HP Omen 17 (2024): An In-Depth Examination of HP's Versatile Gaming Laptop

HP Omen 17 (2024): An In-Depth Examination of HP's Versatile Gaming Laptop

The HP Omen 17 (2024) emerges as a compelling option in the mid-range gaming laptop market, blending solid performance with practical features for everyday use. Introduced in mid-2024 as part of HP's refreshed Omen lineup, this 17-inch model leverages AMD's Ryzen 8000 series processors and NVIDIA's RTX 40-series graphics, making it accessible for gamers on a budget. By November 2025, the Omen 17 has benefited from software updates that improve efficiency and compatibility with emerging technologies like AI-enhanced upscaling. Starting at approximately $1,499 for entry-level configurations, it offers strong value compared to higher-end rivals such as the MSI Raider GE78 HX and Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9. This article presents a detailed analysis of the HP Omen 17 (2024), including its development background, design elements, performance results, complete technical specifications, and recent advancements. It serves as a guide for consumers seeking a reliable gaming machine that balances power and affordability.

Development and Market Entry: Focusing on Efficiency and Accessibility

HP's Omen series has grown into a trusted name for entry-to-mid-level gaming since its rebrand in 2017, emphasizing approachable designs over extreme aesthetics. The Omen 17 (2024) development started in early 2023, timed with AMD's Hawk Point architecture and NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace GPUs. HP aimed to address common pain points from prior models, such as battery drain and thermal noise, by incorporating a dedicated NPU in the Ryzen chips for better power management. This shift to AMD processors marked a departure from Intel-heavy lineups, prioritizing efficiency for longer unplugged sessions.

The laptop debuted at Computex 2024, highlighting its 240Hz QHD display and expanded port array. Availability rolled out globally through HP's online store, Best Buy, and Amazon, with strong initial demand in the US and Asia. Reviews from sites like Trusted Reviews and NotebookCheck praised its frame rates in 1080p gaming but noted the chassis weight as a portability drawback. By late 2024, sales exceeded 250,000 units, fueled by back-to-school promotions and bundle deals with games like Forza Horizon 5.

In 2025, HP deployed Omen Gaming Hub version 2.5, which refines TDP controls for up to 10% better battery life and adds FSR 3.1 support for smoother performance in ray-traced titles. This update also resolves occasional Wi-Fi disconnects. HP includes a one-year warranty, extendable to two years, with complimentary access to Omen support forums and remote diagnostics. The Omen 17's trajectory reflects HP's commitment to democratizing gaming, making high-refresh displays and RTX features available at lower price points.

Relative to the 2023 model, the 2024 iteration boosts GPU TGP by 20W, enhancing sustained loads without major redesigns. As AI tools proliferate, the integrated NPU positions it well for future content creation, though it lacks the raw cores of HX-series competitors.

Design and Build: Understated Strength for Everyday Gaming

The HP Omen 17 (2024) dimensions at 15.9 x 10.6 x 0.98 inches and weighs 6.35 pounds, providing a sturdy yet not overly bulky profile for its class. The all-black plastic chassis with a subtle Omen logo on the lid adopts a minimalist look, avoiding the RGB overload of flashier models. A slim rear light bar offers optional white illumination, controllable via the Omen Gaming Hub, adding a touch of flair without excess.

Inside, the keyboard features single-zone white backlighting (RGB optional in higher configs), with 1.5mm travel keys and a full numpad for productivity. The touchpad, measuring 4.7 x 3.5 inches, uses a smooth glass surface with decent palm rejection, though it can feel slippery during intense use. Cooling relies on dual fans and four exhaust vents, with the Tempest Cooling system maintaining airflow through a shared heat pipe array.

Ports emphasize versatility: one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and 140W PD, three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz, an SD card reader (UHS-II), 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The 720p HD webcam with IR for Windows Hello includes a privacy slider, suitable for video calls. Sound is produced by a quad-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup, delivering clear mids and balanced bass for media consumption.

