RTX 5060 laptop runs 60% quieter in Entertainment Mode with only 12% performance loss: XMG Apex 17 tested
XMG Apex 17 is one of the fastest RTX-5060 laptops
In synthetic 3D performance, based on our 3DMark benchmarks, the Apex 17 (our review) outperforms every other RTX 5060 laptop we’ve tested. Its advantage becomes even more apparent in real gaming, where the high-end CPU plays a major role. Thanks to the powerful processor from AMD, the Apex 17 stands completely unmatched in CPU performance within its class.
Performance mode delivers maximum performance but is very loud
Achieving this level of performance requires an equally capable cooling system—and unfortunately, powerful cooling still often means high noise levels. While the laptop stays cool under load, it also becomes one of the loudest RTX-5060 laptops in its class when running in Performance mode.
Performance mode vs entertainment mode in the Apex 17
In addition to Performance mode, the Apex 17 offers two other preset profiles: Entertainment and Silent. We tested these modes to determine how much performance is sacrificed in exchange for lower noise levels—specifically, how much speed you give up to gain a quieter experience.
Ryzen 9 9955HX continues to deliver strong CPU performance
We evaluated the different profiles using Cinebench R15 Multi Core, Fire Strike Graphics, and Cyberpunk 2077. In Cinebench, CPU performance dropped by about 15 percent in Entertainment mode. Even so, the resulting score of 4,921 points (down from 5,739) still matches the level of the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX found in systems like the Lenovo Legion 7 16 from Lenovo and processors from Intel.
RTX-5060 performance drops by only about 10 to 12 percent
In the Fire Strike Graphics test, performance declined by roughly 10 percent in Entertainment mode. Even with that reduction, the Apex 17 remained faster than competitors such as the Tulpar T6, the Alienware 16 Aurora, and the MSI Cyborg 17. However, models like the Omen 16 and the Legion 7 gained a slight advantage in this quieter mode.
Gaming performance remains competitive even in quieter mode
Gaming results showed a similar pattern. In Cyberpunk 2077, average frame rates dropped from 84.4 FPS to 74.4 FPS—a decrease of about 12 percent. This particular benchmark was never the Apex 17’s strongest area, and it already ranked mid-pack behind the Legion 7 in Performance mode. In Entertainment mode, it still outperformed the MSI Cyborg 17, though other competitors pulled slightly ahead.
Entertainment mode significantly reduces noise levels
Despite the moderate performance drop, the noise reduction is substantial. Fan noise decreases from around 55 dB to just 40.5–43.5 dB, making the system subjectively about two and a half times quieter. In other games—especially CPU-heavy titles—the laptop remains just as quiet while still benefiting from the strong Ryzen 9 processor, which can help maintain excellent performance.
| Performance Mode | Cinebench R15 Multi | Fire Strike Graphics | Cyberpunk 2077 FHD Ultra (fps) | Fan noise Cyberpunk (dB) | Power consumption Cyberpunk (W) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5739 | 33011 | 84.4 | 55.05 | 220 |
| Entertainment | 4921 | 29792 | 74.4 | 40.5 - 43.5 | 170 |
| Quiet | 1227 | 23364 | 34.9 | 29 | 100 |
| Battery (Performance) | 2759 | 2578 | 30 | 23.5 - 33.5 |
Conclusion: Much quieter while still delivering strong gaming performance
The Apex 17 is one of the most powerful RTX-5060 gaming laptops available, but it’s also quite loud in Performance mode. Switching to Entertainment mode makes the system roughly 60 percent quieter, while 3D and gaming performance drops by only 10 to 12 percent. Even in this quieter profile, the Apex 17 remains highly competitive and delivers an excellent balance between performance and acoustics.
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