XMG has announced that its APEX 15 MAX ‘Desktop Replacement’ laptop has been updated to handle AMD’s Ryzen 5000 Desktop CPUs. The XMG APEX 15 (E20), which was released in March 2020, was the world’s first laptop to feature AMD Ryzen desktop processors for socket AM4.
It has been replaced by the XMG APEX 15 MAX (E22), which features Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X processors, a GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, and a motherboard with the B550 chipset. The MAX version differs from the XMG APEX 15 (M21) introduced in 2021, which uses traditional mobile CPUs, by focusing on desktop processors.
The XMG APEX 15 MAX E22 features a B550 chipset motherboard and various hardware improvements over its B450-based predecessor, the XMG APEX 15 MAX (E20). To begin, the laptop upgrades to Nvidia’s existing GeForce RTX 3070 and RTX 3060 graphics cards. Both graphics cards, as well as the primary M.2 SSD, run at 115 watts TGP and are now connected via PCI Express 4.0.
The processors, on the other hand, are at the heart of the novel notion. The startup uses swappable AM4 socket desktop processors rather than AMD’s Ryzen H-series mobile CPUs. Officially, XMG recommends a Ryzen 9 5900X, Ryzen 7 5700X, or Ryzen 5 5600X combination. The processors operate with a PPT (Package Power Tracking) of up to 88 watts, regardless of the relevant TDP class of 65 or 105 watts, therefore CPUs starting with the Ryzen 9 5900X with 12 cores and 24 threads run in AMD’s ECO mode.
XMG also provides an AMD Ryzen 9 5950X with 16 cores and 32 threads as an alternative for the APEX 15 MAX. This is not officially suggested for regular users, and should only be done by experts: Manually adjusting the voltage and fan curves with AMD’s Ryzen Master software is required to obtain a substantial performance advantage over the already potent Ryzen 9 5900X. The success of this operation is highly dependent on the capabilities of the specific processors used.
In comparison to the original laptop architecture, extensive and special adjustments to the BIOS and firmware of the MPS-VRMs were required to ensure 105 Watt processors such as the 5900X in the APEX 15, MAX run stable under all operating situations. XMG applies them to every laptop, regardless of the processor installed, allowing for a seamless upgrade to a more powerful, supported Ryzen processor.
The company’s performance benchmarks indicate the performance that can be expected from the customizable CPUs, as well as what experienced users and enthusiasts may theoretically get out of a Ryzen 9 5950X in the APEX 15 MAX. In Cinebench R20, the Ryzen 7 5700X with eight cores scores 4,757 points in multi-core, while the Ryzen 9 5900X with twelve cores scores 6,350 points. Under the aforementioned parameters, the Ryzen 9 5950X with 16 cores can achieve up to 8,140 points, but this is not guaranteed.
Externally, the XMG APEX 15 MAX is identical to its predecessor, with the same 361 x 258 x 32.5 mm desktop replacement chassis and 2.6 kg weight. As a result, the laptop has plenty of internal space, allowing for the integration of a cooling system that complements the components and allows them to work at their peak all of the time.
When it comes to the 15.6-inch Full HD display, XMG takes a step forward by using a 240 Hz IPS panel. Furthermore, the laptop can support up to three external displays. A DisplayPort 1.4-capable USB 3.2 Gen2 connector (Type C), an HDCP 2.3-capable HDMI 2.1 output, and a Mini DisplayPort 1.4 are used to output images. All video ports are directly connected to the dedicated Nvidia graphics processor because the AMD desktop CPUs utilized do not have an integrated graphics unit.
The XMG APEX 15 MAX has two SO-DIMM sockets for up to 64 GB of plugged-in DDR4-3200 RAM, as well as two M.2 SSD ports and a second 2.5-inch drive bay
Due to the use of heat conduction pads between the drive and the motherboard, the primary M.2 bay communicates via four PCI Express 4.0 lanes and can thus fully support the performance of all current high-end storage drives – especially since both M.2 SSDs get more thermal headroom to maximize the performance. The 62 Wh battery may also be removed from the chassis, keeping with the maintenance-friendly design.
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X desktop CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, 16 (2×8) GB DDR4-3200, a 500 GB Samsung 980, and a Full HD IPS display with 240 Hz are included in the standard configuration of the XMG APEX 15 MAX (L21), which may be freely modified on bestware.com. The starting price is € 1,399.
This includes 19 percent VAT. A GeForce RTX 3070 (€ 245), AMD’s Ryzen 7 5700X (€ 91) and Ryzen 9 5900X (€ 284) processors, as well as the Ryzen 9 5950X (€ 468) for advanced users, are among the configuration choices. The XMG APEX 15 MAX is available in all equipment configurations.
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