We wish to thank Notebookcheck for the consistent and thorough review, both here on RUclips and in the written article. We already replied to a few user comments down below regarding Wi-Fi and LCD selection. If you have any other questions about XMG NEO 16 or any other model in our portfolio, feel free to reply to this comment directly. *Thank you for your feedback!* // Tom
The reviewer mentions that the laptop can be fitted with 96GB of slightly slower RAM, which is great to hear for 3d rendering and the like. However, on the UK configurator it seems that only 64GB options are possible. Will this change soon, please?
@@joechapman8208 Sorry, this information in the video is incorrect. XMG NEO tops out at 64 GB (2x32) because the "sandwiched" layout of the RAM slots makes it difficult to cool the 48 GB modules. RAM modules with 48 GB capacity (so-called "non-binary" modules) become significantly warmer under load than their 32 GB counterparts due to their high memory density, especially on Intel HX series. We have attempted to solve this with thermal pads between and on top of the SO-DIMM modules, but the interior layout of the NEO chassis does not make that a sustainable solution. It becomes more managable with AMD Ryzen (Phoenix and Hawk Point) and Intel Meteor Lake. We currently offer 96 GB of RAM in the following models: - XMG CORE 15 (M24) - XMG CORE 16 (L23) - XMG APEX 17 (L23) - SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro (M24) - TUXEDO Sirius 16 (Gen2) (our sister-brand) // Tom
@@joechapman8208 Sorry, this is a mistake in the video. XMG NEO tops out at 64 GB of RAM due to the "double decker" layout of the SO-DIMM slots. The 48 GB modules generate more heat than their 32 GB counterparts. We have tried with thermal pads, but the interior layout of XMG NEO does not work well with such a solution. Please check out SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro (M24) for our most high-end model with up to 96 GB of RAM. // Tom
I understand everyone else bashing it for the relatively lackluster display- which is competent enough, just below average for something at the very top end of the spectrum- in that a machine of this price isn't typically one where you have to manage expectations, I feel like those comments are missing the mark somewhat. To me, this looks like a modern version of the old Thinkpakds. No frills, built like a tank, extreme performance and a special trick that nobody else can replicate- in this case, the water cooling. On the noise samples, the addition of the Oasis system felt to me like a massive upgrade in comfort. I would have liked to see the measurements for it though, it was not clear to me by how many db it fell once you plugged it in, and I couldn't find it in the written review either. I do agree with the comment that it doesn't seem to be anywhere near as bothersome as typical notebook fans- shrill, higher-frequency noises tend to be far more uncomfortable to our ears than deeper ones. Overall, I've seen people not even bat an eye to very expensive machines that didn't have anywhere near as impressive a trick as this one does, and I feel the reactions are a bit outsized. Do I think they should have sprung for at least a premium IPS screen? Yes, absolutely. But regardless of that, it's performance is class-leading and the Oasis felt extremely impressive. This is not a general-use machine, it's for someone with very specific needs, IMO. You need extreme performance, you probably have regular access to a "docking station" to make use of that performance using a nice widescreen or a couple of monitors, but you also *need* to be able to pack it up in a backpack and go. In this specific scenario, it's hard to beat the advantages brought by water-cooling. For those people, this is a very interesting proposition.
pretty much well summarized. These ppl getting triggered are probably never even gonna buy these laptops. The real concerns are after sales service, and slower networking and ports. It doesn't make sense to me why u would put slower ports on a 3k + device ? Sure you can use docks and stuff but these are things you EXPECT high perf laptops to have.
@@keerthan7558 I assume you mean slower ports on other laptops, as XMG NEO with RTX 4080/409 has a fast 2.5 GbE LAN port and all recent XMG NEOs come with 48 Gbps on HDMI 2.1, 40 Gbps on Thunderbolt etc. - just clarifying for the audience. // Tom
@@xmg_gg yes yes, i should have clarified that everything i mentioned is imp for desktop replacement class laptops in general. As much as i would love to see mini led on my laptops, it's implementation has been pretty wonky due to windows HDR in other devices. i would rather have a reliable IPS lcd over that mess. Not to mention how expensive it is !
