Unleash Desktop Power in a Laptop! XMG Apex 15 with Ryzen 9 3950X

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Power of the Rison 3950X
3. The Monster Inside the Laptop: Rison 3950X
4. Performance and Temperature: A Tradeoff
5. Flexibility and Upgradeability: Uncommon in a Laptop
6. The APEX 15: Specs and Build Quality
7. A Comparative Analysis: Apex 15 vs Other Laptops
8. Benchmarks: Putting the Rison 3950X to the Test
9. Gaming Performance: Desktop Power in a Laptop
10. The Verdict: A Remarkable Piece of Kit

Article

Introduction

🤔 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a desktop-class CPU in a laptop? Well, wonder no more. The XMG Apex 15 boasts the Rison 3950X, a 16-core, 32-thread beast of a processor that upends traditional notions of desktop and laptop performance. In this article, we will explore the power, performance, and unique features of the Apex 15, a machine that pushes the boundaries of what a laptop can do.

The Power of the Rison 3950X

💪 The Rison 3950X is a CPU that has taken the tech world by storm. It has demolished Intel's high-end desktop processors, and now, it can be found inside a laptop. Yes, you read that right. The Apex 15 is not your average laptop — it is a powerhouse. With a 105-watt Thermal Design Power (TDP) and clock speeds of up to 4.7GHz, this chip is a force to be reckoned with. It may seem absurd to fit this chip into a laptop without specialized cooling, but XMG has managed to do it. However, it should be noted that this is not a thin and light notebook with extraordinary battery life. It is a beast that delivers mind-bending performance.

Performance and Temperature: A Tradeoff

🌡️ As impressive as the Rison 3950X is, it does come with some tradeoffs. The temperatures can reach the 80s and even 90s when the laptop is in performance mode, and the noise from the fans is extreme. This is not a machine for those seeking a cool and quiet experience. However, despite the limitations of running a powerful processor in a laptop form factor, the Apex 15 outperforms desktop systems in many scenarios. Even when compared to desktop systems using the Rison 3900X with faster memory, the 15-inch Apex laptop emerges as the winner. The sheer power of the Rison 3950X combined with the capabilities of the Apex 15 make for an amazing performance that will leave you astounded.

Flexibility and Upgradeability: Uncommon in a Laptop

🔧 One of the standout features of the Apex 15 is its flexibility and upgradeability. Unlike most laptops, this machine is designed for upgradability, allowing you to customize and expand its capabilities. Based on the B450 AMD desktop chipset, the Apex 15 runs desktop processors, bringing desktop power to a portable form factor. While it may not be the thinnest or lightest laptop out there, it offers a level of flexibility and upgradeability that is rarely seen in its class. With the ability to easily access and upgrade components such as memory and storage, the Apex 15 gives you the freedom to tailor the laptop to your specific needs.

The Apex 15: Specs and Build Quality

🖥️ Let's take a closer look at the specifications and build quality of the Apex 15. The unit we received for review features the Rison 3950X, 16GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM, and a Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe SSD. The 15.4-inch screen operates at 1080p with a refresh rate of 144Hz, providing a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The laptop uses the B450 AMD desktop chipset, allowing for easy upgradability. In terms of form factor, the Apex 15 is not the slimmest machine out there, measuring about one inch deep. However, its sturdy all-metal construction gives it a premium feel.

A Comparative Analysis: Apex 15 vs Other Laptops

💼 To understand the unique proposition of the Apex 15, let's compare it to other laptops in its category. We'll stack it up against the Dell XPS 15, known for its sleek design and portability, and the Asus Zephyrus G14, a popular choice for its powerful performance in a compact form factor. Both the XPS 15 and the Zephyrus G14 use low-power laptop chips and have less capable GPUs compared to the Apex 15. While the Apex 15 may not be as slim and light as these machines, it offers more power and flexibility, making it a compelling choice for those who value performance above all else.

Benchmarks: Putting the Rison 3950X to the Test

📊 Let's dive into some benchmarks to see how the Rison 3950X performs in the Apex 15. We'll compare it against desktop systems running optimal configurations with Rison desktop chips and fast memory. In terms of multi-core performance, the Apex 15 with the Rison 3950X delivers 81% of the performance of desktop systems with the Rison 3900X, and even outperforms the Rison 3900 non-X chip in the Apex 15 by delivering 92% of its desktop counterpart's performance. These results are remarkable, considering the constraints of a laptop form factor.

Gaming Performance: Desktop Power in a Laptop

🎮 When it comes to gaming, the Apex 15 truly shines. The powerful Rison 3950X combined with an Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU allows for desktop-class gaming performance in a laptop. Benchmarks show that the mobile RTX 2070 in the Apex 15 performs on par with a desktop RTX 2060, with some variations depending on the Game and memory bandwidth. The Apex 15 easily handles popular titles like Control and The Witcher 3, delivering smooth frame rates even with advanced features like ray tracing enabled. While the laptop's 15.6-inch display may not provide the largest gaming experience, it certainly offers desktop-level performance.

The Verdict: A Remarkable Piece of Kit

🏆 In conclusion, the XMG Apex 15 with the Rison 3950X is a remarkable piece of technology that pushes the boundaries of what a laptop can do. It offers desktop power in a portable form factor, making it a standout choice for professionals and power users. With its flexibility, upgradeability, and impressive performance, the Apex 15 sets a new standard for laptop capabilities. While it is not without its tradeoffs, such as temperature and noise concerns, the sheer power and versatility of the Apex 15 make it an excellent choice for those seeking a true desktop replacement.

Highlights:

• The XMG Apex 15 features the powerful Rison 3950X CPU, delivering desktop performance in a laptop.
• Despite the temperature and noise concerns, the Apex 15 outperforms desktop systems in many scenarios.
• The flexibility and upgradeability of the Apex 15 set it apart from other laptops in its class.
• The Apex 15 offers a range of impressive specifications, including a high refresh rate and NVMe SSD.
• Benchmarks demonstrate the exceptional performance of the Rison 3950X in the Apex 15.
• With its desktop-class GPU, the Apex 15 delivers exceptional gaming performance.

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade the components of the Apex 15? A: Yes, the Apex 15 is designed for upgradability, allowing you to easily access and upgrade components such as memory and storage.

Q: Does the Apex 15 offer good battery life? A: The Apex 15 is not known for its battery life. It is a high-performance laptop that prioritizes power over battery longevity.

Q: How does the Apex 15 compare to other laptops in its category? A: The Apex 15 offers more power and flexibility compared to laptops with low-power chips and less capable GPUs. It may not be as slim and light, but it delivers superior performance.

Q: Is the Apex 15 suitable for gaming? A: Absolutely! The Apex 15's powerful Rison 3950X and Nvidia RTX 2070 GPU make it a capable gaming machine, providing desktop-level gaming performance.

Q: What are the downsides of the Apex 15? A: The Apex 15 runs hot and can be noisy in performance mode. Additionally, the battery life is limited due to the high-power components.