HP Unveils Compact 15-Inch Gaming Laptop With Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and 180Hz VRR Display

HP refreshes the HyperX Omen 15 with faster chips, sharper display options, and lower starting prices

HP has updated its compact 15-inch gaming laptop lineup with new HyperX Omen 15 configurations, giving gamers more CPU power, modern graphics options, and a choice of high-refresh displays. The refreshed models are aimed at players who want strong performance in a portable form factor without stepping up to a larger gaming notebook.

One of the biggest upgrades is CPU performance. The newer processor options are expected to deliver around 30% to 40% higher CPU performance compared with the previous Core Ultra 9 386H configuration. For gamers, that extra processing power could make a noticeable difference in titles that depend heavily on CPU resources, especially competitive games or open-world releases where frame rates can be limited by processor performance.

The added CPU cores and higher power limits should help the HyperX Omen 15 produce smoother gameplay in certain scenarios, particularly when paired with more demanding settings or multitasking workloads. This makes the laptop more appealing not only for gaming, but also for streaming, content creation, and everyday productivity.

HP is also offering an AMD-based version of the HyperX Omen 15. This model can be configured with the Ryzen 9 8940HX, a powerful mobile processor designed for high-performance laptops. However, the AMD version is limited to Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5060 laptop GPU, while other configurations may offer different graphics options depending on the model.

Memory and storage options are competitive for a modern gaming laptop. The HyperX Omen 15 can be equipped with up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, which should be enough for gaming, creative apps, and heavy multitasking. Storage goes up to 1 TB of PCIe Gen 5 SSD capacity, offering fast load times, quick file transfers, and responsive system performance.

Display choice is another key selling point. HP offers two 15.3-inch IPS panels for the HyperX Omen 15. The standard display features a 1200p resolution, a 165 Hz refresh rate, and up to 400 nits of peak brightness. This should be a solid option for gamers who prioritize smooth performance and battery efficiency.

For buyers who want a sharper and brighter screen, HP offers an upgraded 1600p IPS panel for an additional $40. This display increases the refresh rate to 180 Hz with variable refresh rate support and boosts peak brightness to 500 nits. For a small price increase, the higher-resolution panel looks like one of the more attractive upgrades, especially for users who play fast-paced games or want a clearer image for media and productivity.

Despite the wide range of configuration choices, every HyperX Omen 15 model includes the same 70 Wh, 4-cell battery. Battery life will likely vary depending on the processor, GPU, display resolution, refresh rate, and workload, but the fixed battery size keeps the overall design consistent across the lineup.

Pricing has also improved. The Intel-powered HyperX Omen 15 now starts at $1,999, down from the previous $2,099 starting price. AMD models are more affordable, with pricing beginning at $1,699. At the high end, a fully configured HyperX Omen 15 can reach $3,329.

With stronger processor options, fast DDR5 memory, PCIe Gen 5 storage, high-refresh display choices, and updated pricing, the refreshed HP HyperX Omen 15 looks like a more competitive option in the compact gaming laptop market. It is especially appealing for gamers who want a 15-inch machine with premium performance features while still having flexibility across Intel and AMD configurations.