After a successful re-launch of its gaming line last year, HP has updated its gaming PCs this year to bring in a bevy of new features for VR and much more power graphically. There are also some new designs in store for buyers who are looking for a computer that does not only have cutting-edge technology but also looks edge as well.
The Omen Desktop
The Omen Desktop is meant to be one of the more modular options of the company, allowing users to upgrade the specs as and when they wish. Starting at just $899, the desktop will come with a GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card as well as a choice for Intel or AMD Ryzen chips, which is a good thing, since Ryzen’s clock speed and multi-threading could really help out gamers.
The cost of the desktop can cost right up to $3,000 which will include dual GPU units, which will either be dual GTX 1080Ti graphics or dual AMD Radeon RX 580s. The new desktop also comes with front slots for swapping the hard drives on the front. It has been designed to be a simpler way for gamers to expand the abilities of their systems.
The PC can be overclocked through its Ryzen and Intel processors, that both go up to the Ryzen 1800X and the Intel Core i7-7700K. The Desktop will also feature up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB SSD + 2TB of storage. In terms of ports, the desktop is well stocked too – it will come with 6 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 Type-A ports and 2 USB Type-C ports along with HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 ad 3 audio-out. The Omen Desktop will be available starting June 6.
Omen X Compact Desktop
The prototype from last year has now materialized into the Omen X Compact Desktop, which can be used as a desktop or also as a backpack, since HP is planning on making this PC a portable VR gaming rig. It will come with an Intel Core i7-7820HK. Graphics come courtesy of the GTX 1080 overclocked GPU with 8GB of VRAM. The PC will also come with up to 16GB memory and storage comes by way of a 1TB PCIe SSD. In terms of ports, it will feature 4 USB Type-A ports, 1 USB Thunderbolt/USB Type-C, 1 audio-out, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 Mini DisplayPort. These features are further extended onto the dock which will be able to provide 5 USB Type-A ports, 1 Ethernet port, 1 USB-C port, 1 HDMI and 1 DisplayPort. With the just the PC, the cost of the Omen X Compact Desktop will be around $2,499. The backpack accessory costs an extra $599. The PC should come out the same time as the Omen Desktop.
Omen 15 and 17
HP’s existing 15-inch and 17-inch laptops also get a redesign and have adopted an edgier look compared to last year’s designs. The designs are inspired by fighter jet and spacecraft designs. The 15-inch version will now come with up to a GeForce GTX 1060 or a Radeon RX 550. The 17-inch model on the other hand, can be spec’d out all the way up to a GTX 1070 or RX 580. The laptops will come with Kaby Lake Intel chips this time around, red backlit keyboards as well as some choice display options as well, to the delight of the hardcore gamer. Buyers will be able to get a 4K display, a 1080p display with G-Sync or a 1080p display with FreeSync. As with most laptops, the RAM and storage options can also be user upgraded. The 15-inch Omen laptop will start at a price of $999.99 and the 17-inch will start at a price point of $1,099.99.
Omen Accelerator
The Omen Accelerator by HP is for those who do not want to upgrade their entire desktop or laptop, but just need a boost in performance for their games. Starting at $300, the Omen accelerator will house a 500-watt power supply with storage add-ons of 1TB 5400 rpm HDD, 1TB 7200 rpm HDD, or 256 GB SSD, and graphic card add-ons of NVIDIA GTX 1070, GeForce GTX 1060, or AMD Radeon RX 580.