Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My experience with the HP OMEN 17 Gaming Laptop, RTX 3070Ti, Shadow Black (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the HP OMEN 17.3” gaming laptop. Below I describe my experience with it, focusing on heavy gaming and multitasking needs as well as some data crunching.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | HP | Model Name | HP OMEN |
| Screen Size | 17.3 Inches | Color | Shadow Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB | CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 64 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | RGB Backlit Keyboard | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Photos
Click on photos to enlarge them:
Prices
Check prices of the HP OMEN 17 Gaming Laptop, RTX 3070Ti, Shadow Black on:
First Impressions and Design Aesthetics
Upon unboxing the HP OMEN 17.3” gaming laptop, my initial impressions were genuinely positive, tinged with a dash of skepticism due to its size and heft. Intrigued by its promise of raw power and high-end specs, I was drawn to its Shadow Black color and sleek design that screamed gaming prowess. Yet, as a regular user with an eye for detail and practicality, I couldn’t help but list down my immediate observations:
Pros:
Elegant RGB backlit keyboard that not only adds to the aesthetic but is also superbly practical for late-night sessions.
A vivid 17.3” FHD 144Hz display that delivers crisp and fluid visuals.
Staggering 64GB DDR5 RAM and a 2TB PCIe SSD, presenting more than ample space and speed for all conceivable multitasking needs.
High-performance RTX 3070Ti Graphics, ensuring smooth and immersive gaming experiences.
Cons:
Noticeable heft at 6.17 lbs, which could be a drawback for those constantly on the move.
The concerning heat generation after extended use demands additional cooling solutions.
A fan noise that could be intrusive, reminding you of the laptop’s exertion during intense tasks.
The RGB Backlit Keyboard is practical and adds to the device’s charm; typing is comfortable, which makes longer sessions more enjoyable. The display is another highlight; its 1920 x 1080 resolution and fast refresh rate make everything from gaming to video editing a pleasure to the eyes.
With components like the Intel Core i7-12700H Processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti Graphics, this laptop geared me up with an anticipation of handling high-demand programs with ease. The ample 64GB DDR5 RAM paired with a colossal 2TB PCIe SSD assured me that storage woes and sluggish performance wouldn’t be in my vocabulary any longer.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While I can brush off the extra weight for the sheer performance, the heat generation is a tad bothersome. And although the fan does its best to dispel the heat, it’s like sitting next to a small turbine at times. I had to get an additional laptop cooler to keep things under control, which thankfully resolved the issue.
The absence of a number pad is a minor inconvenience that may affect those relying on numerical data entry. Additionally, despite the raw power it packs, certain limitations like disabled overclocking hint at missed opportunities to harness the laptop’s full potential.
In the grand scheme of things, the HP OMEN 17 has made a solid impression on me. Sure, it’s not without its drawbacks, such as the corrective requirement of a laptop cooler or the fan noise, but these are by no means dealbreakers. It’s a design that holds promises of longevity, flair, and a gaming experience that could potentially be second to none.
Performance and Gaming Experience
Diving headfirst into the HP OMEN 17.3”, my gaming and multitasking sessions have been nothing short of impressive. This is a machine that combines raw power with an array of features designed to deliver a top-notch entertainment experience. Powered by an Intel 12th Core i7-12700H, handling multiple applications is a breeze. The mighty 64GB DDR5 RAM and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti Graphics are a dream come true for any gamer or professional needing robust performance.
The 165Hz refresh rate on the 17.3-inch FHD screen is a game-changer for competitive gaming – every frame is smooth, with no lag or stutter in sight. What impressed me further is the sleekness of the RGB Backlit Keyboard; it’s not just for show – the tactile feedback and responsiveness enhance the gaming experience, especially in dim-lit situations.
Gaming Performance Highlights:
Powerful Processor and RAM: Remember to multitask without hitches, and say goodbye to in-game lag.
High Refresh Rate Display: Catch every detail in fast-moving games.
Dedicated Graphics: The RTX 3070Ti ensures your games look their best.
But it’s not all rainbows; the laptop does heat up considerably under heavy use. It’s a common issue with gaming laptops, but without proper cooling, it could throttle performance. While the fans do work overtime to keep temperatures in check, they can be distractingly loud. That said, getting a decent cooling pad helped mitigate these issues significantly.
I won’t hide the fact there’s a minor inconvenience regarding the lack of a num pad – a bit of a downer for those who frequent data entry. And while we’re talking about trade-offs, overclocking is disabled out of the box, which for some may feel like a restraint on unleashing this beast’s full potential.
As for the 2TB PCIe SSD, it’s a luxury having that much speedy storage space on hand – definitely more than enough for an extensive game library, alongside various programming and editing projects. Pair that with a clean install of Windows 11, and you have a recipe for a system that boots and launches applications almost instantaneously.
