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Review: Trying out the HP Victus Ryzen 7 5700G RX 6600XT 32GB 512GB SSD Desktop (2024)
Introduction
I recently purchased an HP Victus Desktop. Its specifications include an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a Radeon RX 6600XT graphics card. Based on these features, I expected it to meet my daily computing and gaming requirements.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming | Brand | HP |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Memory Storage Capacity | 512 GB |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB | Model Name | TG02-0137c |
| Included Components | Monitor, Mouse, Keybord | CPU Model | Ryzen 7 5700G |
| Color | Black | Special Feature | Microphone |
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Prices
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Initial Setup and Configuration
Upon unboxing my HP Victus Desktop, the initial setup and configuration were remarkably straightforward – a welcome relief for those who dread the logistical puzzle of new tech. Here’s a rundown of my experience:
Processor & Memory: With the AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700G (8-core) Processor and 32GB DDR4-3200MHz SDRAM, setup lag was nonexistent; the system was ready to take on tasks immediately after installation.
Drives: The 512GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD promises speed and efficiency. The lack of an optical drive was noted, but quickly remedied with an external drive purchase.
Operating System: Windows 11 Home (64-bit) was pre-installed, leading to a painless software setup. It recognized peripherals and Wi-Fi without a hitch.
Graphics: The AMD Radeon™ RX 6600XT comes with a version that ensures vivid visuals from the get-go, yet might challenge multi-display setups as observed over time.
The sleek black tower and the quiet fan operation commend the fact that this isn’t just any run-of-the-mill desktop. However, I can’t help but wish for an improved port selection - for a desktop that speaks to modern needs, more USB Type-C ports would have removed some slight inconvenience.
A noteworthy plus is the absence of bloatware, making the user interface refreshingly clean. This meant less time sorting through unnecessary applications and more time diving into personalization and usage.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth® 5.2 technology made for a seamless integration into my home network, ensuring that my devices were interconnected without the pesky need for wires.
Here are some critical observations:
Positive: Immediate high-powered performance, easy connectivity, beautiful design, whisper-quiet operation.
Drawbacks: Insufficient USB-C ports, the eventual need to upgrade the power supply for future-proofing, and graphics card hiccups that may interfere with a smooth experience, especially during intensive tasks like 3D rendering or running demanding games.
The TG02-0137c model does give a sense of satisfaction that lasts beyond the initial power-up. Still, the advancement does require further investment, like in an external DVD drive or a more robust power supply if you are looking to enhance or preserve its capabilities in the long run.
While there’s much to appreciate about the Victus’s out-of-the-box experience, it’s not without its nuances that might need attention over time. Each element, from the AMD components to the bundled wired keyboard and mouse, contributes to a solid base for both work and play, given one’s readiness to adapt or upgrade components as needed.
Performance and Gaming Capabilities
The HP Victus Desktop packs an impressive punch with its AMD Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core) Processor and AMD Radeon RX 6600XT, 8GB Graphics card. As someone deeply immersed in gaming, I’ve put this machine through its paces and found it capable of delivering a reliable and enjoyable gaming experience.
Pros:
Robust multi-core performance from the Ryzen processor
Adequate RAM for heavy multitasking (32GB DDR4-3200MHz SDRAM)
RX 6600XT GPU provides good framerates at 1080p
Fast boot and load times with the 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Cons:
Lack of optical drive might be an issue for some
Potential for video driver issues (though they can be resolved)
Power supply may need an upgrade for serious future expansions
This PC caters well to modern gaming demands, allowing titles like Diablo 4 to run smoothly at high settings on 1080p. However, it might struggle to maintain performance with more demanding 4K content. With games like Hollow Knight, which aren’t graphically intensive, I’ve noticed an unfortunate tendency towards crashes, indicating potential stability issues after extensive periods of use.
Out-of-the-box, the 32GB DDR4-3200MHz SDRAM affords enough memory headroom for gaming and other demanding tasks, like 3D rendering and music production. The 512GB SSD ensures swift start-up times and quick in-game loading. However, without an external optical drive, I did encounter some difficulty reinstalling my older software.
When it comes to the design, the unit is black and includes a simple keyboard and mouse, which is fairly standard, but for those looking for a more aesthetically pleasing setup might consider looking into additional peripherals. The lack of an included monitor may also be a consideration for some.
Mostly, I appreciate how quiet the PC is during operation—it’s reassuringly silent even when under load. Still, the initial elation I felt from the whisper-quiet fans has been marred by the graphics card glitches and port failures that surfaced after a few months of use. This hiccup in the GPU’s performance can be a significant disruption, particularly for my workflow which can’t easily adapt to major changes.
The Windows 11 Home operating system offers a contemporary and secure environment, though I personally opted to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for a cleaner experience free of any bloatware.
