I loved seeing HP put OMEN and HyperX gaming front and center, but I had even more fun checking out the new gear early

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It’s possible that some gamers aren’t entirely cognizant of this, but beyond manufacturing printers and work-centric computers, HP also holds a substantial role in the gaming market.

HP’s OMEN and HyperX brands have been expanding in scope and aspiration, distancing themselves from HP’s everyday consumer products. For example, they held a separate event to introduce a variety of new gaming hardware and accessories.

At the invitation of HP, I had the pleasure of attending an extraordinary event where I got to test out the latest HP OMEN PCs and HyperX audio equipment ahead of time. Upon experiencing these offerings, I was left both amazed and curious, particularly by the powerful HP OMEN MAX 45L gaming desktop that leaves no performance stone unturned.

Gaming to the MAX with a new flagship desktop

As an enthusiast, I bid farewell to the mighty HP OMEN 45L, now retiring from service. Welcome, dear HP OMEN MAX 45L, a testament to power and engineering brilliance, emerging from the innovative minds at HP’s labs!

Inside, you’ll discover some extraordinary hardware components, yet not entirely alien. The OMEN MAX 45L boasts cutting-edge technology from AMD and NVIDIA, up to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and GeForce RTX 5090 specifically. It also offers massive amounts of RAM and generous PCIe Gen5 SSD storage, however, these features aren’t what truly sets the OMEN MAX 45L apart.

The standout feature of the refreshed HP OMEN 35L (which I’ll delve into further later) is its distinctive cooling system, a returning element from HP’s CRYO CHAMBER line that you may not have encountered in quite this form before.

While the OMEN MAX 45L with its distinctive cooling system may seem peculiar up close, it’s a minor compromise considering the benefit of unlimited capabilities it offers.

Admittedly, the OMEN MAX 45L appears somewhat unusual when viewed in person, resembling a typical gaming desktop adorned with a distinctive hat. However, this design serves a specific purpose: it optimizes airflow differently and makes better use of surrounding air, leading to significantly enhanced thermal performance. This improvement allows users to fully utilize the PC’s hardware at its maximum potential.

HP’s latest OMEN hardware has left me impressed with its advanced overclocking and power management features, but the OMEN MAX 45L takes things a notch higher by enabling overclocking for memory, CPU, and GPU. HP was thrilled to share that there are no restrictions in place, allowing you to fully maximize this hardware’s potential. In other words, you can truly push this system to its limits!

The claimed “extraordinary” performance of the OMEN MAX 45L, due to its overclocking potential, likely explains why it holds a leading spot. However, only by testing it personally can I confirm if it truly deserves this top ranking.

Leaving behind the RGB and flying under the radar

The most pleasant surprise at HP’s event was my genuine fondness for the “Stealth Edition” OMEN 35L. While the OMEN 35L hasn’t undergone significant changes since my previous review, it has received an upgrade to the latest AMD and NVIDIA components. However, this model distinguishes itself by housing these components within a streamlined, unassuming matte black case that eschews RGB lighting and flashy glass design.

As a researcher eagerly following the tech scene, I must admit I was already captivated by the product’s unveiling. However, my admiration deepened once I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with it. The sleek design really caught my eye, and after considering the reasons behind Riot Games’ selection for their VALORANT esports league’s standard desktop, its merits became abundantly clear.

Just like any other gamer, I have a soft spot for RGB lighting, but it’s disappointing that there aren’t more stealthy hardware options available. However, HP seems to be addressing this gap, and the response so far has reportedly been incredibly favorable.

As an avid enthusiast, I’m not anticipating the OMEN 35L of this year to revolutionize its predecessor, aside from potentially enhanced performance and a more stable software experience. However, my curiosity is definitely piqued by the intriguing Stealth Edition!

A different approach to AMD and Intel laptops?

One intriguing fact I picked up at the HP event is that the company is adopting different strategies for AMD and Intel models of its OMEN gaming laptops. The HP OMEN MAX 16 (2025) – which I had a positive review of – is now receiving an AMD version, but with a unique twist.

The OMEN MAX 16, the original model, operates on Intel Core Ultra HX-series processors, which are Intel’s top mobile chipsets. However, its integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) lacks the power necessary to achieve full Copilot+ PC status, positioning it as a somewhat less capable AI PC in an increasingly artificial intelligence-dominated environment.

Both Intel and AMD provide powerful mobile processors, yet HP chose AMD’s Ryzen AI chips that offer a more balanced and efficient performance for their devices.

Instead of the AMD equivalent used in the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) I reviewed, the new OMEN MAX 16 boasts AMD Ryzen AI chipsets, providing less raw power but significantly improved efficiency and a wealth of smarts for artificial intelligence capabilities.

