HP Victus 15.6″ i7 144Hz Gaming Laptop Review
Introduction
The HP Victus is the HP series of budget high performance gaming laptops. It features a sleek Performance Blue design with solid build quality, measuring 0.93 inches in height and weighing 5.06 pounds. It is not the most portable gaming laptop in the market. It has a backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad for low light conditions and to enhance usability. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides sharp, vibrant and smooth visuals, though its 250 nits brightness may be less ideal in bright environments. Powered by an Intel 12th Gen Core i7-12650H processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, it handles gaming and multitasking efficiently. The 512GB SSD offers fast storage. Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, USB-C 3.0, USB-A 3.0, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. The laptop has a 4-cell battery, B&O-tuned dual speakers, a 720p webcam, and a microSD card reader.
Pros:
- Great performance for all kinds of Taks including advanced gaming.
- Great gaming laptop at affordable price.
- Grat for office work or creative work.
Cons:
- Weak battery life.
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Specifications
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Model: 15-fa1163dx
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Processor: Intel 12th Generation Core i7
- Storage: 512GB
- Memory: 16GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- Dimensions: 0.93*14.098*10.04 inches
- Weight: 5.06lbs
HP Victus 15.6: Budget laptop for gaming
Design and Build
The HP Victus boasts a sleek and modern design with its Victus symbol displayed with elegance on it setting it apart from other laptops. The build quality feels solid, with minimal flex in the chassis, which is essential for a gaming laptop that might be transported frequently to different places for tournaments. At 0.93 inches in height and weighing 5.06 pounds, it is not really ultraportable but one can carry it from one place to another. It has the V symbol for Victus on it which really looks cool.
The backlit keyboard is a welcome feature, enhancing usability in low-light conditions. The keys have a comfortable travel distance, making typing and gaming sessions more enjoyable. The inclusion of a numeric keypad is a plus for those who frequently work with numbers.
Display
The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display is one of the strength of this laptop. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, it delivers sharp and vibrant visuals at par with the market standards. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, which is beneficial during multiplayer gaming sessions or while sharing laptop for gaming on the same laptop. It sustains this resolution even at high settings.
The 144Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage for gamers, because it means that the screen is refreshed a lot quicker making the operation smoother compared to the average 120Hz. This higher refresh rate can make a noticeable difference in fast-paced games, reducing motion blur and screen tearing. It also helps designing and tasks like CNC programming so this laptop is Best Laptops For CNC Programming Under $1000. However, the brightness of 250 nits is on the lower side, which might be less than ideal for use in brightly lit environments.
Performance
Powered by the Intel 12th Generation Core i7-12650H processor, this laptop offers impressive performance. With a boost clock frequency of up to 4.7 GHz and a 10-core configuration, which is more than enough for any gaming or can help in content creation with ease. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM, clocked at 3200 MHz, further enhances its ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM is a solid choice for mid-range gaming. It can handle most modern games at high settings, delivering smooth frame rates and detailed graphics. This GPU also supports ray tracing, offering more realistic lighting and shadows in supported games. It can run titles like Total war: Warhammer with ease at great frame rates. It can help you with applications like CAD. So we have included it in our Best Engineering Laptops under 1000.
The laptop comes with a 512GB SSD, which provides fast boot times and quick access to files and applications. While 512GB might be sufficient for many users, gamers with extensive libraries might find themselves needing additional storage. But we feel that this must be more than enough for most users searching for a budget gaming laptop. The SSD also contributes to the overall system responsiveness, reducing load times in games and applications by many times compared to the HDD. This storage along with the graphics allow you to run 3D based applications like Blender with ease, hence is included in Best Laptop For 3D Rendering Under $1000.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Connectivity options of this laptop is one of its superb qualities, with a variety of ports to accommodate different peripherals. The HDMI 2.1 port allows for easy connection to external monitors or TVs, supporting high resolutions and refresh rates. The inclusion of both USB-C 3.0 and USB-A 3.0 ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, which is essential for online gaming and streaming. Bluetooth connectivity is also available for pairing with wireless peripherals.
Equipped with a 4-cell lithium-ion polymer battery, the HP Victus offers not so great battery life for a gaming laptop. However, as with most gaming laptops, intensive gaming sessions will significantly reduce battery life, necessitating frequent charging. But for general use, including web browsing and light productivity, the battery life is more acceptable.
Audio and Camera and Additional Features
The audio quality is enhanced by dual speakers tuned by B&O, delivering clear and immersive sound. While not a substitute for high-end external speakers or headphones, the built-in audio is more than adequate for casual gaming and media consumption.
The front-facing 720p camera is suitable for video calls and streaming, though its resolution and image quality are average. So we have included it on Best HP Laptop For Working From Home. The built-in microphone performs adequately for voice communication.
The inclusion of a microSD card reader is a nice touch, providing additional storage options and easier file transfers from cameras and other devices. The presence of a media card slot is particularly useful for photographers and videographers who may need to use some external storages.
Conclusion
The HP Victus 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz Gaming Laptop offers a compelling package for gamers and power users alike. Its combination of a high-refresh-rate display, powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU make it well-suited for gaming and demanding applications. The design is sleek and modern, with a solid build quality that inspires confidence. It is made for users who want a budget priced gaming laptop. It also has connectivity for video calls for work or ports to watch movies.
However, there are a few areas where it could improve. The brightness of the display is somewhat limited, which may affect usability in bright environments. So if you want the best display for gaming, it is not for you. It also does not have a great battery life. Additionally, the 512GB SSD might not be sufficient for users with extensive storage needs.
Overall, the HP Victus 15.6″ strikes a good balance between performance, design, and value. It is a solid choice for those seeking a capable gaming laptop without venturing into the premium price range. This laptop is ideal for students or people who are searching for a gaming level performance laptop at a budget price.
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