HP Omen 17 review: “gets the job done”

GamesRadar+ VerdictThe HP Omen 17 doesn’t come in with too much of a song and dance, but that boring chassis does get the job done. With excellent RTX 4070 performance, this is a machine that knows what it’s doing internally - it’s just a shame that external features can’t quite keep up.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$1,249.99at Amazon$1,799at Walmart$1,999at AmazonPros+Excellent mid-range performance+Subtle design will appeal to some+Wide range of configurations available+Colorful display+Impressive battery lifeCons-Boring design-Cheaper build materials-Poor quality keyboard-Screen lacks brightness-Only one USB-C

GamesRadar+ Verdict

GamesRadar+ Verdict

The HP Omen 17 doesn’t come in with too much of a song and dance, but that boring chassis does get the job done. With excellent RTX 4070 performance, this is a machine that knows what it’s doing internally - it’s just a shame that external features can’t quite keep up.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$1,249.99at Amazon$1,799at Walmart$1,999at Amazon

The HP Omen 17 doesn’t come in with too much of a song and dance, but that boring chassis does get the job done. With excellent RTX 4070 performance, this is a machine that knows what it’s doing internally - it’s just a shame that external features can’t quite keep up.

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$1,249.99at Amazon$1,799at Walmart$1,999at Amazon

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$1,249.99at Amazon$1,799at Walmart$1,999at Amazon

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$1,249.99at Amazon$1,799at Walmart$1,999at Amazon

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$1,249.99at Amazon$1,799at Walmart$1,999at Amazon

$1,249.99at Amazon

$1,249.99at Amazon

$1,799at Walmart

$1,799at Walmart

$1,999at Amazon

$1,999at Amazon

Pros+Excellent mid-range performance+Subtle design will appeal to some+Wide range of configurations available+Colorful display+Impressive battery life

Excellent mid-range performance

Subtle design will appeal to some

Wide range of configurations available

Colorful display

Impressive battery life

Cons-Boring design-Cheaper build materials-Poor quality keyboard-Screen lacks brightness-Only one USB-C

Boring design

Cheaper build materials

Poor quality keyboard

Screen lacks brightness

Only one USB-C

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Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.

I say it every time I review an HP Omen gaming laptop, but this range will always have a special place in my heart. My very first rig was an RTX 1050 HP Omen 15, in all its chunky metallic form. The 2024 HP Omen 17 could not be further from those days. Yes, it’s still a hefty device, but gone are the red accents, textured lids, and angular decals - this is a slab of black plastic prioritizing performance over flashy external sing-song. Marrying an 8000-SeriesAMDprocessor with anNvidiaRTX 4070 GPU, it’s just on the cusp of mid-range, offering big-screen play without the hefty price tag of most 18-inch devices. Thebest gaming laptopspair form with functionality, and the HP Omen 17 falls short of the competition in one of these areas.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyKey SpecsPrice$2,019.99 / £1,399.99$1,349.99 - $2,329.99 / £1,099.99 - £1,799.99Display17.3-inch 1080p 144HzQHD, 240HzProcessorAMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAMD Ryzen 5 8645HS | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM16GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM32GB RAM DDR5 5600MHz RAMStorage1TB PCle Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD512GB PCle Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSDConnectivityWiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3-Ports2x USB Type-A 10Gbps, 1x USB Type-A 5Gbps, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm, 1x RJ-45, 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4)-Dimensions1.18 x 15.65 x 10.94 inch-Weight6.5lbs (2.88kg)-

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Key SpecsPrice$2,019.99 / £1,399.99$1,349.99 - $2,329.99 / £1,099.99 - £1,799.99Display17.3-inch 1080p 144HzQHD, 240HzProcessorAMD Ryzen 7 8845HSAMD Ryzen 5 8645HS | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HSGPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4070Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060RAM16GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM32GB RAM DDR5 5600MHz RAMStorage1TB PCle Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD512GB PCle Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSDConnectivityWiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3-Ports2x USB Type-A 10Gbps, 1x USB Type-A 5Gbps, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm, 1x RJ-45, 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4)-Dimensions1.18 x 15.65 x 10.94 inch-Weight6.5lbs (2.88kg)-

Design

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 gaming laptop closed on a wooden desk

The HP Omen 17 is understated as it is, a matte black chassis with very little branding. That’s perfect for those looking to double up their gaming machine as an everyday work laptop - and something I generally praise in gaming laptop design. Very few of us want to go back to the old days of monstrously large devices extending their footprint with heavy angular detailing and constant strobing light effects. I say I normally praise an understated design in a gaming laptop because that praise is handed out when the option to add a little flair to the equation also exists. There’s no such option here.

