 |
| The HyperX Omen 15 features a built-in numberpad, unlike many 15-inch gaming laptops. |
New high-performance CPU options promise up to 40% faster gaming performance, but AMD fans face a puzzling graphics trade-off
Just over a month after HP launched the HyperX Omen 15 as a more portable alternative to its popular Omen 16, the company is already expanding the lineup with significant processor upgrades. The 15-inch gaming laptop that debuted at CES 2026 with mid-tier CPU options now offers some of the most powerful mobile processors on the market—but the upgrade path comes with some interesting trade-offs that buyers need to know about.
Check the latest HyperX Omen 15 configurations on HP's official site
New Processors Bring Serious Performance Gains
When HP first unveiled the HyperX Omen 15 in January, the laptop was available with the Core Ultra 7 356H, Core Ultra 9 386H, or the Ryzen 7 8745HX. While these processors offered solid performance, they weren't quite in the top tier of mobile computing power. That's changing with HP's latest expansion.
The HyperX Omen 15 can now be configured with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX or the flagship Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus from Intel's Arrow Lake HX generation. According to HP's internal benchmarks, these new processors deliver between 30% and 40% higher CPU performance compared to the existing Core Ultra 9 386H.
For gamers, this translates to noticeably higher frame rates in CPU-intensive titles. Games like Counter-Strike 2, Civilization VII, and Starfield—which rely heavily on processor performance—should see significant improvements with these new chips. The extra cores and higher TDPs (Thermal Design Power) mean the laptop can handle more demanding workloads, from gaming to content creation and productivity tasks.
AMD Gets an Upgrade Too—With One Major Catch
Intel isn't the only one getting attention in this refresh. HP has also added the Ryzen 9 8940HX as an option for AMD fans. However, there's a puzzling limitation: the Ryzen 9 8940HX is only available with Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU, not the more powerful RTX 5070 found in all other configurations.
This creates an interesting dilemma for prospective buyers. The Ryzen 9 8940HX offers excellent CPU performance, but pairing it with a lower-tier GPU means gaming performance may not match the Intel configurations with the RTX 5070. For gamers who prioritize GPU performance, the Intel options with the RTX 5070 might be the better choice despite the higher price tag.
Pricing Strategy Shifts: More Affordable Entry Points
HP has made significant adjustments to the pricing structure for the HyperX Omen 15. The entry-level price for Intel configurations now starts at $1,999, down from the $2,099 MSRP HP initially charged. This $100 reduction makes the laptop more accessible to budget-conscious gamers.
AMD models have seen an even more dramatic price adjustment, now beginning at $1,699. This lower entry price could make the AMD version attractive for gamers who want the Omen 15 experience but need to stay within a tighter budget.
Explore the full range of HyperX Omen 15 configurations and pricing
At the high end, a fully configured model with top-tier processors, maximum RAM, and the premium display option can reach $3,329. This puts the HyperX Omen 15 in competition with premium gaming laptops from brands like Razer, ASUS ROG, and Alienware.
Display Options: IPS vs. OLED
One of the most interesting aspects of the HyperX Omen 15 is the display selection. HP offers two very different panel technologies, and your choice will dramatically affect both your wallet and your gaming experience.
Base Option: 1200p IPS Panel
- Resolution: 1200p (1920 x 1200)
- Refresh rate: 165 Hz
- Brightness: 400 nits peak
This is a solid all-rounder for competitive gamers who want smooth motion and good brightness. The 16:10 ratio gives you a bit more vertical real estate for productivity, too.
Premium Option: 1600p IPS Panel
- Resolution: 1600p (2560 x 1600)
- Refresh rate: 180 Hz variable refresh rate
- Brightness: 500 nits peak
- Cost: $40 extra
The premium display option offers higher resolution, a smoother refresh rate, and better brightness for just $40 more. For most users, this upgrade is a no-brainer, offering significantly better visual quality for a minimal price increase.
Read our full review and benchmarks of the HyperX Omen 15
Battery Life: The One Constant
Despite the wealth of configuration options, all SKUs ship with a 70 Wh and 4-cell battery. The 70Wh battery is respectable but not class-leading—some 15-inch gaming laptops pack 90Wh or more. Given the power-hungry RTX 5070 and high-refresh screens, don't expect all-day battery life.
Realistically, you'll get 4-5 hours of light use (web browsing, video streaming) and maybe 90 minutes of gaming on battery. That said, the Omen 15 is designed as a thin-and-light gaming laptop, not a marathon runner. If you need all-day endurance, you'd be better off with an ultraportable or keeping the charger handy.
Storage and Memory Options
The HyperX Omen 15 comes with up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and 1 TB of PCIe Gen 5 storage. The PCIe Gen 5 storage is a notable upgrade, offering significantly faster read and write speeds compared to Gen 4 SSDs. This means faster game load times, quicker file transfers, and snappier overall system performance.
The 32 GB RAM option is particularly attractive for gamers who also do content creation, video editing, or heavy multitasking. With modern games increasingly demanding more memory, 32 GB provides a comfortable buffer for years to come.
How the HyperX Omen 15 Compares to the Competition
The HyperX Omen 15 enters a crowded market of 15-inch gaming laptops. It competes directly with:
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16: Offers similar RTX 5070 configurations but with different display options
- Razer Blade 15: Premium build quality but typically higher prices
- Lenovo Legion 5i: Strong performance with excellent value proposition
- MSI Stealth 16: Slim design with competitive specs
The Omen 15's main advantages are its new processor options, particularly the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, and the premium display choices. The $40 upgrade to the 1600p panel with 180 Hz VRR is particularly compelling.
Check the latest prices on Amazon for the HyperX Omen 15
Who Should Buy the HyperX Omen 15?
For Intel fans: The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus configuration with the RTX 5070 offers exceptional performance for gamers and creators alike. The combination of high CPU performance and a capable GPU makes it suitable for everything from competitive gaming to 4K video editing.
For AMD enthusiasts: The Ryzen 9 8940HX offers strong CPU performance but comes with the RTX 5060 rather than the RTX 5070. If you prioritize CPU power over GPU performance—perhaps for productivity work or content creation—this could still be a viable option.
For budget-conscious gamers: The $1,699 entry-level AMD model or the $1,999 Intel model offer good value for money. Both provide solid gaming performance at more accessible price points.
For display connoisseurs: The $40 upgrade to the 1600p IPS panel with 180 Hz VRR and 500 nits brightness is a fantastic value. For those who want even better visuals, the OLED option (when available) offers stunning color accuracy and contrast.
Final Verdict
HP has significantly expanded the appeal of the HyperX Omen 15 with these new processor options. The addition of the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and Ryzen 9 8940HX brings the laptop into competition with the most powerful gaming laptops on the market.
The pricing adjustments make the laptop more accessible, while the premium display options allow buyers to customize their experience. The $40 upgrade to the 1600p panel with 180 Hz VRR is particularly compelling.
However, the AMD configuration's limitation to the RTX 5060 is puzzling and may push some AMD fans toward Intel options. And while the processor upgrades are welcome, the battery remains the same 70Wh unit, which might not be sufficient for heavy users.
Overall, the HyperX Omen 15 is now a more competitive option in the 15-inch gaming laptop space, especially for those who want the latest Intel processors and premium display options.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.
