4 Best Intel® Gaming PCs from HP
For decades now, Intel® has been synonymous with processors. From high-performance chips to more budget-friendly options, the company’s CPUs are varied and powerful. They’re also incredibly compatible with leading components, which is crucial for gamers buying a prebuilt gaming PC or upgrading their current rig.
In this article, we’ll review the top 4 Intel gaming computers available from HP and provide insights into how to pick the right one for your lifestyle. But first, let’s explore exactly what you need inside your new gaming PC.
What to look for in a gaming PC
While no two gamers are alike, most will have similar needs when it comes to specs. Your computer must display your favorite games at their maximum resolution and not miss a single frame. To do that, your PC needs the best components. Here are the minimum specifications to keep in mind as you shop:
1. Processor
Your search starts with the right processor for games. And to make your search easier, you can be confident knowing that a prebuilt Intel gaming PC comes with equally powerful and, more importantly, compatible components that won’t lead to bottlenecks. Look for options with at least an Intel Core™ i5 processor.
2. Graphics
When choosing graphics cards for gaming PCs, it’s important to know the difference between integrated and dedicated (aka discrete) options. You can run basic games with an integrated graphics card, but to play the latest, most beautiful titles, you need a dedicated GPU. You’ll enjoy higher frame rates and minimal lag, too.
3. Memory (RAM)
For gaming, you should aim for at least 16GB of RAM. If possible, upgrade to 32GB to future-proof your rig, or at least choose an option with plenty of room for more memory down the line.
4. Storage
While most indie games won’t take up more than 1GB on your hard drive, the best and most stunning triple-A (AAA) titles are a different story. For instance, the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2 takes up a whopping 150GB.
Your gaming rig should have at least 512GB of storage, but consider upgrading to a 1TB or 2TB drive for optimum space. Also, to max out your performance, aim for a gaming PC with a solid-state drive (SSD).
5. Ethernet
We know how great WiFi is for Zoom calls, streaming Netflix shows, and browsing the web. But when milliseconds are the difference between a victory royale and second place, you need Ethernet. If you’re shopping for a desktop gaming PC, make sure it includes this port. For gaming laptops, make sure you have enough USB ports to support an Ethernet cable or dongle.
Top Intel gaming PCs
HP® offers a variety of gaming PCs for every kind of use, from programming to simple web browsing, and the Intel-powered options on this list really shine. These PCs put gamers first and deliver a balance of power and resource management at a range of price points. You can customize most of them, too, allowing you to upgrade to the gaming specifications you value most.
1. HP Victus 15L gaming desktop PC
For those looking for an Intel prebuilt gaming PC with out-of-the-box playability and plenty of notable features, consider the HP Victus 15L gaming desktop. It comes with Windows 11 and runs on a 12th Generation Intel Core processor, which goes up to 4.9 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. It also includes a 25MB L3 cache, 12 cores, and 20 threads.
Like the other rigs on this list, the HP Victus includes OMEN Gaming Hub. This software allows you to control the RGB lighting, monitor the PC’s temperature, and even chat with your friends. The computer also boasts a clean, minimalist design that blends into any room or workspace.
Key features:
- 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 (dedicated) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (integrated) graphics
- 16GB of RAM
- 1TB HDD, plus 512GB SSD
- 9 total USB slots, including 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A (10Gbps signaling rate), 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A (5Gbps signaling rate) in the front, plus 4 USB 2.0 Type-A in the rear; audio in, audio out, microphone, and Ethernet ports
2. HP Victus 16 laptop PC i5-12500H
If a portable gaming device is more your speed, you’ll need to check out the customizable HP Victus 16 laptop PC. We’ll get to the specs, but we love how it comes in three color options: Micah Silver, Ceramic White, and Performance Blue, each with a base option of a full-size, backlit, mica silver keyboard with a numeric keypad.
Choose the included Windows 11 OS or upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Both provide a secure way to access all your apps through your Windows account login.
The 16-inch HP Victus also features Bang & Olufsen speakers for a vivid sound experience, the OMEN Gaming Hub, and cooling features to help your laptop perform under pressure. This laptop boasts a 16.1-inch Full High Definition (FHD) display with a 144 Hz refresh rate.
Key features:
- Intel Core i5-12500H processor (up to Intel Core i7-12700H)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop GPU - 4GB (up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU - 6GB)
- 8GB of RAM (up to 32GB)
- 512GB SSD (up to 1TB)
- Ports include: 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C at 5Gbps, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 5Gbps, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 5Gbps, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 headphone/microphone combo
- Weighs 5.44 lbs
3. HP OMEN 45L gaming desktop
If you’re a hardcore gamer, you may already know the HP OMEN gaming line for its bold designs, which include RGB lighting and an easy-access cases for cleaning and expansion. The HP OMEN 45L desktop continues that tradition with next-level power thanks to an Intel Core i7- 12700K processor, as well as an RGB liquid cooler in the base model.
The cooling chamber offers adequate airflow for lower temperatures, but you can expand it to support Intel Cryo Cooling Gen2 Technology and up to two 4 x 120 mm RGB or ARGB system fans or a 360 mm AIO liquid cooler. With that cooling on your side, you can be confident that the competition is the only thing feeling the heat.
Key features:
- Intel Core i7-12700K processor (up to Intel Core i9-12900K)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics - 12GB (up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 - 24GB)
- HyperX 16GB of RAM (up to 64GB)
- 512GB SSD (up to 2TB)
- Ports include: 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 5Gbps, 2 USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 headphone/microphone combo, and 1 microphone in the front, plus 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C at 10Gbps, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C at 5Gbps, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 10Gbps, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 5Gbps, 2 USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 audio-out, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet
4. HP Victus 16 laptop PC i5-12500H
This 16-inch HP Victus laptop is similar to the first on our list, but it is a completely prebuilt PC with no customization. What you get is an all-around solid gaming machine that’s equally portable, powerful, and affordable. It boasts an Intel i5 processor paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU to make quick work of resource-hungry software and, of course, titles like GTA V.
Key features:
- Intel Core i5-12500H processor
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated) plus NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU – 4GB (discrete)
- 16GB of RAM
- 512GB SSD
- Ports include: 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C at 5Gbps, 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 5Gbps, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A at 5Gbps, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 headphone/microphone combo
- Weighs 5.44 lbs
How to choose a gaming PC
One of the biggest choices you'll make when picking a gaming computer is whether you need portability. Both laptops and desktop gaming PCs come with the essentials, including cooling systems to keep resources running smoothly and standout gaming features like the OMEN Gaming Hub.
Once you make your decision, you can choose if you want specs geared more toward a gaming hobby or an eSports lifestyle. When customizing, HP® makes it easy to pick the specs that give you the edge you’re looking for, such as an Intel i5 processor for casual gaming or a Core i7 for a more serious competitive advantage.
No matter which Intel gaming laptop or desktop PC you choose, you can feel confident knowing the processor, GPU, and other components are balanced and powerful enough to play your favorite titles.
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author and public speaker. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