Thank you for your positive feedback. For what it's worth: all XMG laptops launched in 2024 have USB-C charging (up to 100 watts), and some models (but not XMG NEO) already had it in 2023. You probably have one of the last generations w/o USB-PD, I'm sorry to say. But you could still buy a smaller/lighter AC adapter for the standard DC jack for mobile usage. We have an article on this topic on our FAQ pages under 'Portfolio'. // Tom
Very thorough job. A real gamer will be satisfied with a good IPS panel. 100% sRGB, +1500 contrast ratio, 180 to 240 DPI, 120 Hz refresh and proper response times are more than enough.
Wifi 6 and no Mini Led or Oled Screen = Nope; your sentence says it all - you have to manage your expectations... nope i dont, if i spend 3000+ on a laptop i am not downgrading on expectations
@treevex certainly not worth spending big just a little over 5mths away from seeing the new 5080 & 5090 gaming laptops unveiled at CES 2025 in January.
To be fair, you can upgrade the Wi-Fi card yourself for like $20. That being said, I would expect an option for a Mini-LED or OLED screen at this price point. It seems to be hard to find a good laptop with a 16 : 10 Mini-LED or OLED screen and good Linux support!
@@NotebookcheckReviews Somebody has been selling the RTX 4090M for $900, so I think it is possible, since the other $600 is now going to RAM and Storage
I am actually not sure. Show me a notebook that comes close to the Neo's performance results with an OLED or MiniLED and does not cost at least a few hundred bucks more ....
XMG NEO 16 (E24) comes with a Wi-Fi 6E card by default. Mini LED and OLED screens have their own unique downsides: Mini LED screens are much more heavy and have higher power consumption at similar brightness levels to IPS. OLED screens are usually glossy and come with their own unique set of known challenges, such as lack of DC dimming, causing PWM flickering. Both Mini LED and OLED are vastly more expensive than a good IPS-type panel. The IPS-type panel in XMG NEO 16 (E24) is therefor a good middle ground to meet resolution, refresh rate, brightness, color coverage and G-SYNC support. // Tom
Thank you for a very informative video. I just have a question is it possible to upgrade the ram to 96 gb? as I think you did in the video. Did you have any problems?
Officially we only support up to 64 GB in XMG NEO, as 96 GB on Intel Core HX-series would run into thermal issues under stress test. Currently, the following models are available with up to 96 GB: XMG EVO 14, XMG EVO 15, XMG CORE 15, SCHENKER KEY 14, SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro, XMG APEX 17 MAX. // Tom
@@xmg_gg I think there is something wrong in the config page of XMG NEO 17 (E24) about RAM I looked everywhere but the option about ram: 2x32GB - 5200Mhz - CL 48 doesn't exist but do: -2x32GB - 5600Mhz - CL48 -2x32GB - 5200Mhz - CL44 Please fix as soon as possible if it's a mistake/wrong I wrote as private msg in reddit but didn't get an answer.
@@firex7050 Thank you for your report. You chat message reached us yesterday (Sunday) at 8pm. I have now replied to your Reddit Thread. After internal checking, here is the correct information. 1) Corsair Vengeance SO-DIMM DDR5-5600 has CL48 at 5600 MT/s. 2) When reduced to 5200 MT/s, CAS latency drops to CL46. This drop to CL46 was missing in the shop and has now been corrected. Further information is given in my reply to your Reddit thread. Thank you again for spotting it! // Tom
Yeah, sorry about that. You can the corresponding into in our written review, on average its been 497 Nits in our testing. www.notebookcheck.net/XMG-Neo-16-Early-24-review-Full-RTX-4090-power-in-a-compact-gaming-laptop.851243.0.html
@@NotebookcheckReviews thank you! 🥰 it is just a little error compared to this whole wonderful content. Keep doing this great work you are doing it amazing! 🩷
Yes they do, also check out PC specialist if your in Europe, will get more upgrade options and they are cheaper for the same Tong Fang chassis, unless you need one now wait until 2025 for new tech and TB5/USB 4 V2.
