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At CES on January 6, 2025, HP announced a broad range of gaming and professional PCs, accessories and software. The gaming side included the OMEN MAX 16 and OMEN 16 laptops, OMEN desktops, a refreshed Victus 15, monitors, HyperX mice and OMEN AI tuning software. Its work-focused announcements included new EliteBook AI PCs, ZBook and Z2 Mini workstations, and HP AI Companion.
The announcements mixed hardware specifications with HP’s claims about performance and AI. Prices and release windows below are the starting prices and expected timing HP gave at launch—not verified current prices or a guarantee that every announced configuration shipped on that schedule.
OMEN AI: automatic tuning, not a general-purpose AI assistant
HP’s gaming software headline was OMEN AI, which the company described as a one-click optimization tool. It recommends operating-system, hardware and in-game settings for a particular PC and game, and HP said it can continue adjusting and learning over time. The beta launched with support for Counter-Strike 2, with more games planned; that does not mean it works with every game.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →OMEN AI is best understood as an automated tuning layer, not a generative-AI chatbot or a new graphics processor. HP says it requires OMEN Gaming Hub on Windows 10 version 19041.0 or later, and cautions that results vary by hardware and supported game. HP’s announcement does not establish a universal frame-rate improvement. (HP’s gaming announcement)
#1 Best Overall
- [CPU] AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Processor (8 Cores, 16 Threads, 3.8 GHz Base Clock Speed up to 5.5 GHz Max Boost Clock Speed) for Elite Gaming and Content Creation with 4nm Leading Edge Technology | [STORAGE] 2TB PCIe NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD - Experience Hyper-Fast Bootup and Data Transfer thats up to 30x Faster Performance than a Traditional Hard Drive.
- [GPU] NVD Geforce RTX 5070 (12GB GDDR7 dedicated memory) Get All the Power You Need for Fast, Smooth, Power-Efficient Performance | [RAM] 32GB DDR5 RAM Gaming Memory for Seamless Multitasking from Multiple Web Pages to Playing Games Online Simultaneously | [OS] Windows 11 Pro x64
- [STABLE WiFi 6E + FAST BT 5.3] Enjoy cutting-edge 802.11ax wireless connectivity with built-in Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting various devices, like mice, keyboards, printers, and more. This high-speed wireless technology ensures efficient transmission speed, enhancing browsing and streaming. | [CONNECTIVITY] Top: 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (HP Sleep and Charge); 2x USB Type-A 5Gbps (HP Sleep and Charge); 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo / Rear: 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps (DisplayPort 1.4); 1x USB Type-C 10Gbps; 2x USB Type-A 5Gbps; 4x USB 2.0 Type-A; 1x Microphone; 1x RJ-45; 1x Line In; 1x Line Out
- [BUY WITH CONFIDENCE] Empowered PCs are Assembled in the USA, Rigorously Stress-Tested Before Shipping, and Supported with Lifetime Technical and Diagnostic Support and 3-Year Limited Hardware Warranty.
- [ACCESSORIES] Branded Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Included with Purchase | This PC is ready to run your favorite games at 1080p Full HD resolution and smooth 60+ FPS gameplay.
Gaming laptops: flagship MAX 16, OMEN 16 and Victus 15
The OMEN MAX 16 was HP’s flagship gaming-laptop announcement. Configurations were described with up to Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen AI 9 Mobile processors, up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs based on Blackwell, with DLSS 4 and NVIDIA Studio features. Those are “up to” options, not specifications guaranteed on every model.
HP highlighted OMEN Tempest Cooling Pro, a thermal material it calls OMEN Cryo Compound (a hybrid of liquid metal and metal grease), and Fan Cleaner technology, which periodically reverses fan direction to help dislodge dust. OMEN Gaming Hub’s new Unleashed Mode allows manual power-control profiles. Optional per-key RGB and a front light bar add customization, while HP’s Ultra Low Latency Gen 3 technology can connect up to three compatible HyperX peripherals. HP announced a $1,699.99 starting price and said availability was expected in the coming months. These are manufacturer descriptions; no independent thermal, noise or performance results are established by the launch announcement.
