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My use of the HP Victus 15.6’ Gaming Laptop: 144Hz display with a Ryzen 5 and RTX 2050 (2024)
Introduction
I recently picked up the HP Victus laptop - with a 144Hz 15.6 inch display - mainly for video editing and multitasking (not so much for gaming). With its powerful specs and some design quirks, I’ve had a mixed experience.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | HP | Model Name | HP Victus |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Color | Gray |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB | CPU Model | Ryzen 5 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard | Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Photos
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Prices
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HP Victus Performance Review
The HP Victus has caught my attention with its array of impressive specifications tailored to meet both gaming and productivity needs. My experience with this machine has been a mix of high performance and minor inconveniences, but it still stands out as a robust option for my requirements.
Starting off with the pros, the upgraded 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD make multitasking a breeze, ensuring that every task from video editing to running multiple applications is handled smoothly. The addition of the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS Processor is a solid choice, offering a powerhouse performance that can keep up with demanding software without a hitch.
Having said that, it’s worth mentioning the graphics capabilities, thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Graphics card. It delivers more than adequate performance for most current titles and creative work, and the 144Hz Refresh Rate of the 15.6” FHD display ensures that visual output is crisp and fluid, which is essential for both gaming and video editing.
Yet, a couple of aspects of the HP Victus fall short of expectations. The power button’s placement is, quite frankly, a bit perplexing and could be easily misclicked during routine handling. Further, the experience with the trackpad buttons could be improved; they’re not easily distinguishable by feel and their responsiveness sometimes feels inconsistent.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
- Robust 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 architecture
- Large and speedy 1TB PCIe SSD
- High-speed 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Crisp 15.6” FHD 144Hz Display
RTX 2050 Graphics Card for quality visuals
Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable connectivity
Cons:
- Unintuitive placement of the power button
- Trackpad buttons that lack tactile feedback and are sometimes unresponsive
Despite these criticisms, the HP Victus stands its ground as a competent contender. The Windows 11 Pro enhances the overall user experience with its productivity-focused enhancements, and I appreciate the liberal amount of ports and the Backlit Keyboard, which comes in handy during late-night sessions.
The additional 32GB Hotface USB Card that came as a bonus is a pleasant surprise, ensuring I have extra storage right off the bat. I also appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, which provide a seamless internet experience, crucial for both work and play.
In essence, the HP Victus delivers on many fronts. Its imperfections, albeit mildly frustrating at times, do not overshadow the laptop’s superior performance and features, making it a good fit for someone like me who’s into occasional gaming and requires a solid machine for video editing on the go. The Ryzen 5 CPU and RTX 2050 graphics ensure I’m well-prepared for any task, and while I’d love to see improvements in design ergonomics, it remains a reliable choice among its peers.
Visuals and Connectivity Insights
When considering the HP Victus, the 15.6” FHD 144Hz Display undeniably catches your eye. The anti-glare screen is a godsend, making it easier to view under various lighting conditions, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes for impressively smooth imagery which is a big plus for me. As someone who values visual clarity, whether it’s for gaming or video editing, these features significantly enhance my user experience.
However, let’s delve into the specifics that particularly stand out for me:
Pros:
High refresh rate for fluid visuals with minimal motion blur.
Bright and clear full-HD display, making it suitable for both entertainment and work-related tasks.
Non-reflective screen, so you can work comfortably no matter where you are.
Cons:
- The vividness of the display may vary depending on the viewing angle because of the nature of the panel.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Graphics card ensures I get more than enough power to handle basic video editing tasks, which is mainly what I use it for since I’m not much into gaming. This laptop supports my ‘portable needs’ adequately when it comes to graphics-intensive processes.
Moving onto connectivity, having a variety of ports is crucial for me as it allows a certain level of flexibility. The HP Victus doesn’t disappoint with its assortment of USB Type A, USB Type C, and HDMI options, as well as a Media Card Reader. The included Wi-Fi 6 capability means I get faster internet speed, which is essential for downloading large files quickly or when streaming content online.
While I appreciate the generous number of ports, I must admit I have a couple of gripes. The position of the power button took some getting used to. It isn’t where I’d naturally expect it to be, which leads to some fumbling around. And the hidden touchpad buttons—they are a pain, to be frank. The lack of tactile guidance means I’m often pressing in the wrong area, leading to some frustrating moments. I’m considering ways to make these buttons more discernible, possibly by applying some texture.
