HP Omen 35L Gaming Desktop: A Stylish yet Flawed Powerhouse

Introduction to the HP Omen 35L

The HP Omen 35L is a striking gaming desktop that combines style, performance, and compact design. With its 35-liter chassis, it packs a punch, offering high-end features like RGB lighting, powerful components, and effective cooling. However, this machine isn’t without its flaws, particularly in its configuration choices and pricing. While it can deliver strong 4K gaming performance, its CPU and upgrade pricing raise eyebrows. Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing system.

Design and Build Quality: A Feast for the Eyes

One of the standout features of the HP Omen 35L is its sleek and visually appealing design. The compact mATX chassis is adorned with RGB lighting everywhere—from the fans and CPU pump to the memory sticks and graphics card. The system also boasts a glass side panel, showcasing the tidy interior with a black PCB motherboard. HP has clearly prioritized aesthetics, making this desktop a head-turner for gamers who value style.

The case itself is well-engineered, with a smart airflow system that includes dust filters on the intakes—practical for maintaining performance over time. While the design is excellent, the port selection is somewhat underwhelming for a high-end desktop. With limited USB-C options and no USB4 support, the Omen 35L feels a bit behind the times in terms of connectivity.

Performance: Strong 4K Gaming but a CPU Bottleneck

The HP Omen 35L delivers impressive performance, particularly in 4K gaming, thanks to its RTX 4080 Super GPU. Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Guardians of the Galaxy run smoothly, even at high settings. However, the system’s CPU—an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G—fails to match the GPU’s potential, creating a bottleneck in 1080p gaming. This mismatch means gamers may not fully utilize the GPU’s capabilities at lower resolutions.

In benchmarks, the Omen 35L trails behind systems with more robust CPUs, such as the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8, in both single-core and multi-core tests. While 4K gaming is less CPU-dependent and remains stellar, the system’s performance is inconsistent across different workloads. HP’s decision to pair a mid-tier CPU with a top-tier GPU is puzzling, as it limits the system’s overall potential.

Value and Configuration: Caution Advised

The Omen 35L starts at a modest $1,299, offering a configuration that’s decent for entry-level gamers. However, the top-tier model tested here costs a whopping $3,314. While this configuration includes a powerful GPU, there are some questionable choices, such as overpriced memory and storage upgrades. For instance, upgrading to 64GB of DDR5 memory costs $260—far more than what you’d pay for aftermarket solutions. Similarly, HP’s 2TB PCIe SSD is more than double the market price.

To get the best value, buyers should consider lower configurations and opt for aftermarket upgrades. For example, dropping unnecessary storage and memory upgrades brings the price down to around $2,407 while maintaining strong performance. This makes the Omen 35L competitive with Lenovo’s Legion series, both in terms of power and value.

Cooling and Noise: Quiet and Efficient

One of the Omen 35L’s strengths is its cooling system. The combination of a 240mm liquid cooler and strategically placed fans ensures that temperatures remain manageable, even during intense gaming sessions. The system stays remarkably quiet, with the fans producing minimal noise under load. The inclusion of dust filters on the intake fans is a thoughtful touch, reducing the risk of dust buildup and maintaining long-term performance.

While the cooling design is excellent, there’s room for improvement in other areas. For instance, the lack of modern ports like USB4 and 2.5GbE Ethernet may disappoint enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge connectivity.

Conclusion: A Promising System with Room for Improvement

The HP Omen 35L is a visually stunning desktop with strong 4K gaming chops and an efficient cooling system. Its RGB lighting and compact design make it a standout choice for gamers who value aesthetics. However, the mismatched CPU and overpriced upgrades hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Gamers who prioritize 4K performance and are willing to configure the system wisely will find the Omen 35L to be a solid choice. However, those seeking the best value should carefully weigh their options and consider aftermarket upgrades. With a few tweaks to its configuration and pricing, HP could truly unleash the Omen 35L’s potential.