The first model update for XMG’s ultrabooks, originally introduced last year, is now underway. Leading the way is the XMG EVO 14, which will be available with three different AMD Ryzen AI processors, including the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The 1.45 kg laptop features a brighter 1800p display, now offering 500 nits compared to the previous 400 nits. Other highlights include an 80 Wh battery, a dual-fan cooling system and a wide range of external connectivity options. Like its predecessor, the EVO 14 continues to rely on upgradeable, plugged-in SSDs and DDR5 RAM modules – now configurable with up to 128 GB of memory.
Launched in 2024, the EVO series marked XMG’s first ultrabooks to forgo a dedicated graphics unit in favour of an efficient integrated graphics solution. The 14-inch model is the first to receive an update: the XMG EVO 14 (E25) is now available with a choice of three AMD processors. Alongside AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 cores, 24 threads), XMG is offering the compact 311 x 220 x 17 mm, 1.45 kg ultrabook with either the Ryzen AI 9 365 (10 cores, 20 threads) or Ryzen AI 7 350 (8 cores, 16 threads). These options also differ in their integrated graphics: with 16 compute units, the iGPU in the HX 370 delivers the highest 3D performance for accelerating content creation applications or enabling entry-level gaming.
The cooling system comprises two 47 mm diameter fans (7 mm height) with 80 blades each, two air outlets with 68 copper cooling fins, and phase-changing Honeywell PTM7958 thermal pads. This configuration enables the processors to operate consistently at 65 watts. The highest performance profile, ‘Overboost’, delivers maximum performance. Below this, the ‘Enthusiast’ profile offers high performance with low fan noise. In the quietest profile, ‘Balanced’, the processor power limit is set to 25 watts for near-silent operation.
500-nit Bright 1800p Display with 100 Percent sRGB Colour Space Coverage
The 14-inch LTPS IPS display features a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels with a 16:10 aspect ratio and can be opened up to 180 degrees with one hand. It offers a brightness of 500 nits, a 120 Hz refresh rate, full 100% sRGB colour space coverage, and supports AMD FreeSync. For more energy-efficient operation and extended battery life, a 60 Hz mode is also available. Additionally, the XMG EVO 14 is equipped with a Windows Hello-compatible Full HD webcam, complete with a physical privacy shutter positioned at the top of the screen.
80 Wh Battery and USB-C Charging
The 80 Wh battery, screw-fastened fastened inside the ultrabook, is charged exclusively via USB-C, either through the 100-watt (20 V, 5 A) port at the rear or the one on the left side. If you already have a compatible USB-C power supply, you can choose to forgo the EVO 14’s standard power supply during the ordering process at XMG’s partner shop, bestware.com. The standard power supply provided by XMG is a new 150-watt unit (20 V, 7.5 A), delivering more power than required for 100-watt Power Delivery. It is smaller (113.5 x 64.5 x 23 mm versus 124 x 64 x 28 mm) and lighter (495 g including the EU power plug compared to 511 g) than the 100-watt power supply included with the 2024 model generation.
Up to Two M.2 SSDs and 128 GB DDR5 RAM, Extensive External Connectivity
The XMG EVO 14 is a versatile 14-inch ultrabook offering extensive configuration options for SSDs and RAM, alongside a comprehensive selection of ports. It features two M.2 slots equipped with thermal pads and PCI Express 4.0 x4 support, allowing for up to 16 TB of storage capacity. The laptop also includes two SO-DIMM slots for RAM, configurable up to 128 GB (2 x 64 GB) of DDR5 memory, with a maximum data transfer rate of 5,600 MT/s. The previous EVO 14 (M24) model will likewise be available with the new 128 GB RAM option.
XMG EVO 14 (E25)
Connectivity on the XMG EVO 14 (E25) includes a Thunderbolt 4-capable USB4 port supporting DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR10, DP40), an additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with DisplayPort 1.4a, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and a USB 2.0 port. It also features an HDMI 2.1 port (32 Gbps), Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, a 2-in-1 audio jack for headset and microphone, and a fast SD Express-compatible card reader for full-size SD memory cards.
Update of the XMG EVO 15 Scheduled for Later; 2024 Model Series to Remain Available
An update to the XMG EVO 15 with the E25 model version featuring AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors is currently in development, with a full announcement and technical details to follow later. For the 15.3-inch model only, XMG also plans to offer a version equipped with Intel Core Ultra 200H series CPUs, which is not expected to be released until the second half of the year. Meanwhile, the older M24 generation of both the XMG EVO 14 and EVO 15 – powered by either AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processors – will remain available alongside the new models. This is primarily due to the higher price point of the latest hardware generation.
Pricing and Availability
The base configuration of the XMG EVO 14 (E25), which can be freely configured on bestware.com, includes an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 16 (2×8) GB DDR5-5600 RAM, a 500 GB SSD and an 1800p display with 500 nits brightness. The starting price is €1,049, including 19% VAT. Upgrades to AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 (€125) or Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (€290) are available for an additional charge. The ultrabook is now available with either the Ryzen AI 7 350 or the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. A version featuring the Ryzen AI 9 365 is expected to be in stock by the end of July.
Source: XMG