The updated HP Omen 17 gaming laptop version came out in May of 2021, and it got some major hardware upgrades. From 11th generation Intel Core processors to the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX30-series graphics, all the new HP Omen 17 perks are highlighted below.
HP Omen 17: Design & Features
Just like its 15-inch equivalent, the 2021 HP Omen 15 model, the new Omen 17 is a much more robust gaming laptop compared to the previous release. But unlike the Omen 15 offering AMD Ryzen family processors, the 17-ich series exclusively comes with Intel processors.
Perhaps, the HP Omen 17 is not the lightest of gaming laptops on the market. It weighs 7.12 lbs; for comparison, the Dell’s Alienware m15 R4 laptop is only 5.3 lbs.
This year’s HP Omen 17 has a modified “hidden” hinge design that makes the entire screen housing more concise and better integrated. Yes, the laptop is a bit bulkier, but it is still relatively portable. Besides, considering the hardware the system comes with, it has to be bigger for optimal gaming performance. Color-wise, nothing has changed: the updated HP Omen laptop also comes in a Shadow Black option, which gives it that premium polished look, with the holographic teal Omen logo on its back cover.
If the Omen 17’s design doesn’t hit the mark and you much rather explore other HP models, please check our Best HP gaming laptops money can buy post.
HP Omen 17 Display
HP Omen models historically come with matte screens, and the 2021 release is no exception. This year’s model comes with the following screen options:
- 17.3-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), 300 nits, 100% sRGB, 144Hz refresh rate;
- 17.3-inch diagonal, QHD (2560 x 1440), 300 nits, 100% sRGB, and 165Hz refresh rate.
The bezel frame also became narrower, providing a significantly improved viewing experience.
Overall, both display configurations offer a high pixel density, providing a perfectly vivid and colorful image and a faster response time–essential markers for seamless gaming.
Processor and GPU Options
As we mentioned earlier, this model comes with Intel Core family processors only. And while some fans might be upset with the lack of equally powerful AMD Ryzen based configurations, the latest 11th generation CPUs with Turbo Boost technology do not disappoint.
The new line offers two Intel processor options:
- Octa-core i7-11800H 2.30 GHz bus speed and 16 threads;
- i5-11400H (six cores), 2.70 base speed, 12 threads.
As for graphics, both the Core i5 and Core i7 configurations can be configured up to RTX 3070 NVIDIA GeForce GPU. But the Core i7 models are also expected to get the most powerful RTX 3080 option.
HP Omen 17 has two RAM slots. Intel Core i5 based model is configured to 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM by default. And the Core i7 version comes with 32GB.
HP Omen 17: Ports and Slots
HP Omen 17 laptop offers a decent selection of I/O ports, nine of them to be exact. On the left, you have a USB 3.0 Type-A port, an HDMI Video port, an RJ45 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a charge port, an Ethernet, 2USB Type C, Thunderbolt 4 port, and a microphone jack. While on the right side, there is the SD card reader slot and two USB Type-A data ports:
- 1 Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB4™ Type-C® 40Gbps signaling rate (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort™ 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge)7, 8
- 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate (HP Sleep and Charge)9
- 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate
- 1 RJ-45
- 1 AC Smart pin
- 1 Headphone/microphone combo (DTS: X® Ultra)10
- 1 Mini DisplayPort™
- 1 HDMI 2.0a
We like that the model includes the Thunderbolt 4, the most powerful of ports. Unfortunately, many newly released gaming laptop models happen to lack this feature. The Thunderbolt 4 port brings high-speed data transmission, fast charging, output to multiple HD displays, and other functions, thanks to its 40Gbps ultra-high bandwidth.
HP Omen 17 Keyboard
Another notable upgrade to the new Omen 17 features is the mechanical RGB keyboard. The optional full-size mechanical keyboard utilizes optical switches and offers a fast 0.2ms response time. And as expected, the RGB backlight is fully customizable.
The Omen Gaming Hub
The Omen Gaming Hub allows you to monitor the temperature of your CPU, GPU, and memory, change the colors of your keyboard, set up different macros, and control fan speeds. Basically, it gives users full control over performance, optimization, and customizing. What’s more, the Hub can automatically overclock the processor and graphics without the need to tamper in BIOS.
Used HP Omen Gaming Laptop Trade-In Value
The resale price of a used HP laptop largely depends on the model, configuration, and overall working and cosmetic condition. If you are looking to price a specific model, look up the HP laptop trade in value on different online buy-back sites or marketplaces. Granted, the research may be time-consuming, but we at Gadget Salvation can give you an instant offer in a matter of minutes. So if you are looking for a quick sale, we are your go-to place for a speedy and convenient turnaround.
Conclusion
The 2021 Omen 17 comes with powerful 11th generation Intel Core chips and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics. As a result, this laptop can go as close to a desktop gaming experience as currently possible. And while it has been two months since the official release date, the HP Omen 17 laptops have yet to hit the stores. Needless to say, we, like many other laptop gamers, eagerly anticipate getting hands on our very first 2021 HP Omen 17 model.
