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Trying out the HP OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop White (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the HP OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop and it’s been a solid performer for my gaming and work needs. With its AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and 16GB DDR4 RAM, it’s been handling multitasking with ease. The blend of a 512GB PCIe SSD and 1TB HDD for storage strikes a nice balance between speed and capacity. And while the graphics card, a GTX 1660 SUPER, may not be top of the line, it’s proving to be a reliable workhorse for 1080p gaming. I’ve even put it to the test with the new Windows 11 Pro, and though there have been some hiccups with HP’s customer service, overall, this gaming rig is delivering the performance I need.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming | Brand | HP |
| Personal computer design type | Computer Tower | Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 512 GB | Screen Size | 1 Inches |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Model Name | HP OMEN |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 5 | Color | White |
Photos
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Prices
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Powerhouse Performance: Ryzen and RAM
When looking at the HP OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G Processor paired with 16GB DDR4 RAM naturally stands out. From my experience, this combination strikes a good balance between value and performance for a wide spectrum of tasks – from editing videos to demolishing competition in Call of Duty.
Here’s what I mean:
Ryzen 5 5600G: Incredibly capable for gaming and productivity. The integrated graphics are a nice fallback, but when paired with a dedicated GPU, this chip really shines.
16GB DDR4 RAM: Plentiful for most modern games and decent for multitasking. Plus, it keeps things snappy whether I’m editing a large spreadsheet or having multiple tabs open in Chrome.
I’ve been seriously impressed with the multitasking abilities of the system. I can have game streams running, browser tabs open, and still play without hiccups.
But, it’s not all sunny. The primary drawback possibly comes from future-proofing. As games and applications get more demanding, 16GB RAM may eventually become a baseline rather than a luxury. Another potential issue is the reliance on RAM speed and latency for Ryzen processors to perform optimally – meaning that any upgrade down the line could get pricey if aiming for high-speed RAM.
Even so, I’d argue that this configuration provides a strong foundation. For folks like me who want their desktop to handle various tasks without breaking a sweat, these specs are a dream come true. Personally, I haven’t hit a snag while using demanding software like Adobe Premiere, which speaks volumes about the processor’s capability.
It’s worth noting, brand reputation plays a part in peace of mind. HP isn’t a fly-by-night operation, and while I had a bit of a snag with customer service over a power issue, it’s unusual based on what I’ve heard and read on forums.
I’m keen on aesthetics, too, and HP doesn’t disappoint. The white chassis gives off a clean, minimalist vibe that stands out without being ostentatious. It’s a case design that fits as comfortably in an office as it does in a gaming setup.
Overall, I consider the HP OMEN 25L’s Ryzen and RAM combo to be a strong performer that’s up to the task for both work and play. Sure, we might have to consider a RAM upgrade in a few years, but by that time, we might be ready for a whole system update anyway. For now, this desktop is more than adequate for my needs, and I’d argue it’s a sensible choice for gamers and professionals alike.
Storing Speed and Capacity: SSD and HDD
The HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop comes with a dual storage setup, and for good reason. Having both a 512GB PCIe SSD and a 1TB HDD isn’t just for show; it makes a real difference in how I use my PC.
Let’s start with the SSD. This is where I install my operating system and my most-played games. It’s a no-brainer for quick boot-up times and lightning-fast game loading – SSDs serve up data much faster than HDDs. Plus, with PCIe tech, you’re talking about speeds that make SATA SSDs look slow. Whether I’m booting up Windows 11 Pro or loading into a match, that speed is something I really notice.
But that’s not to say the 1TB HDD is just a sidekick. It’s perfect for storage-heavy tasks. I’m talking about my archive of family photos, that collection of 4K movies, and all the game recordings that I can’t bear to delete. Sure, an HDD can’t match an SSD in speed, but it offers a value for money I appreciate.
Here’s a quick list of pros and cons for this setup:
Pros:
Fast boot and load times: The SSD gets me up and running in a snap.
Ample storage: With the HDD, I’ve got space galore for all my non-essential files.
Best of both worlds: With both drives, I’m balancing speed with capacity at a reasonable cost.
Cons:
Price: SSDs, especially PCIe ones, can bump up the price of a PC.
Maintenance: I need to manage two different storage types.
Potential for clutter: Without proper file organization, things could get messy between two drives.
The only drawback I’ve noted – and it’s not a dealbreaker – is that sometimes managing files between two drives gets a bit fiddly. I need to remember where I’ve stored what, and that takes a bit more effort. And while SSD prices have come down, they still add a premium cost to the system.