Build quality withstands daily handling, with reinforced corners passing basic drop tests. The hinge allows 135-degree opening for tenting, and anti-slip feet prevent sliding. At 6.35 pounds, it fits larger backpacks but favors desk use over travel. In 2025, HP introduced optional neoprene sleeves for protection during commutes.

The design favors subtlety, appealing to users who prefer function over form. Easy access to internals via 10 screws supports upgrades, enhancing longevity.

Performance in Gaming and Tasks: Reliable Mid-Range Muscle

The Omen 17 (2024) handles gaming capably, with the RTX 4070 config averaging 95 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p ultra with RT on, aided by DLSS 3. Baldur's Gate 3 reaches 80 FPS on high, the Ryzen 7 8845HS juggling party AI and environmental details efficiently. The 144Hz FHD display ensures responsive action, with NVIDIA Broadcast reducing lag in streams.

Productivity shines too: the 8-core CPU scores 18,000 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, speeding Photoshop edits and 1080p renders in After Effects. 16GB RAM supports light multitasking, expandable for heavier loads. The 1TB SSD delivers 6,500 MB/s reads, booting Windows in 12 seconds.

Cooling with Tempest keeps GPU under 80°C and CPU at 85°C, noise at 45 dB in Performance mode—conversational level. Omen Gaming Hub profiles include Comfort (60W TDP), Balanced (100W), and Performance (140W GPU). Forza Horizon 5 averages 110 FPS on high, proving consistency.

2025's Hub 2.5 update optimizes NPU for 15% faster AI tasks. It trails flagships in 4K but excels at 1080p value.

Complete Technical Specifications: Hardware Essentials

Key configurations as of 2025:

Processor: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (8 cores/16 threads, 3.8 GHz base, 5.1 GHz boost, 24MB cache). Base: Ryzen 7 8845HS. Radeon 780M iGPU.

Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB GDDR6, 140W TGP). Options: RTX 4060 (8GB, 115W), RTX 4050 (6GB, 100W). MUX Switch.

Memory: Up to 32GB DDR5-5600 (2x SO-DIMM, up to 64GB).

Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe (2x M.2 slots). Base 512GB.

Display: 17.3-inch IPS, FHD (1920x1080), 144Hz, 7ms, 100% sRGB, 300 nits, anti-glare. Optional QHD 240Hz.

Audio: Quad-speaker B&O, HP Audio Boost, dual mics.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet. Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DP/PD), 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, SD reader, 3.5mm.

Cooling: Tempest with dual fans, 4 vents. Temps: 85°C GPU max.

Battery/Power: 83Wh, 230W adapter. Life: 6-7 hours light, 1.5 hours gaming.

Keyboard: Single-zone white RGB, numpad, 1.5mm travel. Touchpad: 4.7x3.5 inches.

Webcam: 720p IR. Software: Windows 11, Omen Gaming Hub.

Dimensions/Weight: 15.9 x 10.6 x 0.98 inches, 6.35 pounds. Chassis: Plastic-aluminum, MIL-STD-810H.

These specs support broad compatibility.

Display and Audio: Balanced Sensory Input

The FHD IPS screen covers 100% sRGB for vivid games, with 144Hz reducing blur. 300 nits suits dim rooms, though brighter outdoors.

B&O speakers provide rich sound, with clear dialogue and decent bass. Bluetooth 5.3 pairs easily.

2025 Hub adds color profiles.

Battery and Mobility: Practical for Mixed Use

83Wh battery lasts 6 hours browsing, 1.5 hours gaming. Fast charge to 50% in 45 minutes.

Mobility suits short trips, with durable build.

Software and Improvements: Streamlined Control

Omen Hub manages modes and lighting. 2025 v2.5 adds NPU tools.

Positioning and Outlook

From $1,499, it values against Lenovo. Upgrades extend to 2027.

In essence, the HP Omen 17 (2024) delivers dependable performance for budget-conscious gamers.