HP’s new Victus gaming laptop may be the cheapest way to get an RTX 4070

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For those (like myself) who get a little pit in their stomach every time they see how much the best gaming laptops of any given year cost, the HP Victus series – a budget line that is one of Best Buy’s most popular products in the the two years since its release – is a welcome relief.

HP made some flashy announcements today at its Amplify Partner Conference, but beneath them lies one that I think could make a difference for many customers: The Victus 16 has been refreshed for 2023 and gone a little wild.

Specifically, the Victus 16 is now available with an RTX 4070 graphics card. The 2021 Victus 16 only went to an RTX 3050 Ti (a model currently listed for $949). Even counting the older Victus 15, which has a wider range of chip options, the best option I currently see available is an RTX 3060. Needless to say, we can expect significantly better performance from that 4070 system than from the RTX 3050 Ti – or RTX 3060 models.

In terms of processors, the new Victus maxes out at an Intel Core i7-13700HX or an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS. These are high-end chips, which you would expect in a very expensive laptop. And while of course I can’t say for sure right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Victus is one of the most affordable ways to get one of these three chips in 2023.

Here is the new Victus 16.
Image: PK

I tested a Core i5/GTX 1650 model of the Victus 15 last year, which was listed for $799. It didn’t offer the same performance as an RTX 4070 machine, but it was a decent device with some attractive features.

I would of course expect a 4070 Victus to be more expensive than that GTX model. But the former can still be an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers who don’t need a fancy case or fancy RGB lighting, but still want powerful performance in demanding games.

The Omen Transcend 16 is for “hybrid lifestyle gaming,” according to HP.
Image: PK

In the more expensive sphere, HP also announced a new Omen Transcend 16 device with a 16:10 Mini LED display (claims 1,180 nits peak brightness), a 4.6-pound (2.1 kg) magnesium frame, and a new square bezel design. vents . It’s HP’s thinnest and lightest gaming laptop to date. This is more of a multifunctional laptop that can be used on the go for things like work and study. HP states that it is built for “gaming, work and everything in between”.

The Transcend 16 goes up to a Core i9-13900HX and RTX 4070. (It appears to be Intel only, unlike the Victus.)

The Omen 16, on the other hand, is for ‘hardcore gamers’.
Image: PK

HP has also refreshed its regular Omen 16 laptop with both 13th Gen Intel (up to a Core i9-13900HX) and Ryzen 7000 (up to a Ryzen 9 7940HS) options. This one goes to an RTX 4080 and offers a QHD 240Hz display.

The Victus 16, Omen Transcend 16 and Omen 16 are all expected “early this spring”. They start at $1,049.99, $1,299.99, and $1,699.99, respectively.