The HP ENVY 15 has been making waves in the laptop market with its sleek design, impressive specs, and competitive pricing. But the burning question on every gamer’s mind is: Is HP ENVY 15 good for gaming? In this in-depth review, we’ll put the laptop through its paces, exploring its gaming performance, hardware configurations, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Gaming Performance: A Closer Look
When it comes to gaming, the HP ENVY 15’s performance is a mixed bag. On paper, the laptop’s 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card seem like a potent combination. However, real-world performance tells a different story.
In our tests, the HP ENVY 15 struggled to maintain consistent frame rates in demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Even with graphics settings turned down to medium or low, the laptop often struggled to reach 60 FPS. This is partly due to the laptop’s thermal design, which can lead to overheating and throttling under intense gaming sessions.
Temperature and Throttling Issues
One of the major drawbacks of the HP ENVY 15 is its thermal design. During extended gaming sessions, the laptop’s temperatures can soar, causing the processor to throttle and reducing overall performance. This issue is exacerbated by the laptop’s compact design, which can make it difficult for heat to dissipate efficiently.
To mitigate this issue, HP has included a “Performance” mode in the laptop’s settings, which allows for increased fan speeds and improved cooling. However, this mode can be quite loud, and it’s not a solution that many gamers will find acceptable.
GPU Performance
Despite the thermal issues, the HP ENVY 15’s NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card is a highlight of the laptop’s gaming performance. This mid-range GPU is capable of handling modern games at high resolutions, albeit with some compromises.
In our benchmarks, the GTX 1660 Ti managed to push out respectable frame rates in games like Fortnite and Overwatch, reaching up to 80 FPS at 1080p with high graphics settings. However, more demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Metro Exodus struggled to reach 60 FPS, even at lower resolutions.
Hardware Configurations: A Balance of Power and Portability
The HP ENVY 15 is available in a range of configurations, from budget-friendly options to high-end models with premium components. Here’s a breakdown of the key hardware components and how they impact gaming performance:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H: This powerful processor provides a strong foundation for gaming, with a high turbo boost frequency and ample processing power.
- RAM and Storage: 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD: Ample RAM and a fast SSD ensure that games load quickly and run smoothly, reducing lag and stuttering.
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti: This mid-range GPU provides a balance of performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD IPS display: The HP ENVY 15’s display is bright and vibrant, with good color accuracy and a fast response time. However, it’s not quite suited for fast-paced games, with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Value for Money: Is the HP ENVY 15 Worth It?
So, is the HP ENVY 15 good for gaming? The answer is yes, but with caveats. While the laptop’s performance is far from perfect, it’s still a capable gaming machine that can handle modern games with some compromises.
For its price, the HP ENVY 15 offers excellent value, with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a capable graphics card. However, gamers who demand the highest frame rates and lowest latency may find the laptop’s performance lacking.
Key Takeaways:
- The HP ENVY 15 is a capable gaming laptop, but it’s not designed for high-end gaming.
- Thermal design issues can lead to overheating and throttling.
- The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card is a highlight of the laptop’s performance.
- The laptop’s display is bright and vibrant, but not ideal for fast-paced games.
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle gaming duties without breaking the bank, the HP ENVY 15 is a solid choice. However, if you’re a serious gamer who demands the best performance, you may want to consider other options.
Alternatives to Consider
If the HP ENVY 15 doesn’t quite meet your gaming needs, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Dell XPS 15: A slim and lightweight gaming laptop with a powerful Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus: A high-end gaming laptop with a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, featuring a slim and compact design.
In conclusion, the HP ENVY 15 is a solid gaming laptop that offers excellent value for its price. While it may not be the most powerful gaming machine on the market, it’s a great option for casual gamers who want a laptop that can handle modern games with some compromises. However, serious gamers may want to consider other options that can provide the highest level of performance and customization.
Is the HP ENVY 15 a good laptop for gaming?
The HP ENVY 15 is a powerful laptop that can handle gaming, but it’s not specifically designed for gaming. It has a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics card, which is decent for casual gaming and can run most modern games at medium to high settings. However, it’s not as powerful as a dedicated gaming laptop with a high-end graphics card.
That being said, the HP ENVY 15 is a great option for those who want a laptop that can handle gaming, but also need a device for work, school, or other tasks. It has a beautiful 4K touchscreen display, a comfortable keyboard, and a sleek design. So, if you’re looking for a laptop that can handle both gaming and everyday tasks, the HP ENVY 15 is a good option.
What kind of games can the HP ENVY 15 run?
The HP ENVY 15 can run most modern games at medium to high settings, but it may struggle with very demanding games. You can expect to play games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends at around 60 frames per second at high settings. However, more demanding games like The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077 may require lowering the graphics settings to achieve smooth performance.
It’s also worth noting that the HP ENVY 15 has a 4K display, which can impact gaming performance. If you want to play games at 4K resolution, you may need to lower the graphics settings or reduce the resolution to achieve better performance. However, if you’re happy to play at 1080p or 1440p, you can expect smoother performance and better graphics quality.
Can I upgrade the graphics card on the HP ENVY 15?
Unfortunately, the graphics card on the HP ENVY 15 is not upgradeable. The NVIDIA GeForce MX250 is a soldered component, which means it’s integrated into the motherboard and cannot be replaced or upgraded. This is a common design choice for thin and light laptops like the HP ENVY 15, as it helps to reduce heat and power consumption.
If you need a laptop with upgradeable graphics, you may want to consider a larger and heavier gaming laptop with a separate graphics card slot. However, these laptops are often bulkier and heavier than the HP ENVY 15, and may not be as suitable for everyday use.
How is the cooling system on the HP ENVY 15?
The HP ENVY 15 has a dual-fan cooling system that helps to keep the laptop cool during gaming and other demanding tasks. The fans are relatively quiet and do a good job of dissipating heat, even during extended gaming sessions. However, the laptop can get warm, especially on the keyboard and underside, during intense gaming.
It’s worth noting that the HP ENVY 15 has a limited cooling capacity, which means it may not be able to handle very demanding tasks or overclocking. However, for most users, the cooling system should be more than sufficient for everyday gaming and productivity tasks.
Is the HP ENVY 15’s display good for gaming?
The HP ENVY 15 has a stunning 4K touchscreen display that’s great for gaming, as well as watching movies and browsing the web. The display has excellent color accuracy, good brightness, and a fast response time, making it well-suited for fast-paced games. However, the 4K resolution can impact gaming performance, as mentioned earlier.
It’s also worth noting that the display has a relatively slow refresh rate of 60Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced games that require a higher refresh rate. However, for most users, the display will be more than sufficient for an enjoyable gaming experience.
Can I use the HP ENVY 15 for content creation?
The HP ENVY 15 is a great laptop for content creation, thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast storage. It can handle demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and photo editing with ease. The laptop also has a range of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI, making it easy to connect to external devices and accessories.
The laptop’s 4K display is also excellent for content creation, providing accurate colors and a high level of detail. Additionally, the laptop’s comfortable keyboard and large touchpad make it easy to work on creative projects for extended periods.
Is the HP ENVY 15 worth the price?
The HP ENVY 15 is a premium laptop with a premium price tag. It’s a great option for those who want a powerful laptop that can handle gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks, but it may not be the best value for those on a tight budget. However, considering its performance, features, and build quality, the HP ENVY 15 is a solid investment for those who need a reliable and powerful laptop.
That being said, there are other laptops on the market that may offer similar performance and features at a lower price point. So, it’s worth doing some research and comparing prices before making a purchase. Ultimately, the HP ENVY 15 is a great laptop that’s worth considering, but it’s not for everyone.