HP Omen 35L Desktop Review: A Stylish and Powerful Gaming PC

A Stylish and Compact Powerhouse

The HP Omen 35L is a striking gaming desktop that combines sleek design, RGB lighting, and impressive performance in a compact 35-liter chassis. Its mATX motherboard and cleverly engineered case make it stand out for its ability to pack high-end components like an RTX 4080 Super and a 240mm liquid cooler into a relatively small space. The case features a glass side panel, allowing users to showcase the internal components, which are neatly cable-managed for a clean look. The RGB lighting is a highlight, with illuminated fans, memory, GPU, and even the CPU water block, all customizable via HP’s Omen Gaming Hub software. While the lighting is extensive, some elements, like the GPU lighting, aren’t fully integrated into the software, which feels like a minor oversight.

Impressive Performance with Room for Optimization

The Omen 35L delivers strong performance, especially in 4K gaming, thanks to its RTX 4080 Super. Games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Guardians of the Galaxy run smoothly at high resolutions, with frame rates maintaining above 130fps. However, the system’s AMD Ryzen 7 8700G CPU often becomes a bottleneck, particularly at 1080p, where frame rates lag behind competitor systems like the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8. This CPU-GPU mismatch means the system doesn’t fully utilize the potential of its high-end GPU, which could be a problem in future games that demand more CPU bandwidth. Despite this, the cooling system performs well, keeping temperatures under control, and the fans remain surprisingly quiet even under heavy loads.

Customizable but Expensive Upgrades

One of the standout features of the Omen 35L is its high configurability. It starts at an affordable $1,299 with a Ryzen 5 8500G, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a Radeon RX 7600 GPU. However, upgrading to higher-end components like 64GB of DDR5 memory or a 2TB PCIe SSD can be prohibitively expensive. For example, HP charges $260 for a 64GB memory upgrade, while aftermarket options offer faster and cheaper alternatives. Similarly, the 2TB SSD upgrade costs $368, more than double what you might pay elsewhere. By opting for aftermarket upgrades and avoiding unnecessary extras, users can bring the system’s price down to a more competitive $2,407 without sacrificing performance.

CPU limitations Hold It Back

The choice of the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G CPU feels out of place in this otherwise high-end system. While it’s sufficient for 4K gaming, where the GPU takes center stage, it struggles to keep up with more demanding 1080p titles. Benchmark tests reveal that the system lags behind competitor systems like the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8, which pairs its RTX 4080 Super with an Intel Core i9-14900KF. This mismatch makes the Omen 35L less appealing for users who prioritize high-frame-rate gaming at lower resolutions. HP should consider offering more CPU options to allow users to balance performance and budget based on their needs.

Port Selection Falls Short

For a premium-priced desktop, the Omen 35L’s port selection is underwhelming. It lacks cutting-edge options like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or USB4, and the absence of a motherboard HDMI or DisplayPort connector is a strange omission. While the system includes Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, faster networking options like 2.5GbE are becoming standard in high-end PCs. The USB-C ports top out at 10Gbps, which feels outdated compared to the latest standards. While the number of ports is decent, the lack of modern connectivity options may be a disappointment for users looking to future-proof their setup.

Verdict: A Strong Option with Caveats

The HP Omen 35L is a visually stunning and capable gaming desktop, especially for 4K gamers. Its compact design, effective cooling, and RGB lighting make it a standout choice for users who care about aesthetics. However, the overpriced upgrades and mismatched CPU hold it back from realizing its full potential. By carefully configuring the system and opting for aftermarket upgrades, users can unlock significant value. While it’s not without flaws, the Omen 35L is a competitive alternative to other high-end gaming PCs, particularly Lenovo’s Legion lineup. For those prioritizing style, 4K performance, and quiet operation, the Omen 35L is a solid choice—as long as they’re willing to navigate its configuration pitfalls.