HP’s new Omen gaming PCs are head-turners worthy of your attention

Omen Max 45L: It’s got a little AIO hat

The Omen 45L isn’t actually a brand new design, as it’s been available for most of this calendar year. But this was the first time I’d seen what HP is calling the “Omen Cryo Chamber”—a dedicated area above the primary PC component compartment, specifically made for an all-in-one cooler.

The one installed in the demo unit (and presumably any pre-built you buy) was 360mm, but any standard cooler with the usual radiator-and-fans combo should work. The pump and heat spreader is connected to the coolant lines through a narrow channel between the compartments.

Michael Crider/Foundry

This separated AIO space keeps the main chamber cooler and allows better ventilation for the cooler itself. HP claims this maximized air flow can lower full-load temperatures by up to 7.5 degrees Celsius. I asked, and yes, you can replace or upgrade the AIO with any standard model, again, up to 360mm.

HP

That’s not the only trick in the Omen Max 45L’s playbook, though. Hiding under a shroud at the other end of the case is a new, exclusive 1,200-watt modular power supply.

It’s connected to the motherboard via USB-C, allowing for real-time monitoring, custom fan curves, and “built-in cleaning mode.” Occasionally, the fan’s rotor will be reversed, helping to clear out any accumulated dust. I doubt it’ll be enough to completely overcome the need for manual cleaning, but it’s an undeniably cool trick.

Michael Crider/Foundry

The updated Omen Max 45L maxes out the configurable parts to an AMD Ryzen 9950X3D and a GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, about as good as it gets for pre-built machines on the consumer level.

HP isn’t talking prices at the moment, so just assume “a hell of a lot” if you want those top-tier components.

Omen 35L Stealth: Hold the RGB

The Omen 35L—a smaller mid-range gaming desktop—also isn’t new. But the “Stealth Edition,” which eschews the usual tempered glass panel and RGB adornments in favor of a flat black look, is a new variant.

With only the “Omen” branding on the front, it looks a little more business-like. Not that it’s lacking for power. Even without the 45L’s impressive AIO chamber, the 35L gets access to the same parts, including that interesting 1,200-watt power supply. You get the same options in the flashy standard model or the Stealth Edition.

Michael Crider/Foundry

HP representatives told me they like how the all-black, no-RGB design doesn’t immediately scream “gamer,” so it’s a good option if you want a machine that looks a little more professional while still having plenty of gaming and media chops. Since I build my PCs to look like tiny refrigerators, I can dig it.

The Omen 35L Stealth Edition will start at $1,500 when it gets refreshed in October, the same price as the flashier RGB version.

HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 headset: Now with a macro pad!

Whereas the Omen brand gets HP’s gaming PCs and laptops, the HyperX brand gets the accessories. I’m already a fan of HyperX headsets for their absolutely incredible battery life, but the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless really scratches my desktop nerd itch with its base station.

Michael Crider/Foundry

In lieu of the usual wireless dongle, this premium headset comes with a big, finger-friendly volume knob and six light-up, programmable control buttons. It’s basically giving you a sort of mini-Stream Deck, albeit without the tiny screens. The knob itself is massive, easy to find without looking, and the center button defaults to a mic mute.

The headset itself is no slouch either, boasting huge 53mm drivers, a removable boom mic, simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless options (so you can hear audio from your phone and PC at the same time, for example), and a sturdy metal frame. HP claims 250 hours of battery life (125 in Bluetooth mode), and there’s a 3.5mm cable connection for anything that needs direct wired audio.

HP

Just be prepared to pay for all that functionality. When it launches later this month, the Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless will cost $300. That’s not unreasonable compared to other flagship headsets, especially with that base station in the box… but that’s still a lot of dosh.