MAINGEAR's new ML-16 gaming laptop could replace your desktop

MAINGEAR specializes in producing some of the world’s leading custom prebuilt gaming desktops but this morning the company announced something a little different with the new ML-16. It’s a gaming laptop that was designed with the intention of delivering desktop-like gaming performance. If that holds true, then it could essentially replace your desktop PC. Most laptops won’t quite match the performance power of a comparable desktop. But that didn’t stop MAINGEAR from trying to build something that could.

The new ML-16 appears as if it comes close, thanks to beefy specs and a no-compromise approach to its design and hardware components. The price isn’t too bad either. Starting at $1,869, the ML-16 offers powerful gaming performance at a reasonable cost. However, the price can increase if you really load up the ML-16. It has two M.2 slots for SSD storage and MAINGEAR lets you pack in two 4TB SSDs for a total of 8TB. Optionally, you can go with the standard 512GB and swap the SSDs later on if you get them from elsewhere.

MAINGEAR made the M.2 slots easy to get to so you aren’t forced to go with its preconfigured setups. That being said, you can if you want to let MAINGEAR handle all the work. Fully loaded, the ML-16 can cost up to $3,005. That gets you 8TB of storage (two WD_Black SN850X 4TB SSDs), 64GB of Teamgroup DDR5 4800MHz RAM (two 32GB sticks), an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, and the custom lid artwork that MAINGEAR offers if you want it specialized.

The MAINGEAR ML-16 laptop comes in a special ‘Launch Edition’

While you can pick up the ML-16 as a standard laptop, MAINGEAR is also offering something unique for those who are the first to buy. A special ‘Launch Edition’ of the laptop is being offered that comes with custom ‘Launch Edition’ artwork. The real prize of this version though is the Pelican hard case that comes with it. The case is lockable and it comes with an IP67 waterproof rating, with custom-cut inserts to fit the laptop and its charger. Why carry your gaming laptop around in a boring old bag when you can put it in this baby and feel like a Bond villain?

MAINGEAR is only offering this with the first 50 units sold. So there won’t be a lot of them out there. In short, purchase the laptop quickly if you want a chance to get the case. You can get the Launch Edition with either an RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 GPU. These options will start at $1,899 or $2,199 respectively. With options to boost the RAM and storage for a slightly higher cost. Or you can go with the completely custom option where you pick each component.

A “big upgrade from past models”

This isn’t the first time MAINGEAR has launched a laptop. It is, however, a “big upgrade from past models” says MAINGEAR CEO Wallace Santos. And indeed it is. Not only can you get it with up to 64GB of RAM and up to 8TB of storage, but it also comes with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU which is going to boost usability off the charger. It also comes with an 80Wh battery. So while you’re not gaming, you should be able to use the ML-16 for a decent amount of time.

However, MAINGEAR still recommends plugging the laptop in if you’re going to play games. The ML-16 also comes with a 16-inch QHD 240Hz display, an RGB backlit keyboard with a number pad, a large tactile touchpad, and a bevy of ports for all your peripheral needs. This includes an ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio jack, a Thunderbolt 4 port with PD, a USB-C port with Display Alt Mode, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-A ports, an HDMI output, and a microSD card reader.

The MAINGEAR ML-16 is available today directly from MAINGEAR’s website.