Higher combined power levels. If the workload is more CPU bound, the Legion will perform better or close to the Scar despite the latter having the faster CPU. If its more GPU bound the Scar will be faster as seen in our Cyperpunk runs at 08:18
"...that said the display panel is by no means a bad screen" - this is the author's exact quote. Is it a joke? 1000:1 contrast screen isn't bad? It's a garbage. Stop make people foolish. Other parameters of this laptop doesn't matter as you be never satisfied with the screen's picture.
I would say this is a highly subjective area. If you value screen quality, especially contrast and color gamut coverage, the Neo isn't for you. If you play mostly competitively or rather have the fastest laptop because you hook it up to an external monitor, well, the story changes. But if the screen rules out the Neo 16 for you, that is totally fine. It doesn't mean it's garbage; it's just not for you!
Intel CPUs are a more balanced package as they don't quite have the gaming performance of the Ryzen but have much better battery life. But a laptop with the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D would still be the fastest gaming laptop, so I'm not sure why this was titled the fastest.
@@NotebookcheckReviews People buy these laptops for gaming, not running PCMark and Cinebench. And considering they have the same GPU, a laptop with a Ryzen 9 7945HX3D will be faster (as shown in your gaming tab).
@@NotebookcheckReviews Intel has already acknowledged the problem with the series 13700, 13900, 14700, 14900 on the desktop, but they have not been able to fix it, so owners can literally get a broken device at any time. You can check this on GamerNexus channel for example. Laptops use the same processors, and repair shops say that the rate of breakdowns is high.
We wish to thank Notebookcheck for the consistent and thorough review, both here on RUclips and in the written article. We already replied to a few user comments down below regarding Wi-Fi and LCD selection. If you have any other questions about XMG NEO 16 or any other model in our portfolio, feel free to reply to this comment directly. *Thank you for your feedback!* // Tom
The reviewer mentions that the laptop can be fitted with 96GB of slightly slower RAM, which is great to hear for 3d rendering and the like. However, on the UK configurator it seems that only 64GB options are possible. Will this change soon, please?
Can we have a video about showing us the sound test VIDEO of "CHERRY MX ULP Tactile switches" on NEO17 which I can't find anywhere?
@@joechapman8208 Sorry, this information in the video is incorrect. XMG NEO tops out at 64 GB (2x32) because the "sandwiched" layout of the RAM slots makes it difficult to cool the 48 GB modules. RAM modules with 48 GB capacity (so-called "non-binary" modules) become significantly warmer under load than their 32 GB counterparts due to their high memory density, especially on Intel HX series. We have attempted to solve this with thermal pads between and on top of the SO-DIMM modules, but the interior layout of the NEO chassis does not make that a sustainable solution. It becomes more managable with AMD Ryzen (Phoenix and Hawk Point) and Intel Meteor Lake. We currently offer 96 GB of RAM in the following models:
- XMG CORE 15 (M24)
- XMG CORE 16 (L23)
- XMG APEX 17 (L23)
- SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro (M24)
- TUXEDO Sirius 16 (Gen2) (our sister-brand)
// Tom
@@lucaliu4878 Please check out the timecode 3:14 in the video "Unboxing XMG NEO 16 & 17 (E23) Gaming-Laptops" (February 2023) on our channel. // Tom
@@joechapman8208 Sorry, this is a mistake in the video. XMG NEO tops out at 64 GB of RAM due to the "double decker" layout of the SO-DIMM slots. The 48 GB modules generate more heat than their 32 GB counterparts. We have tried with thermal pads, but the interior layout of XMG NEO does not work well with such a solution. Please check out SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro (M24) for our most high-end model with up to 96 GB of RAM. // Tom
I understand everyone else bashing it for the relatively lackluster display- which is competent enough, just below average for something at the very top end of the spectrum- in that a machine of this price isn't typically one where you have to manage expectations, I feel like those comments are missing the mark somewhat.
