HP Updates OMEN Gaming PCs, Aims at Streamers with HyperX
PC gaming is a constantly moving target, so it is not surprising that HP would update the specs on its OMEN 16 laptop or its OMEN desktops. However, the desktop upgrades go beyond spec bumps, and HP is also pushing its HyperX gaming accessories further into game streaming and content creation. This isn’t a full pivot for HP and HyperX, more just a slight shift in focus, and it’s smart.
OMEN
OMEN MAX 45L (2025) – this is HP’s most powerful consumer desktop PC, now fitted with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and up to an NVIDIA RTX 5090. Where the OMEN sets itself apart from the competition is with the CRYO CHAMBER. This is HP’s marketing term for a unique segmented, air-gapped case which puts the water cooling system in a separate compartment from the components, which HP claims offers a 7.5° C drop in CPU temperatures. It also looks cool.
Less flashy but important for future upgradeability, HP is introducing a fully modular 1200W power supply (see hands-on photo below). This also makes for cleaner wiring with better airflow. The power supply has a programmable dust-rejection fan at the bottom that only spins up when the system isn’t under load – in other words, not while you’re in the middle of a gaming session. December availability; pricing will be announced closer to launch.
OMEN 35L (2025) and OMEN 35L Stealth – what if you need nearly the power of the MAX 45L in a smaller cabinet? HP has that segment covered with the OMEN 35L, which loses the CRYO CHAMBER and modular power supply but can still handle up to an RTX 5080.
New this year is a Stealth model, HP’s response to market demand for dual-use systems that don’t scream “GAMER RGB” at the top of their design ID lungs. October availability, prices starting at $1,500 for both variants.
HP is also adding a new configuration to its OMEN 16 gaming laptop, which now supports up to an Intel Core i9-14900HX Processor and NVIDIA 5070 Ti GPU at up to 170W TPP. As long as you ignore the hefty 280W power adapter, the OMEN 16 feels shockingly light given its capabilities at under 5.5 lbs. You won’t want to ignore that, though – gaming for any reasonable length of time requires wall power. The OMEN 16 starts at $1500; the new 5070Ti version is available today starting at $2,000.
HyperX
HP acquired HyperX in 2021 to add gaming accessories to HP’s OMEN PC gaming hardware business. HyperX started out making gaming headsets, and I have been using last year’s HyperX Cloud Mix 2 as my main PC gaming headphones. That’s partly because they are extremely comfortable and sound good, but just as importantly this time of year, the Cloud Mix 2’s ANC seems to specifically target the frequency emitted by my office’s excessively loud air conditioner. The Cloud Mix 2 can also double as travel and music headphones, but there are better options for those use cases. I reviewed HyperX’s Alloy Rise mechanical keyboard last year, and HP is leaving those products alone for now.
HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless with RGB Base Station – the 250 hours of claimed battery life is the headline, and it should be – that’s more than 10 days straight without stopping for sleep. Realistically, these headphones will only need to be charged once a month, and only for heavy gamers. Looking past the battery life, the RGB Base station is a design coup. HyperX took the wireless dongle and turned it into a poor man’s Elgato Stream deck with six programmable RGB-backlit buttons. These are located just under the large volume dial; tapping the center of the dial mutes the mic. HyperX NGENUITY software works across the brand’s headphones and microphones to customize RGB and functionality, like the button array here.
The Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless’ 250 hour battery claim is in 2.4GHz mode. The headset also supports Bluetooth, and allows for dual simultaneous connections so you can hear your PC and your phone at the same time. The boom mic is removable, and there is an integrated mic in case you prefer that form factor.
The headphones feature large, 53 mm dual-chamber drivers that sounded good in my extremely brief ears-on demo at an event in New York. The clamping force was just a bit too high for my liking, but I wasn’t willing to risk breaking the display unit in New York by bending it to fit my giant head better. There is a steel-reinforced frame under the plastic and memory foam, so I suspect that I will be able to get a comfortable fit when I get a review unit. I’ll also be able to test if the lack of ANC is a problem. ANC is not standard on gaming headsets, but the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless is priced on the premium side at $300. I should get a unit soon, as HP expects general availability in August.
HyperX Cloud Flight 2 – moving down a bit in price, the HyperX Cloud Flight 2 still offers the ability to personalize the experience with full RGB panels in the earcups, removable earcup plates, and long battery life. The PC, PlayStation, and mobile version will be available in October for $130. The Official Xbox licensed version brings guaranteed compatibility for Xbox gamers – a key factor for people buying it as a gift – and will be available for $140 in December.
HyperX FlipCast – HyperX is moving upmarket to meet the demands of gaming streamers and content creators with its first dynamic mic capsule “tuned for clarity and background noise rejection.” We got a live demo of this during a media preview and it was extremely impressive. It supports both USB and XLR so content creators and streamers can start simple and then add more professional mixing over time. It’s not a new product, but HyperX also offers a companion XLR Audio Mixer for $200 with features aimed more at game streamers than some of the content-focused XLR mixers available at that price point.
Other features include a beveled RGB input level meter on the mic body, tap to mute, and a multifunction dial for fast adjustments during live sessions. In this case, the HyperX NGENUITY software can be used not just to customize the RGB LED ring, but also unlock simplified pro-level tools like a compressor, limiter, and AI noise reduction. This should also be available shortly in August for $230. I’m looking forward to testing this and adding it to my hybrid work microphone coverage.
HyperX SoloCast 2 – for game streamers on a stricter budget, HyperX has the SoloCast 2, a compact cylinder USB mic that has an integrated tilt stand, shock mount, and foam pop filter. NGENUITY again provides software-enhanced controls, and this plug-and-play mic goes on sale in August for $60.
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