HP Omen 15 (GTX 1070) Review: Is GTX Still Worth it in 2019?

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HP Omen 15 (GTX 1070) Review: Is GTX Still Worth it in 2019?

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Laptop Specifications
  3. Display and Graphics
  4. Performance and Thermals
  5. Battery Life
  6. Pricing and Value
  7. Comparison with 2019 Laptops
  8. Tips for Reducing Heat
  9. Noise Levels
  10. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back to Tech 410! In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the 2018 HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics card. Last week, we reviewed the GTX 1060 version, and today, we will discuss the major differences between the two models, with an emphasis on thermals, battery life, and gaming benchmarks. Additionally, we will be analyzing the value of this laptop in the current market, especially with the introduction of the RTX and GTX 1660 TI laptops. So, let's dive in and explore what the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q has to offer.

Laptop Specifications

The HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q is equipped with the powerful Intel i7-8750H processor, which boasts 6 cores and 12 Threads. This processor provides excellent performance for both productivity and gaming workloads. The laptop comes with a single 16GB stick of DDR4 RAM, providing the option to add another stick for dual-Channel performance. In terms of storage, the laptop offers a 256GB M.2 PCIe and a 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive. The speakers, still the Bang & Olufsen speakers, deliver great sound with acceptable loudness. Additionally, this laptop features a full SD card reader, an Ethernet port, Thunderbolt 3, and ample USB 3.0 ports.

Display and Graphics

One notable difference between the GTX 1070 Max-Q version and the GTX 1060 version is the display. The GTX 1070 Max-Q model comes with a stunning 144Hz display, which has become more common in the industry. Paired with this high refresh rate display is Nvidia's G-Sync technology, which eliminates screen tearing and provides a smoother viewing experience. The brightness of the display is noticeably better than the 60Hz GTX 1060 model, with an average of 315 nits compared to 266 nits. Moreover, the color reproduction is also improved, with a 93% sRGB and 60% Adobe RGB ratings.

Performance and Thermals

While the GTX 1070 Max-Q is not as powerful as a full GTX 1070, it still offers a significant boost compared to the GTX 1060. Most modern AAA games can be played at 60 frames per Second on high to ultra settings with this configuration. However, it is important to note that the HP Omen 15 does have some heat management issues. During office loads and light video editing, the CPU temperatures hover around 50-54 degrees Celsius. However, during gaming Sessions, the temperatures can rise to about 94 degrees Celsius. Tweaking the laptop's fan settings and considering additional cooling methods, such as thermal repasting or CPU undervolting, can help lower the temperatures and increase the longevity of the laptop.

Battery Life

The battery life of the HP Omen 15 with the GTX 1070 Max-Q is quite short. During web surfing, it lasts for about 4 hours, while video playback gives around 3 hours of battery life. Under heavy loads and at maximum brightness, the battery lasts for less than 2 hours. It is worth mentioning that the integrated graphics are disabled in this model to power the display with the GPU, which does impact battery performance. However, in our testing, both the GTX 1070 Max-Q model with the G-Sync display and the GTX 1060 model without G-Sync had similar battery life.

Pricing and Value

The price of the HP Omen 15 with the GTX 1070 Max-Q varies, but it can be a great deal if you manage to snag one at around $950. The laptop offers good value for its price, especially in terms of longevity and performance in future titles. It provides similar thermals to the GTX 1060 model, but with a better screen and slightly better overall performance. As 2019 laptops with the RTX series are being released, it is advisable to keep an eye out for discounts on the GTX 10 series laptops, as they are still very much capable of running today's games.

Comparison with 2019 Laptops

As Mentioned earlier, the release of the 2019 RTX laptops has elevated the gaming laptop market. However, the price of these new laptops is still quite high. Unless you are a power user who requires the latest technology, the GTX 1070 Max-Q in the HP Omen 15 is still a viable option. Many games do not yet fully support the RTX features, making the 10 series GPUs a more sensible choice for the average consumer or gamer. Keep an eye out for those discount deals and find the perfect balance between performance and price.

Tips for Reducing Heat

If you are concerned about overheating on your HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q, there are a few methods you can try to lower the temperatures. One option is using thermal paste, especially liquid metal, to improve the heat dissipation. Additionally, you can undervolt the CPU by around negative 125 millivolts. This method has been tested and proven by various YouTubers, such as Bob of all trades. Finally, HP has released a BIOS update that allows you to choose a maximum power for the CPU, which helps lower temperatures. It is important to keep an eye on your laptop's temperatures, as running above 99 degrees Celsius can negatively affect its longevity.

Noise Levels

In terms of noise levels, the HP Omen 15 with the GTX 1070 Max-Q performs similarly to its GTX 1060 counterpart. On the low end, the fan noise ranges from 25 to 32 decibels, with CPU temperatures staying around 50-54 degrees Celsius. During HEAVIER loads, such as CPU and GPU benchmarks or playing the newest games, the fan noise may increase to around 44 decibels, occasionally peaking up to 47 decibels. However, with the comfort mode turned on, the noise level is still manageable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q offers a powerful gaming experience with excellent performance and a stunning display. Despite the heat management issues, with some tweaking and additional cooling methods, this laptop can provide a satisfactory gaming experience for the average consumer or gamer. With its competitive price and the current market trends, the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q is definitely worth considering for those in search of a capable gaming laptop.

Highlights

  • Powerful gaming performance with the GTX 1070 Max-Q
  • Stunning 144Hz display with Nvidia's G-Sync technology
  • Good value for the price, especially when compared to 2019 laptops
  • Tips for reducing heat and managing temperatures
  • Manageable noise levels

FAQ

Q: Can the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q run modern AAA games on high settings? A: Yes, most modern AAA games can be played on high to ultra settings with this configuration.

Q: What is the battery life like on the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q? A: The battery life is quite short, lasting around 4 hours during web surfing and less than 2 hours under heavy loads.

Q: How does the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q compare to the RTX series laptops? A: While the RTX series offers the latest technology, the price is still quite high. The GTX 1070 Max-Q in the HP Omen 15 provides good performance at a more affordable price.

Q: Are there any recommended methods for reducing heat on the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q? A: Yes, methods such as thermal repasting, undervolting the CPU, and updating the BIOS can help lower temperatures and increase the longevity of the laptop.

Q: How does the fan noise compare on the HP Omen 15 with a GTX 1070 Max-Q? A: The fan noise is manageable on the low end, but it can increase during heavier loads. With the comfort mode turned on, the noise levels are still tolerable.

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