HP Victus 16: Two-minute evaluate

The latest pattern in a number of the finest gaming laptops are ones outfitted with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 such because the HP Victus 16 reviewed right here. These laptops are about as low cost as you may go whereas nonetheless getting one in all Nvidia’s 4000 sequence GPUs. They nonetheless handle to supply some comparatively highly effective efficiency, particularly when in comparison with the price range choices from yesteryear outfitted with 3000 sequence graphics playing cards.

Within the case of the HP Victus 16, its pricing considerably precludes it from the most effective price range gaming laptops, however it’s shut. It’s extra mid-range pricing and stable efficiency, so long as you don’t want max settings and Ray Tracing on in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, does make an excellent choice for these taking a look at the most effective gaming laptops that need a good stability between worth and specs.

Now, there’s nothing that makes this significantly distinctive. However, that’s going to be the case for many of the competitors as effectively. Whether or not you get this or a distinct 4050-equipped mannequin just like the Lenovo LOQ 15 (AMD) goes to come back all the way down to if you wish to save a pair hundred bucks or need some barely extra highly effective parts. Or, possibly you like a sure model or aesthetic.

HP Victus 16: Worth & availability

• How a lot does it value? Beginning at $1,249.99 (about £988 / AU$1888)
• When is it out there? Accessible now
• The place are you able to get it? Accessible within the US. Solely older fashions at present out there in UK, and Australia

• HP Victus 16 2023 (Silver) at Amazon for $1,639.99

Let’s get the arduous half out of the way in which first. Residents of the UK and Australia may even see language on the HP web site concerning the all new Victus 16, however they’re sadly caught with the final technology outfitted with Nvidia RTX 3000 sequence GPUs. Hopefully that may change quickly, although that’s not the case on the time of writing.

In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to have entry to the US retailer, there are two customizable configurations – one for AMD and one for Intel with the AMD being barely cheaper, beginning at $1,249.99 (about £1,000 / AU$1,900). 

Maxing these configurations provides you a reasonably strong laptop computer that’s not too costly in comparison with different maxed out gaming laptops because the kitted out Intel configuration with a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, and 1TB SSD, to not point out a 1440p display with a 240Hz refresh fee will set you again $2,169.99 (about £1,715 / AU$3,280).

The configuration reviewed right here, which is a typical non-customizable one below the mannequin designation 16-r0097nr goes for $1449.99 (about £1,150 / AU$2,190). Not dangerous for a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, and 1TB SSD.

Worth-wise, yow will discover cheaper price range gaming laptops with related specs. The MSI Katana 15 (2023) goes for $999 (about £785 / AU$1,550) with none upgrades and contains 13th-Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, and 1TB SSD. Nonetheless, it sports activities a barely weaker Intel Core i7 chip and slower pace RAM. The battery life on the MSI is way worse as is the webcam, although it’s a bit lighter.

• Worth rating: 4 / 5

HP Victus 16: Specs

The HP Victus is available in just a few completely different configurations. There are just a few commonplace configurations together with the evaluate unit, which comes with a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, and 1TB SSD in addition to the same AMD model that comes with a Ryzen 7 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. 

Nonetheless, there are customizable variations for each Intel and AMD configurations. It’s not a variety as you’re taking a look at both an AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 CPU, Intel Core i5 or i7, 16 or 32GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 4060, or 4070 GPU, and 512GB or 1TB SSD.

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These are the specs for the HP Victus 16

Part	Base configuration	Overview configuration	Max configuration
Worth	$1,249.99 (about £988 / AU$1888)	$1,449.99 (about £1,146 / AU$2,190)	$$2,169.99 (about £,1715 / AU$3,277)
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 7640S	Intel Core i7-13700H	Intel Core i7-13700HX
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop computer GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop computer GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop computer GPU
RAM	16 GB DDR5-5600MHz	16 GB DDR5-5200 MHz	32GB DDR5-4800MHz
Storage	512 GB SSD	1 TB SSD	1 TB SSD
Display screen	16.1-inch FHD (1920x1080p), 60Hz refresh fee	16.1-inch FHD (1920x1080p), 60Hz refresh fee	16.1-inch QHD (2560x1440p), 240Hz refresh fee
Ports	1x USB-C, 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm Combo-Jack	1x USB-C, 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm Combo-Jack	1x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0, HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm Combo-Jack
Wi-fi	Wi-fi Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-fi Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3	Wi-fi Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Digital camera	1080p Webcam	1080p Webcam	1080p Webcam
Weight	5.12 lbs (2.32 kg)	5.15 lbs (2.34 kg)	5.07 lbs (2.Three kg)
Dimensions	14.53 x 10.21 x 0.90-0.94 inches (369 x 259 x 22.9-23.9mm)	14.53 x 10.21 x 0.90-0.94 inches (369 x 259 x 22.9-23.9mm)	14.53 x 10.21 x 0.90-0.94 inches (369 x 259 x 22.9-23.9mm)

Past the inner parts, you may improve the display with the customizable configurations to not solely a 1440p decision, however a sooner refresh fee going as much as 240Hz from the usual 60Hz (there’s additionally an choice for 144Hz). 