I have to mention the ports selection – with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, mini DisplayPort, and multiple USB ports, connectivity is versatile and future-proof. It’s been smooth sailing connecting to external displays and devices without a hiccup.
While there are some drawbacks like heat and noise, I’m still content with my HP OMEN 17.3”. The powerful internals and rich feature set offer a gaming and productivity experience that’s tough to match. Sure, there are laptops out there with similar or better specs perhaps at a lower price point, but if brand loyalty and design aesthetic matter to you as much as they do to me, the HP OMEN is definitely worth considering.
Portability and Battery Life
In the realm of high-performance laptops, especially when we talk about the HP OMEN 17, there’s an inevitable trade-off between power and stamina. Balancing the weighty demands of a robust gaming system with the need for it to be somewhat portable can be a challenge. Here’s how the OMEN stacks up:
Portability: At a hefty 6.17 pounds, it’s far from the lightest laptop on the block. Traveling with this bad boy means I’m getting a workout, but it’s a small compromise for the muscle it packs.
Battery Life: Running high-end games without a power source, I’m looking at a couple of hours tops. It’s decent, but on long trips, I’m definitely hunting for an outlet.
Let’s face it, when you’re buying a laptop like the HP OMEN 17, you know you’re not getting an ultrabook. It’s a powerhouse, and with that comes a certain heftiness. I knew that buying this, and while it does make it less convenient to lug around, the pay-off in performance while rendering video or engaging in an immersive gaming session is worth it. Yet, I must admit, I sometimes envy those sleeker machines when I’m on the move.
Though calling it portable might be a stretch—the laptop feels more at home on a desk than on my lap—in a pinch, I can take it to a LAN party or work session. Sure, it’s a two-arm lift, but that’s the price you pay for the sheer 64GB DDR5 RAM and the RTX 3070Ti Graphics.
Battery life is where I have to manage expectations. On idle or doing light tasks, the battery seems to last a while, maybe even stretch a full workday if I’m conservative. But, bring on games like Starfield or intensive video editing and the 80Wh battery starts counting down much quicker. I find myself keeping an eye on the nearest power outlet or considering an extra battery pack for those longer hauls.
Despite these drawbacks, which are common with gaming laptops, I’m happy with the compromise. I get desktop-level performance on the go, exceptional for when I need to be away from my main rig. The feeling of being able to set up my portable workstation and dive into work or games, knowing the OMEN can handle it, is liberating.
So, while it’s not the most travel-friendly laptop, I’ve come to appreciate the balance HP has struck. It’s bulky, sure, but also incredibly capable. The HP OMEN 17 does exactly what it’s designed to do—deliver a high-grade, immersive experience, whether it’s plugged in or not.
Comparisons and Overall Value
When it comes to the HP OMEN 17.3” Gaming Laptop, a true powerhouse packed with top-of-the-line components, the question of value naturally springs to mind. Is all that horsepower truly worth it? Let’s break it down:
Pros:
The Intel Core i7-12700H Processor ensures butter-smooth performance.
With 64GB DDR5 RAM, multitasking is a breeze—I can edit videos and game without a hiccup.
2TB PCIe SSD offers generous storage and snappy file access.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti graphics card runs games flawlessly, which is a godsend for any dedicated gamer.
Cons:
Heat management is an issue; without a cooling pad, it can get uncomfortably warm.
The fan noise can be compared to a small jet engine, especially during heavy loads.
No numeric keypad which can be a drawback for those who regularly perform data entry.
For some, this model may offer more power than needed, bumping up the price unnecessarily.
Personally, I’m leaning heavily towards the positives here. It’s thrilling to see games like Starfield run at their highest settings without needing the laptop plugged in, though I admit it does get quite hot. The loud fan noise is something I’ve come to expect in powerful laptops, but still, it’s worth mentioning for those who expect a whisper-quiet experience.
I’ve been loyal to HP for a number of years, and the RGB backlit keyboard and LED backlight display on this beast have only strengthened that bond. The aesthetics and their impact on my user experience matter a lot to me, and the HP OMEN 17 excels in this regard.
Now, it’s important to note that there’s no way around the laws of physics. A laptop with this kind of power is going to be heavy and not the best candidate for frequent travelers. But that’s a small price to pay for its stellar performance.
The lack of overclocking might trouble some, but for my programming and graphic work, it hasn’t been a dealbreaker. While other brands like Dell might offer similar specs at a lower cost, the upgraded components and build quality of the HP OMEN feel just right for my needs.
In conclusion, when it comes to the HP OMEN 17.3” Gaming Laptop, the sheer performance and features like a vast amount of RAM, top-tier graphics, and ample storage space make it an excellent choice, despite its few setbacks such as heat and noise. For gamers and professionals alike, who require a machine that can keep up with their demanding workloads, this laptop is surely a contender in providing the much-needed muscle without skimping on style. As the emblem of my digital odyssey, it delivers far more horsepower than I’ll ever need—but isn’t that a wonderful problem to have?