To me, this looks like a modern version of the old Thinkpakds. No frills, built like a tank, extreme performance and a special trick that nobody else can replicate- in this case, the water cooling.
On the noise samples, the addition of the Oasis system felt to me like a massive upgrade in comfort. I would have liked to see the measurements for it though, it was not clear to me by how many db it fell once you plugged it in, and I couldn't find it in the written review either. I do agree with the comment that it doesn't seem to be anywhere near as bothersome as typical notebook fans- shrill, higher-frequency noises tend to be far more uncomfortable to our ears than deeper ones.
Overall, I've seen people not even bat an eye to very expensive machines that didn't have anywhere near as impressive a trick as this one does, and I feel the reactions are a bit outsized. Do I think they should have sprung for at least a premium IPS screen? Yes, absolutely. But regardless of that, it's performance is class-leading and the Oasis felt extremely impressive. This is not a general-use machine, it's for someone with very specific needs, IMO. You need extreme performance, you probably have regular access to a "docking station" to make use of that performance using a nice widescreen or a couple of monitors, but you also *need* to be able to pack it up in a backpack and go. In this specific scenario, it's hard to beat the advantages brought by water-cooling. For those people, this is a very interesting proposition.
pretty much well summarized. These ppl getting triggered are probably never even gonna buy these laptops. The real concerns are after sales service, and slower networking and ports. It doesn't make sense to me why u would put slower ports on a 3k + device ? Sure you can use docks and stuff but these are things you EXPECT high perf laptops to have.
@@keerthan7558 I assume you mean slower ports on other laptops, as XMG NEO with RTX 4080/409 has a fast 2.5 GbE LAN port and all recent XMG NEOs come with 48 Gbps on HDMI 2.1, 40 Gbps on Thunderbolt etc. - just clarifying for the audience. // Tom
@@xmg_gg yes yes, i should have clarified that everything i mentioned is imp for desktop replacement class laptops in general.
As much as i would love to see mini led on my laptops, it's implementation has been pretty wonky due to windows HDR in other devices. i would rather have a reliable IPS lcd over that mess. Not to mention how expensive it is !
We need a 18 inch version with water cooling, x3d Ryzen chip, and OLED high refresh rate version
Yikes, that is quite a wishlist! ;)
But it does sound like an exciting laptop.
I wonder if we will see 18" OLEDs soon?!
i'm seeing a 6k price tag in that.
My first and current laptop is an XMG, and they're pretty great. Only thing I could wish for is usb-c charging and oled/mini-led screen. 😌🖤
Great to hear, and yes, more screen options would be amazing!
Thank you for your positive feedback. For what it's worth: all XMG laptops launched in 2024 have USB-C charging (up to 100 watts), and some models (but not XMG NEO) already had it in 2023. You probably have one of the last generations w/o USB-PD, I'm sorry to say. But you could still buy a smaller/lighter AC adapter for the standard DC jack for mobile usage. We have an article on this topic on our FAQ pages under 'Portfolio'. // Tom
Very thorough job. A real gamer will be satisfied with a good IPS panel. 100% sRGB, +1500 contrast ratio, 180 to 240 DPI, 120 Hz refresh and proper response times are more than enough.
Thank you.
Agreed, it really depends what you are looking for.
yeah i got the asus g18 and the screen is honestly above and beyond anything i need.
Wifi 6 and no Mini Led or Oled Screen = Nope; your sentence says it all - you have to manage your expectations... nope i dont, if i spend 3000+ on a laptop i am not downgrading on expectations
Completely fair!
bro u have to add another 1k to your budget as well if u wanna get everything, although not sure if its worth it in most cases
@@treevex i would DEFINITELY go for a better screen rather than a better cpu or gpu if i had to choose
@treevex certainly not worth spending big just a little over 5mths away from seeing the new 5080 & 5090 gaming laptops unveiled at CES 2025 in January.