I would encourage potential buyers to consider the future need for a power supply upgrade to fortify the system against more demanding upgrades. With a system like this, it’s not just about what’s included, but also how it can grow with your needs through careful component selection and possible enhancements.
To sum up my thoughts, the HP Victus Desktop is a considerable option for those entering the world of PC gaming or for casual gamers sticking to 1080p. The mentioned shortcomings are relatively minor and can be mitigated with minor additional investments or upgrades, maintaining its standing as a great value overall.
Hardware Upgrade Potential
Considering the hardware upgrade potential of the HP Victus desktop, my views are primarily influenced by the ease of access to components and compatibility with after-market upgrades. Here’s a succinct breakdown:
Ease of upgrade: Accessing the internals is relatively straightforward, allowing for hassle-free hardware changes.
Memory: Comes with 32GB DDR4 RAM, but can be boosted to 64GB according to Crucial’s recommendations.
Storage: Equipped with a 512GB SSD, yet expansion is possible with additional SSD or HDD installations.
Power Supply: The pre-installed 500W PSU is adequate for current needs but should be upgraded for power-hungry components.
Now, delving into these points further, the desktop supports a generous 32GB of DDR4-3200MHz SDRAM from the get-go, which is fantastic for multitasking and memory-intensive tasks. For users with even greater demands, such as professional video editing or heavy virtualization work, the possibility to expand to 64GB makes this machine quite future-proof.
However, when it comes to storage, while a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD delivers swift boot times and fast application loading, creative professionals or game enthusiasts might feel limited. Luckily, additional SATA ports allow me to add more drives, thus scaling storage capacity with relative ease.
In terms of graphics, the installed AMD Radeon RX 6600XT is definitely a strong performer for 1080p gaming, but might stagger a bit with 4K content. Considering my usage, which doesn’t dwell much into hardcore gaming, it’s more than satisfactory. Nevertheless, those looking to push frame rates in the latest AAA titles or venture into 4K gaming will eventually seek graphics card upgrades.
An important note: if planning major upgrades, especially the GPU, the power supply might need attention. The 500W 80 Plus Bronze certified power supply that comes standard might not cut it for the latest high-end graphics cards. An upgrade to a higher wattage PSU would be essential to avoid power constraints and ensure system stability.
While these aspects of the HP Victus desktop present a positive scenario for further enhancing the machine over time, I should caution that such upgrades will elevate the overall investment. Plus, the current PSU might be a bottleneck for more advanced upgrades, adding another layer to consider.
The upgrade path, while viable, isn’t necessarily a plug-and-play process, and given the tweaks needed, it can be a slight inconvenience. But for those of us who relish the prospect of tailoring our rigs to our evolving needs, the HP Victus desktop certainly offers a solid foundation to build upon.
Long-term Reliability Issues
When it comes to the long-term reliability of the HP Victus desktop, there are a few important factors to consider. In my experience, the system provided a solid start due to its impressive specs, but I did encounter some issues as time went by.
Key points to consider regarding the HP Victus desktop’s long-term reliability:
- The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G processor and 32GB DDR4 RAM have thus far exhibited robust performance without any significant lag or slowdowns.
- The AMD Radeon RX 6600XT graphics card has been mostly reliable; however, I’ve noticed some glitches and crashes after a few months that concern me for future reliability.
- I’ve upgraded the storage capabilities with larger drives, and so far, it operates without issues, enhancing the machine’s capabilities.
- The system started with Windows 11 Home, and operating system upgrades have been smooth, but I would prefer a fresher install to eliminate any potential bloatware impact on performance.
My direct experience with the computer was initially wonderful. It booted swiftly, handled updates seamlessly, and the quiet operation of fans was impressive—sometimes it was so silent I had to do a double-take to ensure it was still running. The system effortlessly tackled demanding tasks like streaming, 3D rendering, and music production, a testament to its initially formidable capabilities.
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. After about three to five months, I noticed the graphics card started experiencing some hiccups. DisplayPort failure is a critical issue when you rely on multiple monitors for your work or gaming needs. The recent sudden system crashes, especially during undemanding tasks like playing Hollow Knight, are alarming, and the total system death has only compounded those concerns.
Yet, amidst these concerns, there is still a lot to appreciate. The performance out of the box is commendable for someone stepping into the world of gaming or coming from a much older system. While playing games at 1080p is a treat, pushing it to 4K does show the system’s limitations—YouTube and Netflix at 4K can be a struggle, and gaming at this resolution would likely be too demanding.
To ensure continued reliability, it seems vital to invest in a few upgrades. For instance, the power supply warrants an immediate upgrade if you are considering any further hardware enhancements in the future to maintain system stability.
In conclusion, while the HP Victus desktop nails many aspects of a good all-rounder, especially at its price point, prospective buyers should be cognizant of the potential reliability issues. Upgrades can mitigate some problems to a degree, but the graphics card and power supply issues should be factored into your long-term expectations of this system.