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My use of the HP Victus Gaming Laptop, 32GB, 1TB NVMe, RTX 2050 (2024)
Introduction
I recently upgraded to an HP Victus gaming laptop and had some time to test it out. I wanted to share my thoughts on its performance, design, and overall user experience. This isn’t going to be full of technical jargon; just my straightforward observations.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | HP | Model Name | HP |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Color | Black |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB | CPU Model | Ryzen 5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Photos
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Prices
Check prices of the HP Victus Gaming Laptop, 32GB, 1TB NVMe, RTX 2050 on:
Impressive Hardware Performance
When it comes to the hardware of my HP Victus gaming laptop, the specs really speak for themselves. I’m working with an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads, and trust me, it can zip through tasks without breaking a sweat. Whether I’m multitasking between demanding applications or gaming, this CPU doesn’t seem to flinch, hitting up to 4.55GHz when required. This kind of power in a laptop chassis is impressive, and it’s certainly appreciated when I need that extra oomph for gaming or content creation.
However, it’s not just about the CPU; the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU ensures that my visuals are sharp and responsive. The dedicated graphics card has 2048 NVIDIA CUDA Cores and up to 1477MHz Boost Clock, which means I’m getting solid frame rates on the games I enjoy. I’m particularly impressed with the AI-acceleration for creative apps, making my hobby in video editing a much smoother experience.
Now, let’s talk about the memory upgrades. With 32GB DDR5 RAM, this machine is a multitasker’s dream. Running several applications at once? No problem. Having all this memory is like having a superhighway with extra lanes, and I’m cruising without traffic jams. Moreover, the 1TB NVMe SSD isn’t just a spacious storage solution; it’s a speed demon. My boot times and application launches are lightning-fast, which is a huge step up from the traditional hard drives.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I consider the pros and cons:
Pros:
Powerful AMD Ryzen processor with ample cores and threads.
Robust NVIDIA RTX graphics deliver in both gaming and creative workloads.
Generous 32GB DDR5 RAM for superior multitasking capabilities.
Snappy 1TB NVMe SSD drastically reduces load times.
Cons:
I could definitely use more ports for peripherals and external displays.
Ran into an issue with the display color shifting, which was a let-down after just two days.
On a side note, it’s worth mentioning that while I primarily use Windows 11 Home for gaming, I’m not a huge fan of the way Microsoft seems to want to control the user experience. But keeping our focus on hardware, the laptop holds up impressively amidst these grievances.
Despite the slight hiccup with the display color issue, which could be a one-off or a known issue that I’ll need to address with HP support, the overall experience has been positive. The system performance makes this machine a solid choice, especially when considering the bang-for-buck factor. My gaming sessions are smooth, and as someone who doesn’t chase after the latest AAA titles, the hardware performance on this HP Victus more than exceeds my needs.
Visuals and Gaming Experience
The first thing that caught my eye about this laptop was undoubtedly its 144Hz high refresh rate. Coming from a standard 60Hz display, the difference is like night and day. The gameplay is noticeably smoother, and there’s a significant reduction in motion blur. Paired with the laptop’s FHD resolution, I’m experiencing crisp and detailed graphics that really pop. It has changed the way I play my favorite titles, and I wouldn’t want to go back.
Graphics performance is another area where this laptop has pleasantly surprised me. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 might not be top-of-the-line, but it’s no slouch either. It handles all the games I throw at it effortlessly, and I’m not even talking about the latest AAA titles. For someone who doesn’t chase after the newest releases, the performance to price ratio here feels spot-on.
However, as with any device, it’s not all perfect. One issue I’ve noticed is the screen brightness maxing out at 250 nits—it’s fine indoors, but it does struggle a bit in well-lit environments. And while the color fidelity is generally good, the recent issue with the screen developing a brown tint is concerning. I’ll need to follow up on that; it could be a one-off defect, and thankfully, it’s still under warranty.
Below are some key points around the visuals and gaming experience:
Pros:
High refresh rate of 144Hz makes a clear distinction in visual fluidity
Full HD display provides sharp imagery
The RTX 2050 delivers solid performance on most games that aren’t resource hogs
32GB of RAM ensures multitasking is a breeze
Cons:
Screen brightness might be a limitation for some, especially in brighter settings
Potential quality control issues exemplified by the screen discoloration
In terms of sheer gaming performance, I have to give it up for the combination of Ryzen 5, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and the RTX 2050—this setup brings a lot to the table for its price bracket.