HP shared with me that they made this decision due to customer preferences leaning towards having the option, and many prioritizing battery life over CPU performance enough to accept a compromise. Personally, I would also choose this compromise, so I support HP’s distinct approach. Similarly, the standard mid-range HP OMEN 16 will receive the same AMD/Intel configurations as well.

Leveling up your audio with new HyperX accessories

During the Level Reforge event, HyperX also jumped into the action, displaying two new wireless gaming headsets and two new microphones. I had the opportunity to evaluate each one thoroughly, and I find this collection quite intriguing for several compelling reasons.

Among all, the HyperX Cloud Flight 2 stands out to me the most. This versatile, mid-range headset caters to multiple platforms. Although it has a lightweight plastic build which may not offer a luxurious feel, HyperX is pushing boundaries with its innovative features.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve got you covered on all the essentials! You’ll find angled 50mm drivers for superior sound quality, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity for seamless usage, and an Xbox-tailored version packed with extra features like a built-in chat mixer. Plus, it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 125 hours, and an enhanced 10mm boom microphone for crystal-clear communication. There’s even more to explore!

I’d like to check if the modular design of the HyperX Flight 2 headset is indeed maximized by the company.

Not only are the headband cushion, ear cup cushions, and magnetic faceplates designed by HyperX to be easily removable and replaceable, but they’ve also thoughtfully integrated RGB lighting that illuminates the entire area beneath the faceplates, accentuating the headset with an attractive glow. This feature allows for customization through various cutouts, and HyperX is keen on broadening the personalization options available to customers in the future.

The built-in microphone allows you to make voice calls comfortably, without the need for an uncomfortable boom microphone, a feature often missing in headsets marketed as wireless headphones.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to test the latest premium flagship model from HyperX, the Alpha 2 wireless headset. The design, sans RGB and featuring metal elements, comes off as understated yet luxurious. It’s both stylish and comfortable to wear. During my initial testing, the sound quality was impressive. Furthermore, HyperX claims an astounding battery life of up to 250 hours.

The new headset we’re discussing is expected to compete with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro that I reviewed previously. For it to command a price of $299.99 on HP.com, its performance really needs to shine and outperform its competitors.

I’ve taken a look at both the latest HyperX microphones, but I wasn’t able to fully test them. The premium FlipCast priced at $229.99 on HP.com could be an excellent choice for those dipping their toes into content creation without wanting to commit to a costly XLR-based setup just yet. This FlipCast offers USB connectivity for easy plug-and-play, and it also features an intelligent and stylish design with a dynamic LED meter.

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be sharing my detailed insights about the HyperX FlipCast mic that I currently have in my hands for review. While I haven’t gotten my hands on the SoloCast 2 yet, I’m definitely looking forward to trying it out. The FlipCast is HyperX’s budget-friendly USB microphone and seems to be positioned as a rival to the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) that I absolutely adored in my previous review.

It would be intriguing to find out if the SoloCast 2, priced at $59.99 on HP.com, delivers the same caliber of quality and features as its counterpart microphone does.

A fun and creative way to show off new products

As an observer, I’d like to take a moment to share some thoughts about this unique gathering. It wasn’t your typical tech briefing; instead, HP brought together renowned Twitch streamers and content creators in a game-show setup. The objective was to “reforge” a broken blade by mastering a series of engaging mini-games.

Starting off with some less than smooth humor, the event eventually proved to be an entertaining spectacle. The games themselves were enjoyable, while the team interactions and competent hosts created numerous laugh-out-loud instances.

During pauses between significant product releases, HP unveiled their latest offerings through captivating advertisements and candid discussions between visibly enthusiastic (if sometimes anxious) tech enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere that suggested these products were designed specifically with gaming enthusiasts in mind, by gaming enthusiasts themselves.

I’m really looking forward to the return of Level Reforge in the future! Until then, I can’t wait to give the latest HP OMEN and HyperX gaming equipment a try.

The event was well-received by HP, who were clearly thrilled, since this was their initial attempt at an endeavor of such kind. There were numerous suggestions for improvements from myself and others, implying that a follow-up, named Level Reforge, might likely be held again next year.

I enjoy interacting with companies that welcome constructive feedback as well, and I’ve had conversations with the heads and technical teams from both HP OMEN and HyperX about their upcoming and current hardware products.

In one demonstration area, they utilized the HP OMEN Transcend 32 OLED display I assessed, but unfortunately, it experienced a recurring issue known as forced pixel refresh. However, I engaged in a productive and insightful discussion with a representative from that team about my review and all my concerns regarding this monitor, which I believe is truly excellent. This conversation made me confident that future HP OMEN monitors will be improved due to user feedback.

Dear HP, it was a pleasure to be invited to Level Reforge by you. The event turned out to be much more enjoyable than I had anticipated. Regarding the future, keep an eye on Windows Central as I share my thoughts on the latest HP OMEN and HyperX equipment!

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2025-08-21 01:11