To be fair, you can upgrade the Wi-Fi card yourself for like $20. That being said, I would expect an option for a Mini-LED or OLED screen at this price point. It seems to be hard to find a good laptop with a 16 : 10 Mini-LED or OLED screen and good Linux support!
Imagine this but without a screen sold for $1500, just a slab that you can connect to an external monitor
A mobile 4090 for 1500$? Would be nice, but I wouldn't get my hopes up!
@@NotebookcheckReviews Somebody has been selling the RTX 4090M for $900, so I think it is possible, since the other $600 is now going to RAM and Storage
So its full metal Legion 7 Pro 😎
Kinda 😂
Looks like 2022 Legion 7 chassis, just tweaked a bit. Even the keyboard layout is the same 😂
Well, if it works ... ;)
Good that you say this is the fastest, cause Wi-Fi 6, no mini led or oled screen in this price bracket are absolutely terrible
I am actually not sure. Show me a notebook that comes close to the Neo's performance results with an OLED or MiniLED and does not cost at least a few hundred bucks more ....
@@NotebookcheckReviews Anyone that spend 3k + on a laptop will spend the 5-10% more for wifi 6 and a much better panel. This laptop make no sense
If you really value a better display that much, you are right, this notebook is not for you!
A good Wi-Fi 6E or 7 card is literally around $20 and can actually be done in like 5 - 10 minutes on this laptop. The screen I do agree with you on.
XMG NEO 16 (E24) comes with a Wi-Fi 6E card by default.
Mini LED and OLED screens have their own unique downsides:
Mini LED screens are much more heavy and have higher power consumption at similar brightness levels to IPS.
OLED screens are usually glossy and come with their own unique set of known challenges, such as lack of DC dimming, causing PWM flickering.
Both Mini LED and OLED are vastly more expensive than a good IPS-type panel.
The IPS-type panel in XMG NEO 16 (E24) is therefor a good middle ground to meet resolution, refresh rate, brightness, color coverage and G-SYNC support. // Tom
Great video ! But how would you compare this machine to the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i?
I don't know if 7950hx would have beaten 14900hx with oasis 2. It should compete with zephrus g16 strix point
I do not think the Strixpoint CPUs will get anywhere close to Intels HX chips, but we will see!
Thank you for a very informative video.
I just have a question is it possible to upgrade the ram to 96 gb? as I think you did in the video.
Did you have any problems?
Officially we only support up to 64 GB in XMG NEO, as 96 GB on Intel Core HX-series would run into thermal issues under stress test. Currently, the following models are available with up to 96 GB: XMG EVO 14, XMG EVO 15, XMG CORE 15, SCHENKER KEY 14, SCHENKER KEY 17 Pro, XMG APEX 17 MAX. // Tom
Is there a Frnech "AZERTY" keyboard option? And 18inch would be nice too.
We offer over 30 keyboard layouts on bestware, including French AZERTY.
Currently no plans for 18-inch laptop this year. // Tom
@@xmg_gg Cool, i'll check it out right now. Thank's a lot for for answering!
@@xmg_gg
I think there is something wrong in the config page of XMG NEO 17 (E24) about RAM
I looked everywhere but the option about ram:
2x32GB - 5200Mhz - CL 48 doesn't exist but do:
-2x32GB - 5600Mhz - CL48
-2x32GB - 5200Mhz - CL44
Please fix as soon as possible if it's a mistake/wrong
I wrote as private msg in reddit but didn't get an answer.
