Tag: Ryzen 9 9955HX

  • XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues

    XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The XMG Neo 16 features a split motherboard and offers high-end Intel and AMD processors for superior performance.
    2. Its advanced cooling system allows it to maximize Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPUs, reducing noise and emissions under heavy loads.
    3. The optional mini LED display provides outstanding visual quality with a 300 Hz refresh rate and full P3 color space coverage.
    4. Critiques include the lack of Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5, and Advanced Optimus graphics switching, which raises concerns given its high price.
    5. Despite some flaws, the Neo 16 E25 is considered one of the fastest gaming laptops available, appealing to both gamers and content creators.

    The XMG Neo 16 is a premium gaming laptop that has received multiple enhancements for 2025. It boasts a revamped internal architecture featuring a split motherboard. In addition to housing the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 2775HX, the Neo 16 is also offered with AMD’s high-end Ryzen 9 9955HX and 9955HX3D processors. Furthermore, it includes a PCIe 5.0 slot for top-tier SSDs.

    Performance and Cooling System

    With its advanced cooling setup, the Neo 16 can take full advantage of Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPUs, making it one of the quickest laptops in our synthetic tests, even without the use of external water cooling. This effectively lowers emissions and fan noise while providing the processor with extra breathing room, especially under heavy CPU and GPU loads. Nevertheless, the raw GPU capabilities remain the same, as the Neo 16 consumes the entire 175 watts of TGP, even when in standard fan mode. An additional perk is that the Ryzen CPUs can be paired with the fastest graphics cards, which is often not possible with other brands. We expect to receive a Neo 16 featuring the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and the RTX 5090 laptop GPU soon, which should enhance gaming performance even further.

    Display Features

    A significant upgrade is the optional mini LED display, which excels in almost every area. The subjective visual quality of the matte panel is outstanding: it is remarkably bright, and the smooth playback is supported by a 300 Hz refresh rate. Local dimming can be turned off, which is beneficial for image editing tasks. The P3 color space is completely covered, and pre-calibrated color profiles for sRGB and P3 are available, although the two P3 profiles do have minor color discrepancies. Nonetheless, we managed to significantly enhance these profiles through our own calibration (the respective color profiles can be downloaded for free in our Neo 16 review).

    Critiques and Considerations

    However, the XMG Neo 16 does have its flaws. It is missing Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5. The absence of Advanced Optimus graphics switching and G-Sync support for the internal display is concerning, particularly given the high price tag. Although a MUX switch is present, turning off the iGPU necessitates a system restart. XMG is currently collaborating with Nvidia to address this issue, and their transparent communication is commendable, as they provide extensive updates about the problem on their website. However, there is no assurance that these two features will be integrated in the future.

    In conclusion, the Neo 16 E25 remains one of the top and fastest gaming laptops on the market today. With the new mini-LED display, it has also become appealing to content creators, adding to its versatility.

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    XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues
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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Early Discount: Now $639 with AMD Ryzen APU

    Minisforum MS-A2 Early Discount: Now $639 with AMD Ryzen APU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MS-A2 mini-PC was launched by Minisforum at Japan IT Week Spring 2025 and is set to replace the MS-A1 model.
    2. The MS-A2 features premium, non-removable laptop APUs, with the Ryzen 9 9955HX as the standout option, offering 16 CPU cores and a Radeon 610M integrated GPU.
    3. A budget-friendly alternative, the Ryzen 9 7945HX, is also available, though it lags behind the 9955HX by about 38% in benchmarks.
    4. The MS-A2 is priced at $799 for a version with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, with an additional $30 discount available using coupon code MSA230.
    5. The MS-A2 includes a PCIe x16 slot for users who want to add a desktop graphics card, enhancing its performance potential.

    Minisforum has just launched the MS-A2 mini-PC, which was showcased earlier this month at Japan IT Week Spring 2025 in Tokyo. The MS-A2 is set to take over from the MS-A1 (currently priced at $239.99 on Amazon). This previous model was introduced less than a year ago and featured an AMD Socket AM5 motherboard, later upgraded in December with the Ryzen 9 9950X.

    New Features and Specs

    In contrast to its predecessor, the MS-A2 is equipped with premium laptop APUs that are non-removable. As mentioned previously, the standout choice is the Ryzen 9 9955HX, boasting 16 CPU cores based on AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, along with the Radeon 610M integrated GPU. While the integrated graphics may not be the strongest, the MS-A2 also comes with a PCIe x16 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth, allowing users to add a desktop graphics card if they desire.

    Alternative Options

    Additionally, Minisforum is offering the MS-A2 with the more budget-friendly Ryzen 9 7945HX. To give you some context, the older Dragon Range APU lags behind the Ryzen 9 9955HX by around 38% in our benchmarks. Nonetheless, the Ryzen 9 7945HX is still a robust choice, currently starting at $639 in its barebones configuration, which represents a 23.8% discount compared to the Ryzen 9 9955HX model.

