The PC gaming market remains vibrant, even after the GPU shortages and crypto mining craze. While GPU prices have eased somewhat, building a capable gaming rig can still be expensive. HP’s 2024 Victus 15 laptop aims to provide desktop-level gaming performance without breaking the bank. If gaming is your primary focus, this laptop delivers a surprisingly enjoyable experience. With modest yet consistent gaming power for under $1,000 (and often much less on sale), the Victus 15 is worth a closer look. It’s even cheaper than a mid-range desktop GPU.
HP Victus 15: Specifications and Features
The 2024 Victus 15 utilizes a familiar chassis from previous models, but with updated internal components, most notably the GPU. Here’s a rundown of the key specs:
- Model number: 15-fb2063dx
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H
- Memory: 16GB DDR4
- Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB)
- Display: 15.6-inch diagonal IPS, 1920 x 1080 @ 144 Hz
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Webcam: 720p
- Connectivity: 1x USB-C (5Gbps), 2 x USB-A (5 Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- Networking: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery capacity: 70Whr, 200W adapter
- Dimensions: 14.09 x 10.04 x 0.93 inches
- Weight: 5.06 lbs
- MSRP as tested: $1,099.99
The Victus 15 features an Nvidia RTX 4050 laptop GPU with 6GB of VRAM. While a step down from the RTX 4060 commonly found in mid-range gaming laptops, it still delivers respectable performance. The CPU is a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12650H, a 10-core chip (4 efficiency cores and 6 performance cores) with a maximum clock speed of 4.7GHz. While not the latest generation, it’s still a capable processor for gaming. However, it lacks the efficiency and AI processing capabilities of newer CPUs, with no NPU or dedicated Copilot key.
The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is sufficient for most games, and the 512GB SSD provides adequate storage, although a larger 1TB option would be preferable given the increasing size of modern games. While the reviewed model features an i7 and RTX 4050, a similar configuration with a 12th Gen Core i5 and RTX 3050 is also available. However, the reviewed model offers better value, especially at discounted sale prices.
The HP Victus 15 handles most AAA games at medium settings, and the 144Hz 1080p display provides a smooth experience for fast-paced titles.
Design and Build Quality
alt text: HP Victus 15 Design
The Victus 15’s all-plastic construction is surprisingly sleek for a budget gaming laptop. The dark blue color offers a refreshing alternative to the usual black or gray. While the matte finish initially looks appealing, it tends to attract and retain fingerprints, requiring regular cleaning. Branding is minimal, with a reflective Victus “V” on the lid and smaller logos inside.
At approximately one inch thick and five pounds, the Victus 15 isn’t particularly thin or light. The chassis exhibits some flex, and the plastic feels somewhat thin. However, the laptop has proven reasonably durable in everyday use. The wide bumpons on the bottom provide a stable base.
The port selection is somewhat dated, with a single 5Gbps USB-C port that cannot be used for charging. This necessitates carrying the bulky 200W DC power adapter. The inclusion of a full-size HDMI port, Ethernet, and two USB-A ports is appreciated, though.
The hinge allows for smooth one-handed opening, but the screen can wobble slightly. The display features a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio with a noticeably large bottom bezel. The top and side bezels are considerably thinner. While gaming, the laptop’s cooling system manages heat effectively, directing hot air away from the user through rear-facing vents.
Display and Speakers
alt text: HP Victus 15 Display
The 15.6-inch 1080p LCD is standard for budget gaming laptops and serves its purpose well. The IPS panel delivers sharp visuals with good viewing angles and minimal backlight bleed. However, the display’s maximum brightness of 250 nits is below average, making outdoor use challenging. The matte finish helps mitigate reflections.
The downward-firing stereo speakers provide adequate volume for gaming, but lack bass. Audio quality is acceptable, but distortion becomes noticeable at higher volumes.
Keyboard and Trackpad
alt text: HP Victus 15 Keyboard
The Victus 15 features a full-size keyboard with a number pad. While the number pad keys are full-sized, their proximity to the other keys can make them difficult to locate by touch. The square keys have white backlighting, but no RGB lighting. While key travel is decent, the keys feel somewhat wobbly, and the keyboard deck flexes under pressure. The small arrow keys and the power button’s proximity to the backspace key are minor annoyances.
The plastic trackpad is reasonably sized and responsive, although the click mechanism feels mushy. Adjusting the sensitivity settings can improve the overall experience.
Performance
The Victus 15 handles games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with medium or better settings, delivering playable frame rates. While it doesn’t consistently reach the 144Hz refresh rate in demanding titles, it offers a smooth experience for less demanding games like Fortnite or Counter-Strike.
The pre-installed software includes HP’s Omen Gaming Hub for performance tuning, but also some bloatware like McAfee and WildTangent Games.
Benchmark results show the Victus 15 performs as expected for its hardware configuration. While it trails behind laptops with newer CPUs in some tests, the RTX 4050 GPU holds its own in gaming benchmarks.
Battery Life
alt text: HP Victus 15 Battery Life
The Victus 15’s 77Wh battery provides almost six hours of video playback time, which is decent for a gaming laptop. However, real-world usage, including gaming, will drain the battery much faster. Expect shorter battery life for general use and limited unplugged gaming sessions.
Conclusion
The HP Victus 15 offers a competent and affordable entry point into PC gaming. The RTX 4050 provides decent gaming performance at 1080p, and the 144Hz display enhances the experience. While not a future-proof machine due to the older CPU and limited port selection, it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers. The $1,100 MSRP is a bit high, but the frequent sales make it a compelling value proposition. If you’re looking for an inexpensive gaming laptop and can find it on sale, the Victus 15 is worth considering.
