This comprehensive hp omen transcend 16 review examines the performance, visuals, and user experience of the HP Omen Transcend 16 with an RTX 4070 GPU and OLED display. We determine if this powerful gaming laptop is a worthwhile investment for your gaming needs.

HP Omen Transcend 16 Review: Unleashing Performance with RTX 4070 and the 14900HX CPU

RTX 4070: A Mid-Range Marvel

The RTX 4070 Laptop GPU within the Omen Transcend 16 is a mid-range powerhouse, capable of delivering impressive frame rates in a variety of popular gaming titles. In our testing, the RTX 4070 managed to push out 114 FPS in The Witcher 3 at 1080p Ultra settings and 119 FPS in GTA V with the highest possible settings. While it may not reach the lofty heights of the RTX 4080, the 4070 proves itself more than capable of handling demanding games at high resolutions and settings.

One potential limitation, however, is the RTX 4070’s relatively modest 8GB of VRAM. This amount should be sufficient for many games, but it could become a bottleneck in the most resource-intensive titles, especially at higher resolutions. Gamers seeking to future-proof their investment may want to consider an RTX 4080-equipped laptop instead.

Core i9-14900HX: A Powerful, but Thermally Challenged Ally

The Core i9-14900HX CPU under the hood of the Omen Transcend 16 is a force to be reckoned with, at least on paper. In our benchmarks, it delivered strong multi-core performance, ranking among the top CPUs in our tests. However, we did observe some throttling behavior, with the CPU scores dropping over time during sustained workloads. This suggests that the 16-inch chassis may struggle to keep the powerful processor cool during extended gaming sessions.

Our in-depth testing revealed the Core i9-14900HX’s true capabilities. In Cinebench R23, the CPU scored an impressive 20,702 points in the multi-core test, outperforming the average gaming laptop CPU by a significant margin. Yet, in our Cinebench R23 loop test, the scores dropped sharply after the initial runs, indicating that the CPU was throttling to maintain stable temperatures.

The 14900HX also excelled in the 7-Zip benchmark, delivering 88,012 MIPS in the 7-Zip 18.03 test. Again, this result places the CPU firmly among the top performers in its class. Nonetheless, the occasional throttling behavior suggests that the Omen Transcend 16’s cooling system may struggle to keep the powerful processor operating at its full potential during prolonged gaming sessions.

Balancing Performance and Thermals

To better understand the Omen Transcend 16’s performance and thermal characteristics, we ran The Witcher 3 benchmark in the various performance modes available. In the balanced mode, the laptop delivered 114 FPS, with the CPU and GPU operating at relatively moderate temperatures. However, switching to the performance mode increased the frame rate to 126 FPS, but at the cost of significantly higher noise levels (53 dB(A)) and a more substantial thermal load on the components.

This trade-off between performance and thermals is something that users will need to consider when configuring the Omen Transcend 16 for their needs. While the performance mode offers a tangible boost in gaming performance, the increased noise and heat output may not be ideal for all users, particularly those seeking a more subtle and comfortable gaming experience.

Captivating Visuals: The OLED Advantage

Immersive Display: Color, Contrast, and Black Levels

The Omen Transcend 16’s OLED display is a standout feature, delivering exceptional visual quality. With 100% DCI-P3 color coverage and an impressive contrast ratio of 19,500:1, the OLED panel offers vibrant, punchy colors and inky black levels that leave traditional IPS panels in the dust. This can significantly enhance the immersion in both gaming and creative workloads.

ColorChecker for Display Testing

The display’s color accuracy is also impressive, with a DeltaE 2000 value of just 1.94 before calibration. This means that colors are reproduced with exceptional precision, making the Omen Transcend 16 a compelling option for content creators and professionals who require accurate color representation.

Smooth and Responsive: Fast Response Times

Complementing the OLED’s visual prowess are its blazing-fast response times. Our measurements revealed near-instant 0.2ms grey-to-grey transitions, ensuring that fast-paced games feel fluid and responsive, with minimal motion blur. This can provide a significant advantage in competitive gaming scenarios, where every millisecond counts.

OLED Drawbacks: Flickering and Reflections

While the OLED display offers numerous advantages, it’s not without its drawbacks. The panel is susceptible to noticeable flickering at lower brightness levels, which could potentially cause eye strain for some users. Additionally, the glossy surface can be highly reflective, making outdoor use or bright environments a challenge.

These OLED-specific issues are something that users will need to consider, especially if they plan to use the Omen Transcend 16 in a variety of environments or for extended gaming sessions. The flickering may be mitigated by maintaining higher brightness levels, but the reflective nature of the display cannot be easily overcome.