You too can improve from Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 6E in addition to the battery and coloration. Simply bear in mind that the usual configurations like this mannequin, particularly known as 16-r0097nr, aren’t customizable.

HP Victus 16: Design

• Barely gaming-centric look
• Loads of venting
• Good keyboard and trackpad

The HP Victus 16 has adopted the current pattern of getting an solely barely gaming-centric aesthetic. You’re not going to see it in all its matte-black glory and confuse it for an Ultrabook. However, it doesn’t have the aggressive traces and streaks of purple that older gaming laptops had.

At slightly over 5 kilos, it’s slightly chunky however it’s transportable sufficient when you want it to be. In fact, it does home a 16.1-inch 1080p display with comparatively skinny bezels outlining, although sadly it solely has a 60Hz refresh fee (until you go the customization route). Not less than, it has 300 nits of brightness – no HDR readily available with this one. 

There’s fairly a little bit of venting across the Victus. Not solely is it on the again and sides however a big part of the plastic shell beneath is vented. Due to this, I by no means skilled any throttling or overheating, although some intensive gaming periods with Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield did make the laptop computer heat to the contact proper above the keyboard and across the again.

So far as ports go, ample might be the most effective description. It comes with three USB-A ports, one USB-C, one HDMI 2.1, an ethernet port, and headphone jack. It might be good to get a second USB-C as every little thing is transitioning to that commonplace, however that’s a really minor quibble. The port choice is about what one would count on on a present gaming laptop computer.

The keyboard and trackpad are stable sufficient. They’re not going to switch a mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse (let’s be actual, you’re going to want an exterior mouse for any gaming in any case). However, they have been comfy sufficient to make use of whereas typing up this evaluate, for instance, and navigating the world huge internet.

Lastly, the HP Victus comes with a 1080p webcam, which in and of itself is of a better high quality than what I normally see on price range / mid-tier gaming laptops. Extra impressively is the truth that HP determined to incorporate a bodily shutter for privateness.

• Design rating: 4 / 5 

HP Victus 16: Efficiency

• Superb 1080p gaming efficiency
• Refresh fee may very well be limitation for some players
• Good-for-laptop audio

The efficiency on the HP Victus 16 is like lots of the gaming laptops with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050. It’s an train in compromising on settings to get good gameplay. Since this laptop computer comes with 16GB RAM at its lowest configuration and solely has to energy a 1080p display at a 60Hz refresh fee, that 4050 GPU is greater than sufficient, which means you don’t need to compromise an excessive amount of.

You’ll wish to skip the Ray Tracing as an example. In the event you check out our benchmarks, for instance, Cyberpunk 2077 managed simply 24 fps. Once I run the sport at Extremely however with excessive textures and no Ray Tracing, the fps depend immediately jumps to 78. That is after the newest updates, in order that’s fairly spectacular.

On the same observe, I used to be capable of run Starfield at excessive settings with minimal display tearing or lag, which went away as quickly as I turned on Vsync with none perceivable loss in high quality. In essence, until you want an excellent quick refresh fee for aggressive gaming or want the final word gaming expertise, you’re not going to really feel such as you’re compromising when utilizing this pc.

Whereas I choose utilizing the Kanto Ora audio system I’ve arrange with them, the sound high quality of the audio system have been first rate. Whether or not or not Bang & Olufsen have been capable of sprinkle magic mud on them or not, I didn’t discover there to be something too missing with them. In fact, there’s not a lot in the way in which of low-end as is the case with most laptops. However, it doesn’t sound hole like a whole lot of laptops I’ve used.

In the case of the webcam, it provides a decently crisp picture with minimal noise and may robotically concentrate on my face when transferring round. It’s capped at 30 fps, nevertheless, so it’s not going to be the smoothest trying video if that’s essential to you.

• Efficiency rating: 4.5 / 5

HP Victus 16: Battery life

• First rate battery life if not gaming
• Mileage could differ with some configurations

Whereas gaming laptops not named Asus Rog Zephyrus are typically horrible in the case of battery life. As an example, the MSI Katana 15 talked about earlier than lasted simply 40 minutes within the PCMark 10 battery life for gaming benchmark. The HP Victus 16 lasted a extra respectable hour and 40 minutes. That’s nonetheless not all that nice, however gaming is a fairly demanding job and requires a whole lot of assets.

On the brilliant aspect, when you resolve to get the HP Victus 16, you need to use it for a good period of time unplugged when you don’t run any video games on it. Particularly, in our Internet Browsing Battery Informant benchmark, this laptop computer lasted an excellent seven hours. That’s not too dangerous if you have to apply it to the highway. Simply bear in mind that some upgrades reminiscent of a display with the next refresh fee could negatively impression the battery life.

• Battery life rating: 4 / 5 

Must you purchase the HP Victus 16?