The third-generation OMEN 16 was positioned below the MAX. It also adds Unleashed Mode; HP cited a redesigned fan module, infrared sensor and an additional heat pipe, claiming 1.49 times increased airflow. It was announced in Shadow Black and Ceramic White with a four-zone RGB keyboard, at a $1,599.99 starting price and expected availability in March 2025. The airflow figure is HP’s claim, not an independently measured result.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor a less premium entry point, the refreshed Victus 15 pairs a 15.6-inch display with AMD Ryzen mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX Laptop graphics. HP listed Mica Silver, Performance Blue and Powder Pink finishes, a $1,199.99 starting price, and expected January 2025 availability. A later enhancement was expected in May, adding 100 W USB-C charging, a second SSD slot and an upgraded FHD IR camera with Windows Hello; those additions should not be assumed on the initial version.
| Model | Launch positioning and announced details | Launch price and expected timing |
|---|---|---|
| OMEN MAX 16 | Flagship; up to Core Ultra 9 or Ryzen AI 9 Mobile, RTX 50 Series Laptop graphics, up to 64 GB DDR5 | From $1,699.99; coming months |
| OMEN 16 | Third-generation model with Unleashed Mode and redesigned cooling | From $1,599.99; March 2025 |
| Victus 15 | 15.6-inch AMD Ryzen and RTX Laptop options; later refresh promised additional features | From $1,199.99; January 2025, enhanced version expected in May |
All prices and dates in this table are HP’s US launch announcements. Exact CPU, GPU, screen, memory and storage combinations vary by SKU; the family name alone does not establish a system’s performance.
OMEN desktops: a compact 16L and RTX 50 Series refreshes
The OMEN 16L targets buyers who want a smaller gaming desktop and a lower entry price rather than the largest possible performance ceiling. HP listed configurations up to Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7, with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 7600 graphics. Its cooling layout includes a 120 mm front RGB fan, a 90 mm rear fan, a 92 mm RGB fan and two CPU heat pipes. Panda and Shadow Black chassis options were announced. The launch starting price was $949.99, with availability expected in late February 2025.
HP also announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU upgrades for the OMEN 35L and 45L. It did not give complete configurations or prices in the cited announcement, so the refresh should not be read as meaning every 35L or 45L included a particular RTX 50 Series card. HP said further availability and pricing details would follow. For any desktop, confirm the exact GPU, power supply, cooling and expansion options on the specific configuration rather than assuming they are uniform across a product family. (HP’s gaming overview)
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- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-Core 3.70 GHz Processor (36MB Smart Cache, Turbo Boost up to 5.70 GHz), Intel AI Boost 13 TOPS NPU
- 64GB DDR5 5600 MHz Memory, 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solis State Drive, OMEN CRYO CHAMBER, OMEN Light Studio, AI Copilot, Windows 11 Pro
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) & Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) / Supports Video Alt Mode, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB-A 2.0, 1x Headphone/Microphone Input
- 2-Year Warranty by Techno Intelligence & Free Tech Support, Liquid Cooling, RGB Lighting, Tempered Glass Case, Keyboard & Mouse, Black
Monitors: a smart-TV hybrid and conventional high-refresh displays
The OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor occupies a different niche from a standard PC monitor. It combines a 4K UHD panel running at 144 Hz with Google TV, bringing streaming and cloud gaming alongside connections for consoles, PCs, peripherals and Android phones. HP also described direct streaming to as many as four platforms. The announced starting price was $749.99, with availability expected in April 2025. Google TV apps and content can vary by country, and may require internet access, a Google account or paid subscriptions or purchases.
HP’s more conventional OMEN G2 lineup covered several refresh-rate and size options:
- OMEN 27 G2: up to 180 Hz; announced from $249.99.
- OMEN 27q G2: up to 180 Hz; announced from $299.99.
- OMEN 27qs G2: QHD IPS Black, 280 Hz, 1 ms response time and DisplayHDR certification; announced from $449.99.
- OMEN 34c G2: curved WQHD panel with a 1500R curve and DisplayHDR 400; announced from $479.99.
A high refresh-rate ceiling is most useful when the computer can render games at high frame rates; it is not, by itself, proof of better motion handling or a better gaming experience.