Considering you can easily spend over $2,000 on a mid-range configuration, this cheaper material is disappointing. While it’s certainly sturdy, picking up the machine from any angle still feels safe with no creaks or bends, it looks and feels far lower in budget than it should. If it weren’t for the ‘Omen’ logo embossed on the top, I could easily mistake this machine for the ageing laptop my mother bought in 2012 that begs for death every time it’s turned on. Yes, theRazerBlade 16 is minimal, but it backs that aesthetic up with an incredibly high-quality construction.

All this is to say, this is a very basic design in both aesthetic and build materials. The quality of that assembly is still reliable, though. While there’s a little flex to the main lid and internal palm rest area, it was only noticeable when directly searching for it. The fully attached hinge also operates nice and smoothly, with just a little wobble to the main display when opened. I could easily open the whole clamshell with one hand without the base tipping over.

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 gaming laptop side with lid open

That’s because the heft of this device works in its favor in terms of durability. While the 2.88kg form factor might limit your travels with the 17-inch device and that 1.18-inch thickness is certainly taller than theAlienware M16 R2(0.93-inch) andAcer Nitro 16(0.98-inch), the Omen doesn’t feel like a brick on the desk. The heavily tapered front lip and all-black design go a long way to keep the Omen 17’s presence low-key, especially when compared to the blocky-feelingAsus ROG Strix Scar 18. Like most big-screen gaming laptops this isn’t a device designed for portability, but if you are keeping it close to your desk it’s not going to take over either. Plus, as we’ll see later, that extra size works particularly hard for you once you actually fire up a game.

Features

There are a number of HP Omen configurations floating around at the moment, but they all pair AMD’s 8000-series CPUs with Nvidia’s entry-level and mid-range graphics cards. At the top end of the scale, you can pack an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and RTX 4070 into this chassis, with 32GB DDR5 5,600MHz RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a QHD 240Hz display. That’s a fantastic set of specs for a dutifully reliable mid-range device looking to play the latest and greatest games. Having seen the results from a weaker configuration, though, I’m curious as to the potential performance we would have seen from a high-end GPU in this situation. Those after an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 powerhouse will need to look elsewhere.

My testing spec offers up a more middle of the road set of parts; an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, Nvidia RTX 4070, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and FHD 144Hz display. That’s still going to cost you over $2,000 at full price, though there are regular discounts on these kinds of machines.

That screen is the weakest link in the chain here, though. We’re certainly looking at some sacrifices in this panel - it’s not quite as dark as the HP Victus I’m currently testing alongside the Omen, but it’s nowhere near as bright as theAcerNitro 16. I never struggled to play in well-lit environments, and the matte finish kept glare at bay, but there are far more powerful screens out there at this (and even lower) price point.

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 gaming laptop screen

I was impressed with the colors on offer across this panel, though. Greens popped with a particularly abundant vibrancy, while the more delicate handling of reflections and more complex forest scenes holding up particularly well. You’re not quite getting the more sophisticated OLED technology of the Razer Blade 16 or the HDR capabilities of certainAsus gaming laptops, but considering you’re spending far less here than you would on either of those devices it’s an impressive experience overall.

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard is another story. With very low key travel, an echoey feel, and a slightly sloppy debounce, this is not a deck worthy of a gaming laptop at over $2,000 MSRP. I’m not saying a keyboard has to reach the super snappy heights of the mechanical switches featured in manyAlienware laptops, but the majority of machines I’ve tested have offered far more tactility under the fingertips. There’s energy here, mostly due to the lower travel, but a too-soft landing borders on spongey. Combine that with the aforementioned lack of per-key RGB and the HP Omen 17 is lacking in its control panel. The trackpad is still more than serviceable, and remains nicely responsive with a large base.

