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Gaming on the HP Victus 2023 Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 2050 Laptop: my review (2024)
Introduction
I recently picked up the HP Victus 2023 with an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS and RTX 2050. From gaming to multitasking (e.g. data cleaning and processing), this laptop performs remarkably well. Below I elaborate on its performance, design, software features, and overall value for money.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | HP | Model Name | Victus 15 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Color | Mica Silver |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB | CPU Model | AMD R Series |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Special Feature | HD Audio, Backlit Keyboard, Memory Card Slot, Anti Glare Coating, Numeric Keypad | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
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Prices
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Performance and Gaming Experience
The HP Victus 2023 with an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS and RTX 2050 configuration intrigued me right off the bat. As someone who enjoys dipping their toes into the latest AAA games while also juggling heavy multitasking, this laptop seemed to check the boxes, especially with its 16GB of fast DDR5 4800MHz memory and spacious 1TB SSD.
Here are my thoughts organized into a simple pros and cons list:
Pros:
The AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 7535HS processor holds up well under pressure, smoothly sliding between gaming and everyday tasks.
NVIDIA RTX 2050 and AMD Radeon 660M combo delivers satisfying visuals across most modern titles, though it’s not top-of-the-line.
The 144Hz refresh rate on the FHD display reduces ghosting and helps make gameplay buttery smooth.
Upgrades are professionally done, and the system comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, ensuring minimal fuss on setup.
Cons:
While the performance is solid, the RTX 2050 isn’t the latest GPU, so it might struggle with future titles on ultra settings.
I’ve noticed the laptop heats up a bit on the bottom, a common trait in gaming laptops, but keeping it on a cooling pad helps.
On rare occasions, I encountered a minor glitch on the screen; although, hooking up an external display is a neat workaround.
Playing my favorite games, I’ve experienced crisp, vivid graphics that truly pop off the screen, thanks to the dedicated graphics card and high-refresh display. Multi-tasking has been a breeze too – switching from gaming to video editing without experiencing any hiccups, which shows the muscle of the Ryzen CPU and ample RAM.
I appreciate the laptop’s practicality for different environments; it hasn’t just been reliable for my personal use, but also proofed to be ideal for business and entertainment settings, like powering through presentations or running church media software without stumbling over performance hurdles.
I must say, it’s not devoid of flaws. Occasionally I notice the screen glitch that can be distracting, and having a backlit keyboard would have been a cherry on top, but these are not deal-breakers. My biggest concern was the potential for overheating, but that was mitigated with proper surface ventilation.
Moreover, the gaming experience on this laptop meets my expectations by comfortably running the games I love. The setup was hassle-free, thanks to the professional’s work on the upgrades, and the built-in HD webcam is a nice touch for streaming or video calls.
All things considered, the HP Victus 15 is a substantial gaming machine, balancing bandwidth for intensive tasks and play. Sure, it’s not at the top of the gaming hierarchy because of its GPU, but for my current needs, it hits the sweet spot between performance and practicality.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to laptops, especially gaming ones, we put a lot of thought into the design and build quality. With the HP Victus 2023 Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 2050, I can say they’ve done quite a job. I’ve been using this for a little while now, and there are some points that are definitely worth highlighting:
Aesthetics: The Mica Silver finish is sleek, and the overall look and feel give off a premium vibe. It doesn’t scream “gamer” with over-the-top designs, which is nice for a change.
Build: It feels solid. It’s not the thinnest or the lightest, coming in at 5.06 lbs and 0.93 inches thin, but it’s sturdy. There’s minimal flex, if at all, when you’re getting intense with your gaming sessions.
Cooling System: Even though there’s a hot point at the bottom I noticed during long gaming marathons, it’s nothing a good cooling pad can’t fix.
One slight disappointment for me is the lack of a retro-illuminated keyboard, which doesn’t affect performance but can be a letdown for someone who prefers this feature for aesthetics or utility in low light conditions. The backlit keyboard is, however, sufficient and also includes an integrated numeric pad, which practical for daily use and gaming.
The rest of the design aspects left me quite impressed. The laptop’s screen features a 15.6” diagonal FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS 144Hz display, which is anti-glare and provides a crisp, smooth experience. Additionally, you’ll find a well-equipped port selection including SuperSpeed USB-A and USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a card reader, perfect for connecting all your gaming peripherals.
The audio by Bang & Olufsen coupled with DTS:X Ultra is a treat. It’s rare to get good built-in speakers on a gaming laptop, but HP seems to have nailed it with this. The sound is clear and immersive, especially for a laptop.
As someone who values seamless multitasking, the 16GB DDR5 memory and the 1TB SSD are a big plus. These are upgrades from the factory settings which means HP took the initiative to provide better performance straight out of the box. Remember, though, this means the original factory box will be opened and then resealed to install the upgrades.
