, and Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
XMG’s sister brand SCHENKER introduces its first 18-inch laptop, the SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro, designed as a mobile high-performance workstation. The prototype, showcased at CES, is still under development, meaning some technical specifications are yet to be finalised. The workstation features an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and offers a choice of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, or 5070 Ti GPUs, all configured for maximum TGP. It also provides extensive memory and storage options, including four SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 192 GB of dual-channel RAM and four M.2 SSD slots, one of which supports PCI Express 5.0 x4.
Connectivity is another standout feature, with dual Thunderbolt 5 ports supporting DisplayPort 2.1 (DP80) and dGPU connections, alongside dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The Ethernet ports are particularly suited to professional scenarios, such as integrating the laptop into two separate physical networks. Additional ports include two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a 2-in-1 audio jack, and a microSD card reader.
The laptop offers a choice of two 16:10 IPS display options: one with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, 500 nits brightness, and a 240 Hz refresh rate, and another with 3840 x 2400 pixels, 400 nits brightness, and a 200 Hz refresh rate. Both displays are G-SYNC compatible and cover 100 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour space. Enhancing the audio experience, the KEY 18 Pro is currently the only model from XMG or SCHENKER to feature an integrated subwoofer.
The desktop replacement laptop is housed in an all-aluminium chassis, expected to measure 402 x 320 x 28 mm and weigh approximately 3.9 kg, including a 98 Wh battery. These specifications may be subject to slight adjustments before the official product launch.
Availability
In accordance with NVIDIA’s official embargoes, the XMG NEO 16 and SCHENKER KEY 18 Pro are expected to be available for pre-order by the end of February, with sales commencing at the beginning of March. The XMG EVO series ultrabooks are anticipated to go on sale from February 18th 2025 at the earliest, following AMD’s embargo. Once the pre-order phase begins, the laptops will be listed on the respective model overview websites of XMG’s partner shop, bestware.com. Final details, including full technical specifications and pricing, will be announced by XMG and SCHENKER in separate press releases. Customers wishing to stay informed can sign up for the bestware newsletter to receive availability notifications via email.
