PC gaming has shown resilience post-pandemic, with affordable gaming options like the HP Victus 15 laptop standing out. While graphics processing units (GPUs) remain somewhat pricey, the Victus 15 is touted as a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance without a hefty price tag. Priced under $1,000, it offers a compelling gaming experience, particularly appealing to those primarily focused on gaming.
The Victus 15 is equipped with mid-range components that maintain decent frame rates, all housed in a design that avoids the stereotypical “gamer” aesthetic. This updated 2024 model features an RTX 4050 GPU with 6GB of VRAM and a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. While the i7 chip is slightly dated, it still provides adequate performance for gaming. The system comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, though a larger storage option would be preferable given the growing sizes of modern games.
The design of the Victus 15 is predominantly plastic, but it presents well in a dark blue finish. While it may not be the lightest or thinnest laptop, it feels sturdy enough for casual transportation. However, the port selection leaves something to be desired, featuring only a single USB-C port and limited connectivity options. Additionally, the laptop is relatively basic in terms of design, lacking modern flourishes or features like a power delivery-enabled USB-C port.
HP Victus 15 Offers Solid Performance and Affordability for Casual Gamers
The display is a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is standard for budget gaming laptops. While it performs adequately in terms of clarity and viewing angles, its maximum brightness of 250 nits may be insufficient for outdoor use. The downward-firing speakers provide decent audio but lack bass, making external speakers or headphones preferable for a better sound experience.
In terms of performance, the Victus 15 handles most AAA games at medium settings. Benchmarks suggest that while it falls behind newer competitors, it still delivers playable frame rates in popular titles. HP includes several preloaded performance optimization apps, but they can introduce some unwanted bloatware, which may detract from the user experience.
Battery life is a notable aspect, with the Victus 15 lasting nearly six hours during video playback tests, which is respectable for a gaming laptop. However, it’s still not ideal for extended use away from a power source. The battery life is shorter during general tasks and gaming, so users may need to rely on charging it frequently.
The HP Victus 15 represents a solid entry-level gaming laptop that can handle modern games at a reasonable price. It may not be the best choice for productivity tasks due to its older CPU and limited ports. Although its MSRP is around $1,100, the current sale price of approximately $799 makes it a more appealing option for those focused on gaming.
While the HP Victus 15 isn’t without its drawbacks, it strikes a good balance between performance and affordability for casual gamers. Its limitations in terms of modern features and future-proofing should be considered, but for those seeking a capable gaming machine without breaking the bank, it offers good value.