In conclusion, HP has invested thoughtfully into the design and build of the Victus. It’s not perfect—what laptop is?—but it certainly hits a sweet spot between functionality, design, and the robustness needed for gaming and other high-end tasks.
Software and Features
Having put the HP Victus 2023 through its paces, one aspect that stands out promptly is its software and features. Out of the box, Windows 11 Home offers a sleek, modern interface that’s a nice upgrade from previous versions. I appreciate the clean look and feel, plus the operating system seems to run snappily on the hardware.
The pre-installed software was minimal, which I personally prefer. It means more storage space for personal applications and less bloatware to bog down the system. But, it’s crucial to note that if you’re expecting a lot of extra software goodies, this isn’t the case here.
One major selling point for gamers and multitaskers like myself is the 16GB DDR5 4800MHz memory, which is a noticeable step up from DDR4 in terms of speed and efficiency. Paired with the sizable 1TB SSD, load times are swift, and there’s plenty of room for large game files and applications.
Here are a couple of key takeaways:
Windows 11 Home feels fresh and runs smoothly.
Appreciable minimal pre-installed software.
But it’s not without its drawbacks. The lack of an optical drive might be a turn-off for those who still use physical media. Granted, it’s becoming less common, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re hanging onto a trove of DVDs or CDs.
Furthermore, while HP includes software like OMEN Gaming Hub for system optimization, those not as tech-savvy might find fine-tuning performance a bit daunting. It’s not a dealbreaker because the out-of-the-box settings are solid, but there’s room to get even more juice out of this machine if you’re willing to tinker.
The audio experience, bolstered by Bang & Olufsen speakers and DTS:X Ultra, adds a rich layer to gameplay and media consumption. And yes, you can feel the difference. Even though it’s a laptop speaker system, the audio doesn’t feel flat — there’s a decent range, and the sound doesn’t distort at higher volumes.
Then there’s HP Fast Charge — a lifesaver for someone like me who’s always on the go. Getting from 0 to 50% charge in about 30 minutes is a game-changer. No long waits tethered to a wall socket for this machine.
In summary, while there are a few areas where the Victus might not tick every box (no optical drive and potential complexity for less experienced users optimizing performance), the software offerings and features of the HP Victus 2023 Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 2050 generously meet the needs of a diverse user base. The pros definitely outshine the minor cons, making it a solid choice in the gaming laptop market.
Value for Money and Final Verdict
Navigating the realm of gaming laptops often feels like a high-stakes bet, especially when you’re hunting for that sweet spot where price and performance meet. The HP Victus 2023 Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 2050 has caught my eye as a contender that warrants attention. After combing through its specs and weighing its capabilities against its asking price, here’s what stands out to me.
Pros:
Robust AMD Ryzen 5 processor coupled with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics
Decent memory and storage configuration
High-refresh-rate FHD display
Satisfactory array of ports and connectivity options
Cons:
Slight heating issue on the underside during intense usage
Occasional screen glitch reported by some users
Firstly, I must commend the 16GB DDR5 RAM and the 1TB SSD, which together are quite a boon for gaming and multitasking efficiency. The upgraded cooling system promises to keep performance throttling at bay, a detail any gamer will appreciate. The 144Hz refresh rate of the FHD display is a treat for the eyes, turning gaming sessions into a seamless visual adventure.
However, it’s not just about gaming prowess. I’ve found the laptop fits well into various scenarios – from blasting through spreadsheets to creative projects that lean heavily on processing power. It’s quite versatile and that’s a major plus.
On the flip side, while the Victus runs most games without issues, keen-eyed users might notice the occasional glitch or experience the unit getting warm. Rest assured, these little hiccups have been more of an exception than the norm in my time with it.
The absence of a retro-illuminated keyboard in the Mica Silver variant feels like a minor miss, but it’s far from a dealbreaker when you weigh it against the laptop’s overall solid performance.
In the end, the HP Victus 2023 Ryzen 5 7535HS RTX 2050 stands as something of a dark horse – not the front runner in the race perhaps, but definitely not one to underestimate. It may not pack ddr5 or the latest gen hardware some crave, but it still powers through requested tasks without breaking a sweat.
In this final verdict, I believe value for money is indeed the HP Victus’ strong suit. While there are trade-offs as with any tech, for someone who seeks a well-rounded gaming laptop without going overboard on expenditure, this one ticks the right boxes. The performance dips and rare screen glitches are the pitfalls you might face, but they are far outweighed by the benefits.
For the price, this HP Victus model is a solid choice, especially as part of a robust lineup that shows serious potential in both the gaming market and more broadly for high-performance tasks. In my book, it’s earned its well-deserved place on the consideration list for anyone looking to purchase a gaming laptop that promises to deliver without emptying your pockets.