XMG APEX 15 MAX: Notebook with AMD 3D V-Cache and Ryzen 7 5800X3D Desktop CPU

Just a few days after the new XMG Core 15 (M22), the manufacturer has announced an exciting new feature for the XMG APEX 15 MAX. A BIOS update makes the high-end laptop, which is intended as a desktop replacement, the world’s first notebook with support for AMD’s 3D V-Cache. Heavy discounts also beckon.

XMG APEX 15 MAX: With BIOS update to more performance

As early as May 2022, the XMG APEX 15 MAX received a new BIOS update that unlocked more performance for the desktop replacement laptop and increased compatibility with powerful processors. Since then, XMG has offered CPUs such as the Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 7 5700X, and Ryzen 9 5900X, among others.

“While the Ryzen 9 5950X is also supported and can be configured via bestware.com, it does not receive an official manufacturer recommendation, as the performance benefits to be achieved depend too much on the quality of the individual processor,” the manufacturer says.

Now a new BIOS update awaits you, which upgrades the notebook to version 1.07.09A01 (including AGESA update to version 1.2.0.7). Thus, the notebook can henceforth be equipped with AMD’s fastest gaming CPU Ryzen 7 5800X3D with 3D V-Cache.

Models of the E22 series can also be easily upgraded afterwards, since the CPU uses the already used B550 mainboard with desktop socket AM4.

More performance

Benchmarks from XMG prove that the 3D V-Cache of the 5800X3D can offer significant extra performance, especially in gaming scenarios, and even outperforms the Ryzen 9 5900X. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it is about 30 percent ahead of a cheaper Ryzen 7 5700X. In the theoretical and CPU-heavy CineBench tests, however, the 5700X and 5900X are further ahead.

The measurements are based on an APEX 15 MAX with GeForce RTX 3070 and 64 (2x 32) GB DDR4-3200 RAM. Processors starting with the Ryzen 7 5800X basically run in AMD’s ECO Mode with a PPT (Package Power Tracking) of up to 88 watts in this laptop.

For all CPUs aside from the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, XMG’s firmware update also unlocks additional BIOS overclocking settings, including Precision Boost Overdrive 2 (PBO2) and AMD Curve Optimizer. For more information, check out the notebook’s new firmware update document.

Prices and availability: strong deals until October 11

The XMG APEX 15 MAX (E22) is, as always, free to configure on bestware.com. In the basic configuration, the notebook offers AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X, a GeForce RTX 3060, 16 (2×8) GB DDR4-3200 RAM, a 500 GB Samsung 980 SSD and a 240 Hz fast Full HD IPS display.

Regularly, the notebook is priced at 1,379 Euros in this form. More powerful processors, such as the Ryzen 7 5800X3D (342 Euros) and many other AMD desktop CPUs, as well as an upgrade to a GeForce RTX 3070 (245 Euros) are available for an additional charge.

Up to and including October 11, 300 Euros can be saved on all configurations within the scope of the “Zocktoberfest”: Discounts on many different XMG laptops beckon here. For example, the APEX 15 MAX is currently priced at only 1,079 Euros.