The HP Omen 15 2020 also comes with AMD’s Ryzen 4000 series processors, although the hardware combination on offer is not as diverse as Intel’s. We have the Omen 15, powered by the Ryzen 7 4800H octa-core CPU, paired with an Nvidia GTX 1650 Ti. Considering that the Intel variant of Omen did quite well in our testing (review), we were really interested to see how the Raisen variant would hold the same standard. So we set out to test this machine and see if it could work better and where it crashed. Here are the results.

HP Omen 15 Specification

The Omen 15 we got from HP has the following specs:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4800H

GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650Ti (4GB)

RAM: 8GB DDR4, expandable

Storage: 512GB NVMe

Display: 1080p, IPS, 60Hz`

HP Women Gaming Performance

We’ve already reviewed the Intel variants of the HP Omen, and now, we’re excited to try out the Ryzen variant as well. The Ryzen 7 4800H is an absolute beast and looks like it might be a little more powerful for the rest of the components. Anyway, at least we didn’t go down without explaining ourselves first. Now, keep in mind that the display of this thing is limited to 60Hz, so as long as we get 60fps in a game, we will give the laptop good marks.

HP Women Creative Performance

Imagine my surprise when I noticed the Omen 15 powered by Ryzen 7 4800H crashing and stumbling during our creative work stress test. In both the Adobe Lightroom Classic and Premiere Pro Render tests, the laptop took significantly longer to finish than any of the laptops reviewed this year. Although neither the CPU nor the GPU did throttle, what seemed to be an obstacle throughout the process was the 8GB of RAM, which was quickly expanded by both Lightroom and Premier. Considering this particular model of Omen, content creators must look at another form, because the lack of adequate RAM is the only thing that does not keep the machine stuck.

HP Women Display

The display of this particular version of the Omen 15 is a bit disappointing. For gamers, the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz only, but it is the manufacturers who will be particularly disappointed. After analyzing the display’s color reproduction, maximum brightness, and panel uniformity using the Xrite i1 Display Pro, this is the only way to lower the panel average. The panel is only able to reproduce about 60 percent of the entire sRGB color space, and even after calibration, there was some difficulty lining up with the sRGB color CIE xy presentation. Although the greens and reds end well before the intended mark, the blues reproduced by the panel fall outside the sRGB space. The result, a somewhat dull display.

Even the highest brightness on the display is nothing like writing at home. After taking half a dozen measurements, we conclude that the maximum brightness in the HP Omen 15 Ryzen version will not exceed 155 nits, even after tinkering with the settings of the Radeon software. Fortunately, the panels have a fairly consistent uniformity, with contrast deviations falling into acceptable tolerances. However, the display fails to meet the minimum requirements for manufacturers and so, we strongly suggest you look at another model of Omen, with a different panel.

HP Omen 15 Thermal

As we mentioned in our review of the Intel variant of the HP Omen, the company’s new cooling system is quite. During my testing and normal use, the surface temperature during gaming was no higher than 38 degrees in the center of the keyboard. This is just straight crazy. Typically, we are accustomed to seeing such numbers in the WASD keys of Asus laptops because they have a fan underneath which pushes the air outwards, but recently even machines like the Zephyrus G14 (Review) have failed to control the heat. HP’s own Envy 15 can’t stay cool to the touch.

While gaming, we can see that the CPU has hit about 85 degrees during the gameplay of our Doom Eternal and Shadow of the Tomb Rider (high graphics presets). It points to TjMax’s 105-degree throttle. HP handles heat really well on this machine and in terms of material it may seem like a low-level machine, there is no zero compromise in cooling.

HP Omen 15 Upgradability

If you consider the Omen 15 to be a long-term machine, you’ll be glad to know that HP is not changing you less because it is a relatively inexpensive machine. Close the bottom lid (this takes some work) and you’ll be greeted with two m.2 NVMe slots (one crowded) and two SODIMM slots (again, only one crowded). This means you can add another stick of 8GB DDR4 memory so that not only dual-channel, but also more memory is available on top of one ton of NVMe storage.

HP Omen 15 keyboard, trackpad and IoT

The Omen 15 Raisen version (not its official name) comes with the unique layout we saw on YouTube videos a few months ago. The Ryzen variant of Omen completely removes the number-pad, leaving arrow keys and INS, DEL and other keys to have their own space. I especially like it because it gives this keyboard a very ten keyless feel. Due to the lack of number-pads, the keys themselves are fairly well spaced. It’s a chiclet style keyboard with enough travel and somewhat strong keystrokes that inspire confidence when typing.

Omen’s trackpad isn’t really anything special to write at home. It has a standard matte trackpad with a smooth finish and no separate click buttons. Fortunately, the trackpad comes with a Windows Precision driver, so it’s easy to navigate Windows 10 using the trackpad, but you’ll need an external mouse for gaming.

Last but not least, we have IO. HP has not compromised on IoT in any way, giving users a complete gamut of all the necessities and much more. You get a total of three high-speed USB-A ports operating at 5Gbps and an additional USB-C port capable of throughput at the same 5Gbps speed. In addition, you’ll find an Ethernet jack, a full-size HDMI 2.0a port, and a display port. Finally you have an integrated headphone / microphone jack and a full size SD card reader.

HP Omen 15 Build and design

If you choose the Intel and Raizen variants of the Omen 15 with both hands, you will have a hard time distinguishing them. Both chassis are made using the same premium materials and both have the same flaws. As I mentioned in my review of the Intel variant, the lid is probably the weakest point of the laptop, which looks much more flexible and shaky. The lid not only inspires confidence in its longevity, so anyone considering this machine, we would recommend taking care when opening and closing the lid.

HP Omen 15 judgment

HP has been fairly clear with its messaging this year; Omen is the envy of gaming and content creators. Although the Intel variant still lends itself to creating content in a fairly powerful capacity, the Ryzen variant is flat on all aspects of creative need. This is partly due to the severely limited amount of RAM on board and a display that is not bright enough or unable to reproduce the full sRGB color space. However, when it comes to gaming, Omen 15 does not disappoint. When it comes to thermal, Omen 15 fascinates again. It offers better upgradability than what you would find on a competing machine, so if you are looking for a fully fledged gaming machine that can double your casual daily driver, consider the Omen 15 Ryzen version. If you expect more, go for a higher level variant