@@firex7050 Thank you for your report. You chat message reached us yesterday (Sunday) at 8pm. I have now replied to your Reddit Thread. After internal checking, here is the correct information. 1) Corsair Vengeance SO-DIMM DDR5-5600 has CL48 at 5600 MT/s. 2) When reduced to 5200 MT/s, CAS latency drops to CL46. This drop to CL46 was missing in the shop and has now been corrected. Further information is given in my reply to your Reddit thread. Thank you again for spotting it! // Tom
5:02 brightness is going up so fast and ended up in out of sight area lmaooo
Yeah, sorry about that. You can the corresponding into in our written review, on average its been 497 Nits in our testing.
www.notebookcheck.net/XMG-Neo-16-Early-24-review-Full-RTX-4090-power-in-a-compact-gaming-laptop.851243.0.html
@@NotebookcheckReviews thank you! 🥰 it is just a little error compared to this whole wonderful content. Keep doing this great work you are doing it amazing! 🩷
Please how do I calibrate my screen with your stuff I have the Dell 7470 and I am trying to calibrate my screen for photo editing
You need to have access to a colorimeter!
@@NotebookcheckReviews a physical one or do you have one on your site or page.
You need the physical device itself.
Do they have mid range GPUs? Like 4070-4060-4050?
Yes they do, also check out PC specialist if your in Europe, will get more upgrade options and they are cheaper for the same Tong Fang chassis, unless you need one now wait until 2025 for new tech and TB5/USB 4 V2.
they have 4060-4070, but the oasis is only available from the 4080
@@mihaianghelus8673 that's sucks
@@Smart_boy2001 XMG NEO 17 (E23) is available with XMG OASIS and RTX 4060/4070. // Tom
That laptop looks similar to velocity micro
They might use a similar if not the same barebones!
Looks like a premium Legion 5 lol
Yepp, it kinda does!
Alex is awesome cause he does great reviews while also being gorgeous af
Thanks, I guess! :D
why it looks like a legion pro
fr it looks like a Legion Pro 5
I think it looks more like those all-metal Legion 7s from 2-3 years ago.
@@NotebookcheckReviews yes, or a nerfed legion 7i gen 9
@@NotebookcheckReviewsthe 2022 Legion 7i was probably Lenovo' best Legion laptop of all time. All it was missing was a Mini-LED screen!
Isn't there display port connection?
DisplayPort 1.4a is implemented via Thunderbolt 4, connected to the NVIDIA dGPU. // Tom
how its possible legion 7 pro 4080 is better than scar 18 4090?
Higher combined power levels.
If the workload is more CPU bound, the Legion will perform better or close to the Scar despite the latter having the faster CPU.
If its more GPU bound the Scar will be faster as seen in our Cyperpunk runs at 08:18
"...that said the display panel is by no means a bad screen" - this is the author's exact quote. Is it a joke? 1000:1 contrast screen isn't bad? It's a garbage. Stop make people foolish. Other parameters of this laptop doesn't matter as you be never satisfied with the screen's picture.
I would say this is a highly subjective area. If you value screen quality, especially contrast and color gamut coverage, the Neo isn't for you.
If you play mostly competitively or rather have the fastest laptop because you hook it up to an external monitor, well, the story changes.
But if the screen rules out the Neo 16 for you, that is totally fine. It doesn't mean it's garbage; it's just not for you!
Looks like a Lenovo to me
The overall styling is quite similar at first glance.
Why?? What?
That is a very confusing comment 😅
@@NotebookcheckReviews this is my unnecessary comment on an answer to a very confusing comment! :)
Williams Nancy Jackson Scott Gonzalez Scott
but intel cpu is very problem
Why? What would be the alternative?
Intel CPUs are a more balanced package as they don't quite have the gaming performance of the Ryzen but have much better battery life. But a laptop with the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D would still be the fastest gaming laptop, so I'm not sure why this was titled the fastest.
Because the CPU is not everything, and as you can clearly see in most of our benchmarks the Neo is faster than the Scar 17.
@@NotebookcheckReviews People buy these laptops for gaming, not running PCMark and Cinebench. And considering they have the same GPU, a laptop with a Ryzen 9 7945HX3D will be faster (as shown in your gaming tab).
@@NotebookcheckReviews Intel has already acknowledged the problem with the series 13700, 13900, 14700, 14900 on the desktop, but they have not been able to fix it, so owners can literally get a broken device at any time. You can check this on GamerNexus channel for example. Laptops use the same processors, and repair shops say that the rate of breakdowns is high.
First :3
:D