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HP Victus 16

Attributes	Notes	Score
Worth	Whereas on the pricier aspect of Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050-equipped laptops, you get a reasonably strong mannequin for the value.	4 / 5
Design	With a sublime gamer look, this laptop computer doesn’t wow however definitely delivers the place mandatory, particularly with its thermal venting.	4 / 5
Efficiency	You’ll get excellent 1080p efficiency with the HP Victus 16 so long as you skip issues like Ray Tracing.	4.5 / 5
Battery	The battery life is just not going to impress however is first rate for a gaming laptop computer.	4 / 5
Common ranking	Superb gaming efficiency (with just a few compromises), first rate battery life, and even a privateness shutter all make this an excellent mid-tier gaming laptop computer to contemplate.	4 / 5

Purchase it if…

You need good 1080p efficiency
With just a few compromises like skipping Ray Tracing, you will get some actually good 1080p gaming on this machine. 

You’re making an attempt to get the most effective efficiency with out splurging
It is likely to be among the many pricier 4050-equipped gaming laptops on the market, however it’s a bit extra highly effective than the competitors, making it supreme for these wanting as a lot efficiency as attainable below $1,500.

Do not buy it if…

You need wonderful efficiency regardless of the sport
Whereas you will get nice efficiency in some video games, there are already some video games, as talked about above, you can’t play with the settings maxed out. If you wish to see a recreation like Starfield at its full potential, you’ll want one thing extra highly effective.

You care about portability
The battery life is healthier than many price range gaming laptops, however it’s not nice. On prime of that, this laptop computer is a bit on the heavy aspect.

HP Victus 16: Additionally think about

If our HP Victus 16 evaluate has you contemplating different choices, listed below are two laptops to contemplate… 

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These are the specs for the HP Victus 16

Part	HP Victus 16	MSI Katana 15 (2023)	Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
Worth	$1449.99 (about £1,146 / AU$2,190)	$999 (about £785 / AU$1,543)	beginning at $1,499 / £1,599 / AU$2,599
CPU	Intel Core i7-13700H	Intel Core i7-13620H	AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Ryzen 7 5800H CPU in UK and AUS)
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop computer GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – RTX 3080
RAM	16 GB DDR5-5200 MHz	16GB DDR5-5200MHz	16 – 32GB
Storage	1 TB SSD	1TB SSD	512 GB – 1TB SSD
Display screen	15.6-inch FHD, IPS-Degree 144Hz	16.1-inch FHD (1920x1080p), 60Hz refresh fee	15.6-inch QHD (1440p), 165Hz, 3ms, 300 nits
Ports	1x USB-C 3.2, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0, HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm Combo-Jack	1x USB-C, 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 3.5mm Combo-Jack	2x USB Sort-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB Sort-A, 1x MicroSD, 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x 3.5mm combo jack, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x Kensington lock
Wi-fi	Wi-fi Wi-Fi 6 802.11AX, Bluetooth 5.1	Wi-fi Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3	Wifi 6, Bluetooth
Digital camera	1080p Webcam	1080p Webcam	None
Weight	5.29 lbs (2.Four kg)	5.15 lbs (2.34 kg)	4.19lbs (1.9kg)
Dimensions	0.87-0.99 x 14.16 x 10.43 inches (22.1-25.2 x 359 x 264.8mm)	14.53 x 10.21 x 0.90-0.94 inches (369 x 259 x 22.9-23.9mm)	13.97 x 9.59 x 0.78 inches (355 x 243.5 x 19.9 mm)

MSI Katana 15 (2023)
The MSI Katana 15 (2023) may supply subpar battery life (like most gaming laptops) and look a bit outdated, however it’s an excellent entry-level gaming laptop computer. That’s not solely due to its comparatively inexpensive worth, however the truth that it nonetheless manages to supply good 1080p efficiency with a quick refresh fee no much less at that accessible worth level.

Learn our full MSI Katana 15 (2023) evaluate

Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is the closest one can get in a gaming laptop computer to that Ultrabook expertise. It’s pretty petite and light-weight weight with a decent eight hour battery life. Plus, it has wonderful efficiency for a reasonably cheap worth.

Learn our full Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 evaluate

How I examined the HP Victus 16

Examined for a pair weeks

Pushed it as arduous as attainable gaming-wise

Performed with numerous settings

I used the HP Victus 16 for a few weeks, taking part in a number of demanding video games like Starfield, Hogwards Legacy, Management, and Cyberpunk 2077. Whereas doing so, I ran the video games at numerous settings, significantly on the highest ones with ray tracing on wherever attainable, and took observe of the outcomes. I additionally examined every facet of the laptop computer from the keyboard and trackpad to the webcam and audio system.

I’ve spent the previous couple of years reviewing tech gear for gaming and in any other case, the place I’ve gotten a really feel for what to search for and the right way to put a chunk of equipment by its paces to see whether or not it’s well worth the advice.

Learn extra about how we take a look at

First reviewed January 2024

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