Balancing Performance, Noise, and Thermals

Noise Levels: Audible but Manageable

The Omen Transcend 16 manages to keep its cool during gaming sessions, with the fans ramping up to a relatively moderate 44-47 dB(A) in the balanced performance mode. While this noise level is audible, it’s not overly intrusive and shouldn’t distract most gamers. However, switching to the performance mode can push the noise levels up to a more noticeable 53 dB(A).

It’s worth noting that the fans are continuously active, even in idle scenarios, producing a constant hum of around 29-31 dB(A). This may not be ideal for users who prefer a completely silent system when not gaming.

Thermal Performance: Staying Cool Under Pressure

Under heavy load, the Omen Transcend 16 maintains an average temperature of 47°C (117°F) on the upper chassis, with the bottom reaching a maximum of 63°C (145°F). While these temperatures are on the warmer side, they shouldn’t cause any major concerns for most users. However, the laptop’s warm underbelly may make it less comfortable to use on the lap during prolonged gaming sessions.

In our stress testing, which combined Furmark and Prime95, the CPU settled at around 85°C, and the GPU hit 81°C (with a hotspot of 88°C). These temperatures are relatively high but within safe operating ranges, and they suggest that the Omen Transcend 16’s cooling system is capable of handling the hardware’s thermal demands, albeit with some room for improvement.

Ergonomics and Comfort: A Gamer-Friendly Design?

The Omen Transcend 16’s keyboard and touchpad provide a satisfactory gaming experience. The mechanical-style keys offer decent feedback, and the large touchpad is responsive and precise. However, the unique keyboard layout might take some getting used to, and the lack of a dedicated numpad could be a drawback for some users.

The laptop’s overall weight of 2.3kg (5.04 lbs) places it in the middle of the 16-inch gaming laptop category, making it neither particularly light nor heavy. This should provide a good balance between portability and stability, allowing users to comfortably use the Omen Transcend 16 both on a desk and on their lap.

Final Verdict: Is the HP Omen Transcend 16 Worth the Investment?

The HP Omen Transcend 16 is a mixed bag of impressive features and some trade-offs. Its powerful RTX 4070 GPU and fast OLED display make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking an immersive visual experience. However, the limited VRAM and potential for CPU throttling may concern those looking to future-proof their investment.

Pros:

  • Stunning OLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and fast response times
  • Respectable gaming performance from the RTX 4070 GPU
  • Satisfactory build quality and input devices

Cons:

  • Core i9-14900HX CPU may struggle with sustained workloads due to thermal limitations
  • 8GB of VRAM on the RTX 4070 could become a limitation in demanding games
  • OLED display’s drawbacks, such as flickering and reflections, may be a concern for some users
  • Battery life could be better for a gaming laptop in this price range

Ultimately, the HP Omen Transcend 16 is a capable gaming laptop that offers a unique OLED display experience. However, its performance limitations and high price tag may make it a better fit for casual gamers or creators who value the visual prowess of the OLED panel, rather than those seeking maximum gaming performance. Prospective buyers should carefully consider their specific needs and priorities before making a decision.

FAQ

Q: How does the HP Omen Transcend 16’s performance compare to other RTX 4070 laptops?

A: The Omen Transcend 16’s RTX 4070 performance is slightly below average compared to other RTX 4070-equipped laptops, likely due to the potential for CPU throttling in the 16-inch chassis.

Q: Is the OLED display worth the potential drawbacks?

A: The OLED display’s exceptional visual quality, including vibrant colors, deep blacks, and fast response times, may be worth the trade-offs for some users. However, the screen’s susceptibility to flickering and reflections could be a dealbreaker for others.

Q: How loud is the HP Omen Transcend 16 during gaming sessions?

A: In the balanced performance mode, the Omen Transcend 16 produces relatively moderate fan noise levels of 44-47 dB(A), which should be acceptable for most gamers. Switching to the performance mode, however, can increase the noise to a more noticeable 53 dB(A).

Q: Is the HP Omen Transcend 16 a good choice for competitive gaming?

A: While the Omen Transcend 16’s performance is generally solid, the potential for CPU throttling and the limited VRAM on the RTX 4070 GPU may not make it the best choice for highly competitive gamers who demand maximum and consistent performance.

Conclusion

The HP Omen Transcend 16 is a gaming laptop that delivers a unique OLED display experience, but it also comes with some notable trade-offs. Its powerful RTX 4070 GPU and vibrant OLED panel make it a compelling option for casual gamers and content creators, but the CPU’s thermal limitations and the relatively modest VRAM may give pause to more demanding users. Ultimately, the Omen Transcend 16 is a solid choice for those who prioritize visual quality over pure gaming performance, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Prospective buyers should carefully weigh their priorities and needs before making a decision.