Review of the HP OMEN 35L: A Stunning Showcase of Gaming Power

It’s easy to toss around the idea that everyone should piece together their own gaming PC, but let’s face it — a lot would prefer to rely on experts to get the job done.

Now, when it comes to pre-built gaming rigs, not all are crafted equal, but the HP OMEN series has steadily earned its stripes in the gaming community. Enter the HP OMEN 35L: a powerhouse wrapped in a sleek mid-sized case. It’s got the smarts, a nod to artificial intelligence, and a design that’s not only easy on the eyes but also on your tinkering skills—making room for upgrades as needed.

Having parked this beauty, equipped with Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 2, on my desk for a few weeks, I must say, it’s a keeper. Sure, there were some bumps along the way — what top-notch gadget doesn’t have its quirks? But the OMEN 35L isn’t one to bow down easily, even to the most demanding of games. And hey, you won’t have to part with a king’s ransom to make it yours.

Why should you hear me out? Well, I’m Zachary Boddy, a seasoned writer and aficionado in the gaming world. My playground is filled with countless hours behind the desk, delving into both custom-built and pre-made machines. I judge them by their performance, cooling prowess, design flair, and the all-important ability to grow and be upgraded over time.

Now, let’s dive into some numbers and specs for the HP OMEN 35L. With a range of AMD and Intel configurations, prices kick off at $1,300. But if you’re looking for the flagship experience, brace yourself for a price tag of $2,899.99. Nonetheless, the price feels justified, especially if you’re eyeing an Intel-centric setup. Here’s a glimpse of what I tested: price at $2,899.99 from HP, with components such as an Intel Z890 microATX motherboard, Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 Super GPU, and 32GB of lightning-fast DDR5 RAM. It’s a formidable setup.

The latest OMEN 35L, despite its Intel Core Ultra label, is malleable. Whether you lean towards an AMD, Intel, or even a mix with NVIDIA gear, options abound. On my desk sat the crème de la crème — the blend of Intel’s brains and NVIDIA’s muscle. Starting at $2,019.99, the price depends on your choice of features: Core Ultra 5 or 7 and the potent RTX 4080 SUPER.

Flexibility in how you can deck out your OMEN 35L is a cherry on top, making it adaptable to your cravings. But price-wise and performance-wise, Intel’s offering stands tall, outfitted with high-end motherboards ready for tomorrow’s upgrades.

The unboxing experience? Simple: the HP OMEN 35L — whether in its classic black or the classy panda theme — along with the power cable. Though you’ll have to snag a keyboard and mouse separately, a year’s limited warranty has your back.

Now, speaking of design and robustness, the OMEN 35L cleverly hides its 35-liter capacity within a compact shell. The design is compelling, sporting sleek lines and a two-tone finish—gone is the all-black norm. There’s no denying the allure of my panda version.

It’s not just about looks; it’s about the experience. Toolless, easy-access design means you can swiftly pop open both sides to tweak or upgrade what’s inside. The aesthetics extend even to hidden cables, matched in color and finesse, while the glowing RGB lighting — all customizable — adds a personal touch.

The build quality? Top-notch. Metal dominates the structure, tempered glass aside, and every component seems strategically planned and impeccably executed. HP even incorporates recycled materials in its design and opts for eco-friendly paint.

Hookups are plentiful, from a USB Type-C welcoming visitors at the top, to a rich lineup of ports tucked neatly at the back. Oddly enough, motherboard display ports are absent — a miss if your GPU throws a fit. But, notable is the Thunderbolt 4 port emerging on desktop PCs, which makes a nice addition along with the RTX 4080 SUPER’s outputs.

Taking performance and cooling into account, the HP OMEN 35L does pack a punch, albeit not quite earth-shatteringly. Intel’s Core Ultra Series brings versatility undeniably, though not drastically shaking the gaming world. Thermal management, however, excels — providing a stable performance without a peep of struggle during even intense loops in testing.

The OMEN 35L’s quiet nature is welcomed, though some may note a faint fan noise before it grows silent when pushed. Still, compared to competitors, it holds its ground remarkably well.

Upgrade-wise, the OMEN 35L is inviting. HP ensured standard parts and user-friendly design meant users can tweak with ease. Additional RAM? More storage? Go ahead, provided you mind its microATX layout, which in tighter confines, slightly restricts expansion.

Software installation, however, could use some streamlining. A throng of preinstalled bits and bobs may not appeal to everyone, though once cleared, the system cruises relatively smoothly. Bug-wise? A hiccup happened here or there — slight disturbances one can feasibly iron out.

In conclusion, the HP OMEN 35L holds its own as a stellar option for those seeking a blend of aesthetics, performance, and upgradeability — particularly tempting to those not after the absolute pinnacle of gaming horsepower. Frustrations arose with some software elements, yet the OMEN 35L stands resilient, eye-catching, and capable of evolving, which is no small feat in today’s dynamic computing world. Whether for stability in gaming or versatility in upgrading, this system presents a strong case for any desktop PC lover looking to strike the right balance.