These days, many students are also avid gamers. Whether it's gaming laptops, keyboards, mice, headsets, or monitors, HP's offerings are designed to elevate the gaming experience to new heights. With a vast array of choices at hand, any student can find the ideal fit for their gaming pursuits.
In this guide, we'll explore the best HP gaming gear tailored for students, ensuring that quality isn't compromised while making budget-conscious decisions.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key specifications to consider purchasing new gaming hardware, starting with laptops.
Balancing budget and quality
When purchasing gaming equipment on a budget, navigating the delicate balance between price and quality can be challenging. Several factors are important to consider, depending on what you’re looking for.
Ultimately, the key to a successful budget-quality balance lies in prioritizing features that impact on gaming performance. You should also be ready to sacrifice some premium features that may not significantly affect gameplay.
By making informed choices, students can achieve quality gaming experiences and budget-friendly decisions. And thanks to our wide selection of gaming gear, that decision is easier than ever before.
When selecting a gaming laptop, it’s crucial to prioritize the most important gaming components: processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), and random access memory (RAM). It’s these three specifications that determine just how well your PC can run video games.
Opting for previous generations of these components instead of the latest models can still provide excellent performance while saving money. Additionally, consider screen size and resolution: a slightly smaller or Full High Definition (FHD) display (as opposed to a 2K or 4K display) can significantly cut costs without compromising gaming experience. Here are two budget-friendly gaming laptop options from HP.
Victus gaming laptop (15t-fa100)
The
HP Victus (15t-fa100) offers remarkable power at a lower cost than higher-end gaming laptops, thanks in part to the 13th generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor (CPU). It can also handle the latest Triple-A (AAA) game releases thanks to the impressive NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Laptop graphics card (GPU), which is even capable of ray tracing.
With 8GB of RAM and a speedy 512GB solid-state drive (SSD) for storage, you’ll have no problem running all sorts of programs and you’ll have plenty of room for all your files. Plus, The 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display boasts a 144 Hz refresh rate and 9 ms response time for fluid visuals, while the HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with temporal noise reduction ensures clear interactions.
And if you’d like to push the power of this laptop even further, there are plenty of customization options available, including a powerful Intel Core i7-13700H CPU, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU. With its sleek design, this laptop combines aesthetics and performance seamlessly.
OMEN laptop (17t-ck200)
The
OMEN laptop (17t-ck200) is a remarkable step up that offers a power boost for a marginal cost increase. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-13700HX processor capable of clock speeds of up to 5.0 GHz and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8GB of dedicated video memory (VRAM), it's primed for exceptional performance.
Multitasking is a breeze thanks to 16GB of RAM, which will also be more than enough to handle all the latest and greatest game releases. Plus, you’ll have plenty of room for files thanks to the 512GB SSD. The 17.3-inch FHD display features a 144 Hz refresh rate and 7 ms response time, while the HP True Vision 720p HD camera ensures impeccable video quality.
With OMEN Tempest Cooling technology for heat management, OMEN Gaming Hub for customization, and a backlit RGB keyboard, the OMEN Laptop 17t-ck200 offers a superior gaming experience that balances power and value - and as always, there are plenty of customization options to choose from, including a massively-powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.
Gaming keyboards and mice
While it might be easy to settle for the cheapest keyboard and mouse options, gamers often demand more from their computer peripherals.
When it comes to keyboards, there are two types of keys you can choose: mechanical and membrane. While mechanical keyboards are popular among gamers, membrane options can provide decent performance at a lower cost.
The key performance metric of mice is dots per inch (DPI), which measures the sensitivity of the mouse. A higher DPI will result in a more sensitive cursor. With that in mind, a gaming mouse with customizable DPI settings allows you to balance performance and cost-effectiveness.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
Featuring custom HyperX mechanical switches designed for responsiveness and precision, the
HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a compact and robust tenkeyless keyboard, tailored for gamers seeking style, performance, and durability. With features like anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and onboard memory, the Alloy Origins Core ensures a seamless gaming experience. Plus, it has vivid RGB backlighting and customizable lighting effects to add a touch of brilliance to your workspace.