Overall, while there are areas for improvement, I can’t ignore the fact that this machine offers a stellar gaming experience that exceeds expectations at this price point. The screen issue is a setback, for sure, but it’s something that customer service should address. For anyone looking for a solid mid-range gaming laptop, based on my experience thus far, this one deserves a hard look.
Software and User Control Concerns
Navigating the balance between user autonomy and software control is a crucial part of the modern computing experience, something I’ve come to terms with since investing in my HP Victus laptop. While there’s a lot to appreciate, some aspects leave a mixed feeling.
For starters:
Windows 11 Home offers a sleek interface and accessibility features I truly enjoy, but it definitely leans towards a ‘walled garden’ approach.
Outfitting my laptop with 32GB RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD was a wise choice, delivering blistering speeds and multitasking capabilities.
HP Fast Charge is a godsend, getting me back into action without long waits.
However, there are moments when I feel the edge of Microsoft’s “integration” become a bit too overbearing. There’s no denying the convenience of having your settings, preferences, and apps sync across devices; yet there’s a thin line between integration and intrusion. Sometimes, I catch myself wondering how much control I’ve unwittingly conceded in exchange for the ease of use.
On the subject of control, let’s chat about HP’s software. The dashboard and utilities are great for personalizing my experience, but I’ve noticed it nudging me towards HP’s ecosystem (not unlike Apple’s tactics). For example, while using the HP Pavilion 15.6’ i7-1355U 32GB 1TB Silver, I delved into HP’s suite of software and found it quite immersive yet slightly limiting in terms of third-party software integration. I can get behind brand loyalty, but as a user, I prefer options over endorsements.
Now, the laptop handles the games I play without breaking a sweat, but I’ve also witnessed fellow gamers voice their discontent with the push towards Windows 11. Backwards compatibility and freedom in how we manage our software—these are valid user concerns. I lean towards a traditional approach; I like to hold the reins when it comes to my system’s settings and applications.
The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and dedicated graphics card sweetens the deal for night owls and creatives like me, though. It’s a nod from HP that shows they understand part of their demographic quite well.
In closing, every coin has two sides. On one hand, the Victus is a robust machine tailored for gaming and productivity swirls together to form a satisfying user experience. On the flip side, as much as I’m not a fan of overbearing software control, I have to acknowledge it can offer a streamlined, albeit rigid, experience.
Navigating these waters is a learning curve, but staying informed and tweaking settings to my preference keeps me at the helm of my tech journey. After all, isn’t that what personal computing is about? Crafting an experience that’s uniquely yours, despite the occasional pushback from our silicon overlords.
Design and Build Quality
Evaluating the design and build quality of my HP Victus gaming laptop has been a journey of highs and lows. On one hand, the sleek black exterior is visually appealing and the full-size, backlit keyboard is both stylish and functional for those late-night gaming sessions. The overall build feels solid, and the 15.6” screen size is ample for immersive gameplay and productivity. For a more in-depth exploration, you can read my complete analysis in Gaming laptop with Ryzen 5, RTX 2050 GPU and 144Hz: HP Victus 15.6’ Review.
Design and Build Quality:
Let’s break it down:
Pros:
The aesthetic is on point, balancing gamer vibes with a professional look.
Backlit keyboard ensures no mishits during crucial moments.
Decent weight at just over 5 lbs, making it portable enough without feeling flimsy.
Cons:
Limited port selection could be a deal-breaker for some, especially given the reliance on connectivity these days.
A single USB Type-C port isn’t quite enough given the many devices we plug in simultaneously.
The laptop sports a mica silver keyboard with a numeric keypad, something I particularly enjoy as it makes data entry a breeze. However, the port selection does leave a bit to be desired. I find myself needing more than the available USB ports, especially when considering peripherals such as a mouse, external hard drive, or a gaming controller. This can be worked around with a good quality USB hub, but it’s an additional purchase and something to keep in mind.
Despite the drawback in connectivity, the Victus’s weight strikes a good balance. It is not overly burdensome for a gaming laptop, which is a plus if you’re like me and prefer not to be tethered to a desktop setup. The 720p HP Wide Vision HD camera and the HP Fast Charge feature are notable mentions - the former delivers crystal-clear video calls, while the latter saves me from those low-battery panic moments.
In conclusion, while the design isn’t perfect – the need for more ports is evident – the Victus still scores well in terms of its sleek design and solid build quality. The black color scheme is a safe bet for both gaming and professional environments, and the upgraded specs including the sizeable RAM and SSD capacities add significant value. Its minor flaws notwithstanding, the HP Victus has impressed me as a strong contender in its price bracket. Just remember to invest in a USB hub if you’re a port-heavy user like I am.