Top HP gaming computers
Whether you’re casually gaming or looking to battle competitively online, at home or on the go, the right computer is necessary to support your needs. Power, memory and graphic card quality all go into creating the perfect gaming computer.
HP is one of the many companies vying to be your gaming hub. They offer both PCs and laptops in two different series. The Pavilion models are versatile, budget-friendly gaming laptops for more casual competitors, while the OMEN line provides high-end specs for serious players.
HP gaming computer features
HP computers feature the Windows operating system. While the Pavilion and OMEN series are geared towards gaming, they both allow users to work and stream with ease. As such, purchases also come with a free trial of Microsoft Office.
HP gaming desktops and laptops are customizable, though the options available will vary based on the model. When looking at options, you’ll likely have a choice when it comes to the resolution, memory, storage, processor, graphics and even keyboard backlighting your model comes with. Keep this in mind when you browse options: the price will rise as you add more upgrades to your computer.
HP also provides users access to the OMEN Gaming Hub. This platform allows gamers to optimize the computer’s performance based on what they’re doing at that moment, as well as personalize lights and other specs. The Hub also lets gamers track rewards and gameplay, connect with other players and win exclusive prizes.
Pavilion vs. OMEN
The Pavilion series comes at a lower price by sacrificing top-end performance and usually some amount of storage or memory. These models are ideal for those on a budget or who game casually, playing solo campaigns or online games that aren’t among the newest releases. Pavilion computers are stylish and allow for users to create content, stream, work and browse as needed.
The OMEN line, meanwhile, is for those who want the fastest, most powerful options so as to gain an edge in competitive online play. These will come at a higher price, but will be equipped with extra bells and whistles, like the newest graphics cards and backlit keyboards. They often feature more diverse and fast ports and may cater to new gaming technologies, like VR.
HP gaming PCs
Pavilion Gaming Computer: available at HP
This desktop is ideal for casual gamers who may be on a budget but want a device that can support recent games and online worlds. It includes 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, while the fast Wi-Fi, strong Bluetooth and rapid USB ports prevent any lag or delay when gaming. As the graphics card isn’t the newest and it features four cores, it may struggle with emerging large games.
OMEN 30L: available at HP
This is the go-to desktop PC for the biggest, most immersive new video games. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 24GB offers the most realistic graphics, while both storage and memory feature above-average capacity. The default option includes eight cores with Intel i7 processing, but you can upgrade to Intel i9 and 10 cores for even more power. It’s also stylishly designed with a shadow-black exterior.
OMEN 25L: available at HP
This mid-range desktop in the OMEN series balances out price with power. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card provides quality visuals and fast performance. It’s also among the most stylish of desktops with a clear side panel for viewing the powerful inner workings. Purchase also includes a wired keyboard and optical mouse.
HP All-in-One 24-DF0130m PC: available at HP
Though not part of the Pavilion or OMEN line, this multifunctional HP desktop offers plenty of value to casual gamers. At a relatively low price, it caters to a variety of uses, including work, school, streaming and gaming. Notably, the AMD Ryzen 3 processor allows for fast rendering and lag-free exploration of online worlds. It also boasts four USB ports to support your peripherals.
HP Pavilion Desktop PC: available at HP
Another reliable model for gaming as well as everything else, this HP Pavilion is a worthwhile investment. Featuring a Ryzen 5 CPU and AMD Radeon graphics, this desktop provides speed and visual clarity that make gaming — or designing and creating new ideas — easy and stress-free.
HP gaming laptops
Pavilion 15z: available at HP
At 15 inches, this budget gaming laptop features an FHD, anti-glare screen with a wide viewing angle and thin bezels for an immersive experience. A fast AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor offers seamless gaming for most titles, while both memory and storage are above average in capacity. An integrated microphone, quality speakers and HD camera make communicating with others clear and easy.
OMEN laptop 15z: available at HP
With an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA RTX graphics card, this is one of the top OMEN laptops by HP, set up for the newest, largest online worlds. Base memory (8GB) and storage (512GB) are worthy but can both be upgraded. Battery life lasts over 10 hours, but when you’re in a pinch, it can quickly charge to 50% in about 45 minutes.
Pavilion Laptop 15T: available at HP
For those playing more recent games and looking to save some money, this HP laptop comes at a decent price without sacrificing power. Storage is on the lower end, but the NVIDIA GTX 1650i graphics card is worthy for casual gaming, and a high refresh rate prevents motion blur and lag. A lengthy battery life, slim profile and lightweight construction make this an ideal gaming companion on the go.
OMEN Laptop 15t: available at HP
Boasting NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, this laptop is geared for fast rendering of vast, open worlds, preventing users from losing a step when gaming online. It’s also supplemented by extra rapid ports, including a USB, DisplayPort and HDMI connections. Though it comes at a higher price, it’s ready for the new titles coming down the line in the next few years.
OMEN Laptop 17t-cb100: available at HP
With power similar to that of a desktop, this OMEN model packs in everything a competitive gamer needs. NVIDIA(R) graphics are among the latest offerings, while 16GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage are sufficient for the most dedicated of players. From the 17-inch display with thin bezels to the high refresh rate and fast input, gameplay is immersive and seamless.
Anthony Marcusa is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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