What you need to know
- The Omen 15 and 17 now sport better airflow and more powerful hardware.
- 9th Gen Intel processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics are on board.
- The new Omen notebooks launch in June, but the current roster is now available at deep discounts.
While the new dual-screen Omen X 2S may catch most of the attention from HP's latest gaming efforts, the company hasn't left its standard Omen laptops out of the fun. Both the Omen 15 and Omen 17 laptops are seeing a refresh, packing more powerful processors and graphics into a smaller frame.
Both laptops still come with a sleek but slightly aggressive (in a good way) design aesthetic. Where HP has beefed things up is with the processor selection, which now includes Intel's 9th Gen chips, up to a Core i9 H-series CPU. There's up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics with Max-Q design and support for up to 3TB of storage on the larger model.
Impressively, HP has slimmed things down a bit on the 15-inch model, dropping it to 20mm thick. The thermal handling has also been completely revamped on both models with additional vents and longer fin lengths on the fans, increasing the airflow by a small margin.
If you're a fan of fast refresh rates (and who isn't?), the laptops can be equipped with a 240Hz or 144Hz 1080p display, or you can opt for 60Hz 4K and 1080p options. G-Sync is also available on some models to keep your frames smooth and buttery while gaming. Topping things off is the RGB backlit keyboard with four customizable zones.
The Omen 15 and Omen 17 are expected to launch in June, with prices starting at $1,050 and $1,100, respectively. Alternatively, you can check out HP's current lineup of Omen laptops, which are currently available at pretty steep discounts.
Pavilion Gaming
For more budget-conscious gamers, HP is upping the ante for its Pavilion Gaming series as well. The new Pavilion Gaming 15 and 17 include similar thermal enhancements with redesigned vents and increased airflow.
Graphics on the new Pavilion Gaming laptops include options up to an NVIDIA GeForce 1660Ti with Max-Q design. Processor options have also been bumped up to Intel's 9th Gen CPUs with options for either a Core i5 or Core i7. Display panels include a 144Hz 1080p panel or 4K at 60Hz.
The Pavilion Gaming 15 and 17 will go on sale this month starting at $800 and $850, respectively.
The new HP Omen 15 and 17 won't hit stores until June, but now's a good time to snag one of the previous models. They're all on sale at deep discounts, with prices starting at $750.
HP's Pavilion Gaming series is aimed more at the crowd that likes to work and play on the same device without dropping a ton of cash. If you're not concerned with having the most powerful hardware money can buy, the Pavilion Gaming lineup is worth a look.
Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC
Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.
KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)
Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.
AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)
These neat little speakers may only pack 2.4W of total power, but don't let that fool you. For something so small you get a well-rounded sound and a stylish design. And they only cost $16.
Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)
Use a wired mouse? You need a mouse bungee to keep your cable tidy and free of snags. You get no drag on the cable, and this one has subtle styling, a rust-resistant spring and a weighted base, all for $20.