From a personal standpoint, I’ve found the mix of a sizeable SSD with a hearty HDD offers the right blend of speed and storage for my gaming and productivity needs. Sure, you might run into the occasional hiccup with file organization, but the gains in performance and storage flexibility far outweigh the minor inconvenience. When I’m in the middle of a game and scenes load without a hitch, I’m reminded why this combo hits the sweet spot for gamers like me.
Graphic Intensity: GTX 1660 SUPER
In my time with the HP OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER Graphics card has been a focal point of interest. I’ve noticed a lot of chatter on forums about the capabilities of this card, especially for gamers looking for that sweet spot between performance and budget. Here’s my take on it:
Pros:
The GTX 1660 SUPER is something of a workhorse; it handles most modern games at 1080p with ease, cranking out high frames per second on high settings.
With 6GB GDDR6 memory, the card has enough muscle to prevent bottlenecks in VRAM, which can cause stuttering and frame drops in more extensive gaming sessions.
It’s also remarkably energy-efficient, which is a nice bonus for long-term use and helps to keep the power bill in check.
Cons:
It lacks real-time ray tracing, which is a bummer if you’re itching to see what all the fuss is about with realistic lighting technology in newer titles.
It’s not ideally suited for 4K gaming. Pushing pixels at that high resolution would require compromising on in-game settings or a card upgrade.
While the cons are there, I’ve mostly found the GTX 1660 SUPER card to be a reliable performer. Games like ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ and ‘The Witcher 3’ look fantastic without any significant lag, and the visuals are super crisp and clear. The card might not be the latest and greatest, but it punches above its weight class, making it a solid choice for the price-conscious gamer who still demands quality.
However, I’ve noticed some fellow gamers express disappointment over the absence of ray tracing support. While that’s a valid point, considering the incredible demand and hefty price tags of the RTX series, the 1660 SUPER serves as a good intermediate option. It’s a trade-off — you’re getting excellent 1080p performance in lieu of cutting-edge features that would significantly drive up the cost.
Color me impressed, though, with how cool and quiet this setup runs, even when pushing the GPU during marathon gaming sessions. Heat management is often a concern with gaming rigs, but in this case, the thermal performance is more than satisfactory.
Now, if you’re planning on gaming at a higher resolution or you absolutely must have the latest features like ray tracing, then you might feel the urge to look further afield. But for gamers sticking to 1080p — and let’s face it, that’s still the sweet spot for many — the GTX 1660 SUPER is a rock-solid choice that won’t let you down. Overall, I’m happy with the balance this HP OMEN strikes between graphical prowess and value.
Systems and Support: Windows 11 Pro and HP Service
As someone who spends a considerable amount of time on tech forums and perusing through MacRumors, I’ve had my share of experiences with various PC builds and configurations. With that being said, let’s talk about Windows 11 Pro on the HP OMEN 25L and the support you might encounter.
Firstly, the upgrade to Windows 11 Pro is a welcome one. Multitasking is smoother, and features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops are pretty handy when I’m toggling between gaming and work. The new OS also seems to be more secure, with hardware-based integrity checks and improved encryption – which is crucial when you’re trying to protect your data and privacy.
Now, diving into the support services, the HP customer service experience, let’s be honest, can be hit or miss. Here’s the rundown:
Pros:
HP’s customer service is extensive – they’ve got different lines for different issues, from technical support to warranty claims.
There’s also a big online resource database for troubleshooting.
If you luck out with a helpful rep, your issue can be resolved pretty quickly.
Cons:
Their phone support can be a headache – be prepared for a potentially long wait time.
Serial number recognition issues are a real pain, especially when you’re stuck and just trying to get help.
Getting a dud that won’t power on out of the box is frustrating, to say the least.
In my case, the whole deal with the power not turning on was a total downer. I’ve switched between four outlets, and when I reached out for help, it’s like the serial number was the Loch Ness Monster – mythical. Thankfully, the return process was relatively straightforward, but it’s an inconvenience you hope to avoid.
Despite the hiccup with the power issue and the serial number saga, the inclusion of Windows 11 Pro is definitely a strong selling point. Functionality and support for the latest tools and apps can really make a difference in day-to-day use.
To sum things up, the HP OMEN 25L is a beast. The aesthetic is cool too – the white color fits well with my setup – and the fact that it’s from a reputable brand like HP adds a layer of trust. Sure, bumping into some trouble with support can be a drawback, but it isn’t a deal-breaker if you have some patience. For me, it’s about the power and performance packed into this efficient design that really shines – despite the odds, it’s a great PC.