XMG NEO 16 (E25) Review: Intel’s Powerful Challenger with OASIS Cooling

The XMG Neo 16 E25 features the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, a 24-core processor. The E25 model’s exterior is a carbon copy of its AMD sibling, though it exclusively utilizes the Intel CPU.

Compared to the AMD model, the Neo 16 E25 offers functional upgrades, notably an upgraded Thunderbolt 4 port, contrasting with the AMD model’s two standard Type-C connectors. The E25 can also be configured with Wi-Fi 7, which costs €15 to add.

Key performance highlights include the RTX 5090 option with 24 GB of VRAM, which is capable of handling intensive gaming and professional workloads. The unit is available with a default 1600p IPS display—offering 97% sRGB coverage, 300 Hz, and 1600p resolution—or an optional Mini LED upgrade for €125. The standard IPS screen is described as providing a good balance of quality and value.

The price point for the XMG NEO 16 (E25) starts at €2849, representing a €50 premium over the base AMD A25 model. All E25 configurations come standard with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.

The OASIS external liquid cooler is highlighted as a major upgrade, crucial for transforming the laptop into a desktop replacement. With the OASIS cooler attached, the Intel CPU maintains high clock speeds, and the RTX 5090 sustains a record-breaking 2160 MHz during gaming. The machine’s performance in daily use and gaming is considered high, though the AMD sibling with the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D still has the upper hand in specific gaming scenarios.

Beyond performance, the build quality is noted as exceptional, featuring an all-metal chassis with an 180-degree hinge. The keyboard is described as a full-sized, per-key RGB unit with N-key rollover and anti-ghosting. The touchpad is also characterized as smooth and responsive. The machine supports versatile I/O, including five USB ports, HDMI 2.1, a LAN port, and a full-sized card reader, with the Thunderbolt 4 port being a significant differentiator from the AMD version.

Upgradability is top-tier, providing two RAM slots supporting DDR5-5600 or DDR5-6400, and two M.2 slots ready for Gen 5 and Gen 4 drives. Furthermore, the design includes dedicated components like beefy heat spreaders and thermal pads for SSDs and a dedicated fan for RAM cooling.

While the Intel E25 model excels in raw power and features like Thunderbolt 4, the battery life falls short compared to the AMD A25 version. The XMG NEO 16 series, overall, maintains quiet operation even under heavy load, making it a powerful 16-inch machine that rivals larger 18-inch devices.

Source: TechPowerUp