With HyperX NGENUITY Software, you can fine-tune Game Mode, lighting, and macros. It's compatible with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, providing an unparalleled gaming edge for a variety of setups.
HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro
Powered by the premium Pixart 3389 sensor, the
HyperX Pulsefire FPS Pro boasts impeccable precision with up to 16,000 DPI. The ergonomic design offers comfort during intense battles, while its six programmable buttons and easy customization through HyperX NGENUITY software allow total control over your gaming mouse.
Omron switches ensure tactile feedback, and the extra-large skates deliver smooth gliding. Compatible with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, this mouse combines style and performance seamlessly for an unmatched gaming experience.
For gaming headsets, focus on audio quality, comfort, and features like noise cancellation or surround sound. While high-end headsets offer exceptional audio, mid-range options can still provide immersive gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
The
HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 includes one of the most important features when it comes to gaming audio: virtual surround sound. This is thanks to DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio technology, which delivers accurate 3D audio spatialization and localization for immersive gameplay. With 50 mm drivers and a wide frequency response, audio cues become crystal clear.
Plus, the lightweight design offers all-day comfort with memory foam ear cushions and soft leatherette. The headset's adjustable rotating earcups and onboard audio controls provide convenience, while the swivel-to-mute microphone enhances in-game chat. Backed by HyperX quality, this headset is built for ultimate gaming enjoyment.
HyperX Cloud Flight
Don’t be tied down by wires - experience gaming freedom with the
HyperX Cloud Flight wireless headset. With a 2.4 GHz wireless connection and an impressive 30-hour battery life, it ensures uninterrupted play on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
HyperX comfort is guaranteed with memory foam ear cushions and adjustable steel sliders. The detachable noise-canceling mic keeps your communications clear, and the headset's compatibility with HyperX NGenuity software allows battery monitoring and mic and volume adjustments.
With its durable steel frame and immersive sound quality, the HyperX Cloud Flight is your ultimate gaming partner.
Gaming monitors are essential for an immersive experience. Consider refresh rates and response times, as higher values lead to smoother gameplay. While top-tier monitors offer ultra-fast refresh rates, models with slightly lower specs can still offer an enjoyable gaming environment at a more affordable price.
OMEN 24 FHD 165 Hz gaming monitor
The
OMEN 24 FHD gaming monitor’s swift 165 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms GTG response time with Overdrive guarantee seamless gameplay and reduced motion blur. The vibrant color palette, including 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, enhances your visual experience whether you're immersed in your favorite virtual worlds or studying for your next assignment.
FHD resolution and IPS panel technology ensure clarity from any angle. This display's versatility shines with its adjustable stand, easy cable management, and ports suitable for gaming PCs, consoles, and work PCs. Explore endless customization options via the OMEN Gaming Hub, elevating both your gaming and productivity setups.
OMEN 27qs QHD 240 Hz gaming monitor
The
HP OMEN 27-inch gaming monitor offers ultra-smooth frames and crisp details, thanks to its 240 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms GTG response time with Overdrive. Immerse yourself in finely-detailed worlds with Quad High Definition (QHD) resolution and vibrant colors from the 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Plus, the monitor is NVIDIA G-Sync compatible, which helps eliminate screen tearing for uninterrupted play. There are plenty of connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB hub, to enhance your setup.
The display's sleek design, adaptive sync, integrated speakers, and adjustable stand make it versatile and visually appealing, perfect for gaming, media, and education alike.
Whether you're in need of a powerful gaming laptop, responsive keyboard and mouse, immersive headset, or high-performance monitor, HP has you covered. We offer an array of options that cater to both avid gamers and budget-conscious students.
About the Author
Cameron Cashman is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Cameron is based in New England and has experience writing for a variety of industries, including technology, gaming, finance, HR, and recruiting.