    Pricing and Discounts

    At this time, Minisforum also provides a version of the MS-A2 that includes 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for $799. As of now, using the coupon code MSA230 will give an additional $30 discount off the already reduced launch price of the MS-A2. For further information, you can check our original article on the MS-A2 launch and visit Minisforum’s official website.

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    Minisforum MS-A2 Early Discount: Now $639 with AMD Ryzen APU

     

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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPU

    Minisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Minisforum MS-A2 mini workstation features the upgraded Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU, enhancing performance compared to the MS-A1 model.
    2. The MS-A2 has a compact 1.78 L chassis that limits GPU options to low-profile, single-slot models due to space constraints.
    3. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and offers three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for a maximum of 12 TB of storage.
    4. The mini workstation includes extensive connectivity options and supports U.2 NVMe for up to 15 TB of single-drive storage.
    5. The barebone model is priced at $839, while a configuration with 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage costs $1,103, with shipping expected by the end of May 2025.

    Minisforum has recently launched the MS-A2, which was first unveiled at the Japan IT Week Tokyo Spring Show. This mini workstation is now available for customers around the world. As the next version after the MS-A1, it features a significant upgrade in its CPU capabilities. Specifically, while the earlier model could be outfitted with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, the MS-A2 comes with the newly launched Ryzen 9 9955HX.

    Enhanced Performance

    The Ryzen 9 9955HX is a premium choice from AMD’s Fire Range lineup, boasting 16 Zen 5 cores alongside the Radeon 610M graphics. While the integrated GPU isn’t the most impressive, similar to its predecessor, the MS-A2 allows for the addition of a discrete GPU (dGPU) due to its built-in PCIe x16 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 x8.

    Compact Design Limitations

    Nevertheless, because of its compact 1.78 L chassis, the Minisforum MS-A2 can only accommodate a low-profile, single-slot GPU (like the single-slot Yeston RTX 3050, which can be found on Amazon). Furthermore, this PCIe slot offers support for splitting, enabling 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 configurations that can be used for network cards or other expansion options.

    The Ryzen 9 9955X within this Small Form Factor (SFF) PC can be combined with as much as 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM. In terms of storage, it includes 3 M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots that can support a total of 12 TB. It also supports U.2 NVMe, allowing for up to 15 TB of single-drive storage. In terms of connectivity, it provides a wide range of ports, which is quite impressive.

    Pricing and Availability

    As for pricing, the barebone model of the Minisforum MS-A2 is currently priced at $839. If you want a configuration that includes 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, the cost goes up to $1,103. Shipping is anticipated to begin by the end of May 2025.

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    Minisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPUMinisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPU

     

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  • Minisforum DeskMini F1FGM Micro-ATX with Ryzen 9 9955HX Preview

    Minisforum DeskMini F1FGM Micro-ATX with Ryzen 9 9955HX Preview

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum is launching a new product, the DeskMini F1FGM, in the Mobile on Desktop (MoDT) market in 2025.
    2. The DeskMini F1FGM features the Ryzen 9 9955HX processor with 16 Zen 5 cores, capable of reaching 5.4 GHz.
    3. The Ryzen 9 9955HX has a configurable thermal design power (TDP) from 55 to 75 W, with plans to push it to 160 W for enhanced performance.
    4. The DeskMini F1FGM includes four DDR5 RAM slots and supports a mix of PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 expansion ports, along with five SSD slots.
    5. The official release of the DeskMini F1FGM is expected in the second half of 2025, with pricing and availability still uncertain.

    Minisforum is gearing up to make a comeback in the Mobile on Desktop (MoDT) market with an exciting new product. Just to remind you, back in late 2023, they launched the BD770i, which came equipped with a Ryzen 7 7745HX processor, dual-channel DDR5 RAM, and a couple of PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. Following that, they released the BD790i, featuring the more robust Ryzen 9 7945HX, which is currently priced at $539 on Amazon. This processor also belongs to the same Dragon Range series as the Ryzen 7 7745HX.

    New Developments in 2025

    Jumping ahead to 2025, PC Watch has discovered that Minisforum is displaying a new MoDT motherboard at Japan IT Week in Tokyo. The DeskMini F1FGM, as shown in the image below, is powered by AMD’s latest Fire Range series processor, the Ryzen 9 9955HX. This chip boasts 16 Zen 5 CPU cores that can reach an impressive 5.4 GHz. The Ryzen 9 9955HX features a configurable thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 55 to 75 W by default and is crafted using a 4 nm FinFET process to enhance energy efficiency.

