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The answer is – yes, some HP laptops can withstand intense gaming sessions. However, sometimes their specs might not be the best fit.
Most HP laptops offer decent or high-end CPUs. However, some models have sub-par GPUs, which might struggle to run demanding games at max settings.
In this post, we will go over all the details you need to decide if an HP laptop is good enough for your gaming sessions.
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between an HP Laptop and Other Gaming Laptops?
Gaming laptops are high-performance power-hungry machines designed to handle any game you throw their way.
On the other hand, most HP laptops usually seem like reliable – though not necessarily super-powerful – devices for business and office work.
Yet, this doesn’t mean HP can’t do a good job as a budget gaming solution. So, if you’re looking for a little gaming on the side while taking a break from work or studying, an HP laptop might just be what you need.
HP Victus 15 – Great Value for Money
Benefits of an HP Laptop for Gaming
HP’s versatile and sturdy design makes it suitable for both gaming and office environments, which is a rare quality in laptops. I especially like the HP Victus in this regard – I find its design to be very polished and sleek. HP Victus is one of the recommended Laptops under $1500.
These laptops are usually pretty affordable and come with great value for money.
Thanks to their great specs, most HP laptops deliver a strong performance, allowing you to play games without a hitch. For example, performance benchmarks for HP Omen consistently show good scores that are somewhere between Dell’s Alienware and Acer’s Predator lineups.
HPs also have high-quality displays and high refresh rates that provide a solid gaming experience.
Drawbacks of an HP Laptop for Gaming
Older HP laptops have lower TGP (total graphic power), which creates a 60 Watt limit for powering the GPU. Compared to laptops without such a limit, this can decrease performance by up to 20%. So I wouldn’t recommend going for these – if you don’t want stutter, check out newer HP models.
Low brightness is another downside with some HP models (HP Omen 16 comes with 300 nits). Remember, these are mostly office laptops – or a cross between gaming and office – and they’re not really meant for outdoor use. However, I had no issues with Omen indoors.
Intensive gaming puts a lot of strain on the laptop’s battery, which can result in short battery life. HP models are no exception – for example, HP Pavilion Gaming 15 will last less than 4 hrs. Plus, HPs have been known to overheat.
Finally, some HP laptops suffer from a wobbly build and lots of flex (like HP Gaming), sharp edges, and are a magnet for fingerprints.
FAQ about HP Laptops
What Are the Best HP Laptops for Gaming?
In terms of performance, HP Omen is your go-to gaming solution. With the latest hardware from Intel and NVIDIA and up to 32GB of RAM, it’s a beast.
I thought that the Quad HD panel version with a 165Hz refresh rate looks great and gives a fantastic gaming experience while keeping the distinctly clean look of the Omen family.
The next in line, and possibly the best 15-inch gaming laptop HP has to offer is Victus. It also comes with a top-notch Intel processor, but I found the GPU somewhat lacking. Yet, turn a few settings down and you can still get good frame rates in most modern games.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to balance work and play, my top picks are HP Spectre and Envy. These sleek and versatile devices may not be dedicated gaming laptops, but they pack enough punch for smooth gameplay.
What Is the Best HP Laptop for Gaming and School?
Choosing the best laptop for gaming and school will depend on your budget and needs. If money is no object, it’s a no-brainer – HP Omen is an easy pick. However, if you’re strapped for cash, you can’t go wrong with HP Pavilion 15.
Is HP Pavilion x360 a Good Gaming Laptop?
The answer is no. The budget versions of Pavilion x360 come with specs that leave much to be desired. They will handle light web browsing or video playback but, unfortunately, not much more.
Any heavier multitasking or even mid-level gaming will cause slowdowns and stutters. However, if you go with other Pavilion models – say Pavilion 15 – I’m pretty sure you’ll find them more than capable of gaming.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new gaming laptop, HP might not be the first brand that comes to mind. Still, HP models like Omen or Victus will give you just as smooth an experience as any high-end gaming device, but with a touch of business vibes.
On top of that, HP offers some great budget solutions, such as Envy or Pavilion. With these machines, you can play many lighter games without breaking the bank.
Gaming & Reliability — Get Your Best Machine
HP is one of the titans in the laptop market, and the brand loved by many.
There are HP models that you can easily use for gaming – HP Omen is the most popular and powerful one, with HP Victus being a toned-down, budget version of a gaming laptop.
Still, there are many other great laptop brands you could consider.
With so many powerful gaming machines, it can be hard to know where to start. Check out the best gaming laptops if you want to expand your search beyond just HP models.
- Benefits
- Suitable for both gaming and office environments
- Affordable and come with great value for money
- Deliver a strong performance
- High-quality displays
- Drawbacks
- Low display brightness
- Short battery life
- Wobbly build