HyperX mice add modularity and wireless options
HP’s accessory announcements extended its gaming lineup under the HyperX name. The Pulsefire Saga and Saga Pro use interchangeable components, with eight included parts supporting up to 16 configurations and 3D-printable customization files. The Saga Pro adds dual wireless connectivity and Instant Pair with select OMEN laptops. Announced starting prices were $79.99 for the Saga and $119.99 for the Saga Pro.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Business AI PCs: EliteBook Ultra and X
HP’s CES announcements were not just a gaming refresh. The EliteBook Ultra G1i and EliteBook X G1i families were presented as business laptops with Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors and up to 48 TOPS of NPU performance. TOPS describes a processor’s theoretical AI-operation capacity; it does not guarantee that a particular application uses the NPU or runs faster. Software support and workload matter.
The EliteBook Ultra G1i pairs that platform with a 9-megapixel camera, dual microphones, quad speakers, AI-enabled Poly Camera Pro experiences and a 120 Hz 3K OLED display. HP announced a $2,019 starting price and expected availability later in January 2025. The clamshell EliteBook X G1i was announced from $1,999, with availability expected in February; HP claimed faster local AI workflows and quieter thermal operation, but the announcement does not provide independent measurements.
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- INDUSTRY STANDARD FORM FACTOR AND TOOL-LESS ACCESS - Built with ease of upgrading and customization in mind, this chassis adheres to the industry standard form factor; Easily, access and swap out components and parts without any tools or equipment
- EXPERIENCE POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT AI PERFORMANCE - Unlock optimized gaming, creation and AI capabilities for desktops and workstations like never before with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K processor
- GAME CHANGER - Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 5070 GPU brings game-changing AI capabilities to gamers and creators
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 solid-state drive offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 16 GB DDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
- WINDOWS 11 PRO AND Microsoft Copilot - Windows 11 helps you think, express, and create in a natural way; Microsoft Copilot is always on hand to boost your productivity, accelerate your creativity, and help you communicate with maximum clarity
The convertible EliteBook X Flip G1i adds laptop, tablet and tent modes, plus optional support for an HP Rechargeable Active Pen. Its announced starting price was $2,249, with February 2025 availability expected. It is the more relevant format for people who will actually use pen input or convertible modes; those who need a conventional clamshell need not assume those features justify the premium.
What HP AI Companion does—and what it needs
HP described AI Companion as a tool for personalizing settings and summarizing documents, distinct from OMEN AI’s game-tuning role. HP’s stated requirements include a qualifying next-generation AI PC with an NPU supporting 40–60 TOPS, Windows 11, account setup, and local-data uploads for some functions. HP also specifies limits on local libraries and prompts. Availability and functionality can depend on the device, software and region, so an “AI PC” label or TOPS figure alone does not establish access to every feature. See HP’s Future of Work announcement for its launch qualifications.
Compact workstations for local AI and professional workloads
The HP ZBook Ultra G1a is a compact mobile workstation built around AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO and aimed at work such as 3D design, rendering and local large-language-model workflows. The Z2 Mini G1a brings HP’s workstation pitch to a compact desktop form factor, with professional workloads and local AI in view. HP developed both with AMD and emphasized performance in small systems. It expected them in spring 2025 and had not announced launch prices in the cited material. Buyers should seek exact specifications, ISV certification details and current availability for the intended workload; broad “world’s first” or “most powerful” language in launch material is HP’s claim, not an independent comparison.
What the CES announcement means for buyers
For gaming laptops, the MAX 16 is the premium, higher-headroom option on paper; the OMEN 16 offers a slightly lower launch price while retaining manual tuning controls; Victus 15 is the less premium gaming entry point. For desktops, the 16L emphasizes a smaller footprint and lower starting price, while 35L and 45L buyers should verify which GPU a particular configuration actually has.
For displays, choose the 32x if its Google TV and cloud-gaming features are useful as well as its 4K/144 Hz panel. A G2 monitor is the more direct PC-display choice; competitive players should compare motion performance and their PC’s ability to sustain high frame rates, not just the maximum refresh number. For business AI systems, check whether the applications you use benefit from NPU acceleration, and verify Windows, account, software and data requirements before treating an advertised AI feature as a reason to buy.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHP’s CES releases were announced in January 2025, and the prices above are historical US starting prices from that announcement—not verified August 2026 street prices. HP described many launch windows as expected or “in the coming months.” Current stock, configurations, prices and regional feature availability require checking the exact product and market.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