Overall, the HP Victus offers a solid visual experience with connectivity options to keep most users satisfied. However, user interface choices, such as the power button placement and the touchpad design leave room for improvement—slight tweaks here could significantly augment the overall user experience. Despite these minor setbacks, the laptop still stands as a robust option for those who require a blend of power and practicality.
Design and User Comfort Critique
When you’re considering a laptop like the HP Victus, design and user comfort are just as important as the nuts and bolts under the hood. On paper, the HP Victus checks a lot of boxes, with its backlit keyboard and a robust selection of ports, including those crucial USB Type As and a Type C, not to mention an SD card reader which I find indispensable.
Here’s a brief rundown of some of the design features from my perspective:
Pros:
The backlit keyboard is a lifesaver for low-light conditions.
A healthy array of ports means you’re ready for multiple peripherals.
The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card is a gem for video editing.
A generous 16GB of RAM and Ryzen 5 processor handle multitasking with ease.
Cons:
The placement of the power button is less than ideal.
The trackpad buttons are finicky and hard to locate by touch alone.
Delving a little deeper into the user experience, that backlit keyboard is a charm when I’m working late into the evening. For all the non-gamers like me, who may need this machine for video editing or other resource-heavy tasks, that setup is a solid performer.
However, HP has made some design decisions that are somewhat baffling. The power button’s location is a small thing that can become a big irritation over time, particularly if you’re prone to accidentally hitting it. This is one of those nuances that you don’t really consider until it interrupts your workflow.
And then there’s the trackpad – a fundamental touchpoint for any laptop user. HP’s hidden scrollpad buttons seem like a misstep for tactility and efficiency. You really want to be able to locate these with ease, especially when you’re in the zone and your focus is elsewhere. The lack of texture makes for a sleek design, sure, but at the cost of practical usability. It’s something I’ll have to customize or adapt to, as it can be pretty frustrating as it stands.
All in, the HP Victus makes a strong case for itself as a potent, versatile machine. While the small quirks in design might put some off, the overall experience remains positive. For those willing to overlook a couple of comfort issues, or for those who plan to use an external mouse most of the time, this laptop is still a compelling choice for portability paired with the power to tackle demanding tasks.
Practicality for Non-Gamers
In the realm of powerful laptops, the HP Victus makes a compelling case for itself, even for those of us who don’t spend hours gaming. I’ve been on the lookout for a laptop that would suit my video editing needs while remaining within the boundaries of practical portability. Here’s a quick rundown of what this machine has to offer from my perspective:
16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD provide ample storage and help tackle multiple tasks efficiently.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS Processor allows for smooth performances, which is crucial when dealing with software like Adobe Premiere.
A 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz display, coupled with an anti-glare screen, makes long sessions of video editing less straining on the eyes.
Windows 11 Pro ensures that I have all the features necessary for managing my work.
Having said that, some aspects could be better. For instance, the placement of the power button isn’t intuitive, and I’m not a fan. It’s a minor annoyance, but it’s worth mentioning. Also, the trackpad buttons are a bit of a letdown. The lack of texture and questionable responsiveness mean that there’s room for improvement.
Every silver lining can have a cloud, though. Sure, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Graphics card might be overkill for my editing software, but it does future-proof my purchase somewhat. Similarly, WIFI 6 capability might seem excessive for someone who doesn’t game online, but it does mean I won’t be cursing a slow connection when uploading large files.
Considering the ports and accessories, I get a good selection: multiple USB ports, a media card reader, and even a bonus 32GB USB card are nice touches. These features facilitate an efficient workflow where I can connect various devices seamlessly without the need for extra adapters.
I want to emphasize that despite its gaming pedigree, the HP Victus slots in comfortably as a formidable companion for my non-gaming professional use. I appreciate its backlit keyboard, which eases typing in low-light conditions — something many users will find handy.
In conclusion, the Victus isn’t just for the gaming community; it’s pretty much a versatile juggernaut for a non-gamer like me. While it’s not without its quirks—like that pesky power button location and the unremarkable trackpad—it more than makes up for these with its raw power and practical features. It may not be the perfect machine, but it’s certainly a sound investment for my ‘portable needs’.