    Performance Enhancements

    PC Watch suggests that Minisforum aims to push the Ryzen 9 9955HX to a much higher level of 160 W, claiming it will deliver desktop-like performance. To accommodate this elevated TDP, the company has integrated a custom heat spreader made of aluminium and copper. Despite being a mobile processor, the Ryzen 9 9955HX will be installed in the DeskMini F1FGM with four slots for DDR5 UDIMM RAM. It’s important to note that the Ryzen 9 9955HX is not designed to be user-replaceable.

    In other specs, the DeskMini F1FGM will feature PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion ports, along with capacity for five SSDs. This includes a mix of 2x SATA 3.0, 2x M.2 2280 Gen 4, and 1x M.2 2280 Gen 5 slots. At this time, pricing and availability are still uncertain. Nevertheless, PC Watch mentions that the DeskMini F1FGM is expected to be officially released “around the second half of 2025.”

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    Minisforum DeskMini F1FGM Micro-ATX with Ryzen 9 9955HX Preview
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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Launches with AMD Ryzen 9 HX and dGPU Support

    Minisforum MS-A2 Launches with AMD Ryzen 9 HX and dGPU Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MS-A2 features the latest Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU with 16 Zen 5 cores and a Radeon 610M integrated GPU.
    2. It retains two M.2 slots for storage, including a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for high-speed SSDs.
    3. The MS-A2 supports DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM with speeds up to 5200 MT/s.
    4. It offers connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E.
    5. The compact design of the MS-A2 measures 196 x 189 x 48 mm and will have a variant with the Ryzen 9 7845HX.

    Minisforum recently unveiled several new PCs at the Japan IT Week Tokyo Spring Show, including the MS-A2, which succeeds the previous MS-A1 launched last year. The earlier model could support a Ryzen 9 9950X, but the MS-A2 now features the latest Ryzen 9 9955HX.

    Performance Improvements

    The new Fire Range CPU boasts 16 Zen 5 cores and includes a Radeon 610M integrated GPU. While this integrated GPU may not be very powerful, the MS-A2 does support discrete graphics cards. However, because of its compact chassis, the PCIe 4.0 x8 slot in this PC is limited to a single-slot, low-profile GPU.

    Storage and Memory

    One of the key features of the MS-A2 is its retention of the two M.2 slots from its predecessor. Of these, one slot is a PCIe 4.0 x4 (with a 2 TB Samsung 990 Pro currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon), while the other operates on a 3.0 x4 interface. In terms of memory, the new Minisforum SFF PC pairs the Ryzen 9 9955HX with DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM, supporting speeds of up to 5200 MT/s.

    Connectivity Options

    The Minisforum MS-A2 offers a solid array of connectivity ports, including Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E for wireless connections. From what was showcased, the design of the MS-A2 seems quite similar to the MS-A1, featuring a slim and compact chassis measuring 196 x 189 x 48 mm. Minisforum has also indicated that there will be a variant featuring the Ryzen 9 7845HX, but specific details about pricing and availability have yet to be disclosed.

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    Minisforum MS-A2 Launches with AMD Ryzen 9 HX and dGPU Support

     

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  • MSI Vector A18 HX Launches with AMD Fire Range CPU & RTX 50 GPU

    MSI Vector A18 HX Launches with AMD Fire Range CPU & RTX 50 GPU

    In the vast landscape of Intel Arrow Lake-HX gaming laptops, the MSI Vector A18 HX stands out with its AMD Fire Range CPU, offering a refreshing alternative. However, this model does not feature the highly sought-after X3D SKU. Instead, it is equipped with the Ryzen 9 9955HX. Alternatively, there is the enigmatic Ryzen 9 8945HX, which AMD didn’t showcase during CES 2025.

    Graphics Options

    Regrettably, users will not be able to combine their new Fire Range GPU with a GeForce RTX 5090. Instead, they must settle for either the 16 GB GeForce RTX 5080 or the 12 GB GeForce RTX 5070 Ti.

    Memory and Connectivity

    Once again, MSI has failed to specify the memory and storage options for the MSI Vector A18 HX. This will probably differ from one SKU to another, but having at least 32 GB of DDR5 would seem essential, considering the price of the Ryzen 9. The laptop offers 1x PCIe Gen 4 and 1x PCIe Gen 5 SSD slots. For connectivity, it features two USB 4.0 ports, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack.

    Display and Additional Features

    The MSI Vector A18 HX sports a 16-inch QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS LCD display that refreshes at a speedy 240 Hz. Additional features include a 1080p webcam, a robust 99.9 Wh battery, 2.5G Ethernet (available only on select models), four 2 Watt speakers, a 26-zone RGB keyboard, and a physical privacy shutter for the webcam.

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