Most of the Omen’s ports are located to the rear of the machine - a win for anyone looking to keep their setup free of cable webs - but there are a few sacrifices here as well. There’s only one USB-C option on the whole device, which feels a little outdated. The majority of 2024 gaming laptops are shipping with at least two USB-C options and while you’re still getting DisplayPort 1.4 and power delivery through this connection, there’s not a Thunderbolt in sight. The lack of USB-C options and Thunderbolt might be a worthy sacrifice on a $1,500 machine, but at over $2,000 it’s difficult to rally behind. You’ll still find three USB-A ports (two on the rear and one of the right panel), as well as an Ethernet RJ45, HDMI 2.1, and 3.5mm audio.

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 gaming laptop ports at rear

Strangely for a machine that’s looking more geared towards staying at home, the HP Omen 17 does pack a pretty impressive battery life. HP rates it at five hours on a single charge - fantastic for a gaming-specific rig. I managed to swing around two to three hours of gaming on balanced power presets, something I could never dream to achieve on other machines. How much you’ll really put that battery to the test considering the size and weight of the Omen is another matter.

Performance

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 gaming laptop screen close up, running The Talos Principle 2 benchmark

The HP Omen just nudges itself near the top of the pack in my testing comparison pool. While it can’t quite take on theAlienwareM16 R2 across in-game benchmarks, it out-performs the Acer Nitro 16 with the same GPU in everything but Returnal. It’s the second highest performing RTX 4070 gaming laptop I’ve tested yet, scoring over 60fps in every test I threw at it. That’s a solid backbone to work with, proving the competitive edge to that larger chassis and additional cooling space. 1080p performance can sail you through more demanding titles and take on more Nvidia-friendly games with room to spare.

The Omen 17 excels in its CPU output and its thermal management (though those fans can grow loud once you crank up the dial). Its real-world gaming performance remains at the top of the middle, beating cheaper models comfortably in most games but struggling to get the same lift-off you’ll find in an RTX 4080 rig.

Should you buy the HP Omen 17?

(Image credit: Future)

HP Omen 17 gaming laptop on its side with lid open

The HP Omen 17 prides itself on its performance, bleeding its RTX 4070 dry and putting a fantastic Ryzen CPU in centre stage. If you’re looking for a solid mid-range performer that won’t take over your desk with RGB lights then this is absolutely the machine for you. While ports are a little limited, you’ve still got that DisplayPort 1.4 USB-C to connect to a range of external monitors - and that also gives you the chance to hook up your own gaming keyboard if you want a more tactile experience while at home. Ultimately, I’d recommend the Omen 17 to anyone who wants to keep their laptop closed when connected to a full gaming setup but still needs the option to play in different locations when required.

If you’re after an everyday machine that can double up as a gaming rig, I’d look elsewhere. TheAsus ROG Zephyrus G16or G14 are far better suited to the work / play hybrid lifestyle at around the same price for an RTX 4070 configuration. They make marked improvements to your display, form factor, and overall portability, though you are making some minor sacrifices to performance.

If you’re wondering whether the 17.3-inch HP Omen can be used as a full desktop replacement, I’d think again. The screen just isn’t high quality enough to take on other 18-inch rigs at similar prices, and the keyboard experience falls far short of the rest of the market. I’d look to anAlienware M18for a better value desktop replacement experience. Prices can jump here as you scale the GPU ladder, but you’re still getting plenty of power at a fair rate.

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How I tested the HP Omen 17

I used the HP Omen 17 for all daily work and play for a period of one week, with another week spent testing the device alongside theLenovoLegion Pro 7i Gen 9. During this time, I primarily played The Outer Worlds, Fallout 4, and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, while also stress testing in-game benchmarks across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Returnal, and The Talos Principle 2. I carried out synthetic benchmarks in 3D Mark’s Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad tests as well as Geekbench 6, and explored CPU performance using PC Mark 10 and Cinebench R24. For more information onhow we test gaming laptops, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We’re also rounding up all thebest Razer laptopson the market as well as thebest gaming PCsfor those looking for a more permanent setup.

HP Omen 17: Price Comparison

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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

1

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

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