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Schenker Showing This presents a dilemma for smaller providers like Schenker, whose customers have traditionally clicked together their notebook configurations individually: Mainboards containing all possible combinations have to be preprogrammed with the correct quantities. Must be known and kept in stock as only then the delivery time will be correct.
With the XMG Neo 16, the CPU and GPU are on separate boards.
(Image: c’t/mue)
Zip, the foldable projector for your pocketThe internal structure of the Sit sub-board. There is a bridge between the two boards that transmits eight PCIe 5.0 lanes and power. The round socket for the power supply, as well as HDMI and MiniDP outputs, can be found on the GPU module, while all other interfaces (USB-C USB4/Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, RJ45 with 2.5 Gbps) are on the CPU module. Find connections.
No competition for the framework
Anyone who thinks there’s a laptop equivalent of the Framework 16 with a modular interior with separate boards for the CPU and GPU will be unfortunately disappointed. You won’t be able to retrofit the Neo 16 without a GPU, nor will you be able to replace the GPU with another model later or upgrade it to the next generation. Schenker does not want to offer the modules for sale individually; Without the GPU module, the notebook will not start. It is also unclear whether a successor will continue to use the same module or have the same dimensions – (v)BIOS compatibility is not mentioned.
The modularity is solely intended to make Schenker’s life easier. As mentioned above, the benefits for customers are initially limited to more choices when ordering. Additionally, there are lower costs for potential subsequent repairs if you send a notebook out of warranty: if a chip is defective, only granular modules need to be replaced, rather than the larger motherboard including the CPU and GPU.
(c) SO-DIMM
In general, Schenker sticks to its motto of as little soldering as possible. The main memory is plugged in, with two DDR5 slots accommodating not only SO-DIMMs but also CSO-DIMMs – the mobile equivalent of CU-DIMMs. The WLAN card is also plugged in. Up to two M.2 2280 cards fit as SSDs, but only one of the two slots supports PCIe 5.0.
A small bridge connects the two parts; Eight PCIE 5.0 lines and power flow through them.
(Image: c’t/mue)
The display is also unusual: in addition to the usual IPS panel, there will also be an option with full DCI-P3 coverage and mini-LED lighting – up to 1000 cd/m² of brightness. Both screens have a matte surface, G-Sync compatible 300Hz and 2560 resolution at 16:10 aspect ratio. However, the Mini-LED version increases the total weight from 2.4 to 2.6 kg.
water cooling optional
On the back of the notebook you’ll find valves for the optional Oasis water cooling system, which, as usual, is sold separately. Existing copies can no longer be used because the valves on the notebook have a new format: they are moved closer together, as mechanical retaining lugs now snap into place on their left and right sides, which allow the plugs to connect with the hoses. Keep holding until they are unlocked. The old magnetic holder, which breaks in case of sudden pulling, can only be found on the outdoor unit, where even a large splash of water does not have serious consequences.
The notebook’s internal water circuit is integrated into a large copper plate, through which air cooling heat pipes (two large and one small fan) absorb waste heat from the CPU and GPU. Water cooling serves only as a support, although Schenker activates higher energy profiles when additional cooling power is available.
Schenker has not yet provided any information about the prices of the new Neo 16. They should arrive closer to the start of sales, which, like most new notebooks with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50 GPUs, will be in March.
Heise Median is the Official Media Partner of CES 2025.
(mu)
Zip, the foldable projector for your pocket
