Finding a gaming laptop that delivers high frame rates on a tight budget is a challenge, but the HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop rises to the occasion. Featuring a 15.6″ FHD 144Hz display, Intel Core i5-12450H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, backlit keyboard, and Windows 11 Home, this laptop is a top contender for the best RTX 3050 gaming laptop under $700 in 2025. This review explores its performance, features, and value, making it an excellent choice for budget gamers seeking high FPS in titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends.
Overview of the HP Victus 15.6 (2025)
The HP Victus 15.6 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that punches above its weight. With a robust Intel Core i5-12450H, an RTX 3050 GPU with ray tracing and DLSS, and an impressive 32GB DDR4 RAM, it delivers smooth 1080p gaming and multitasking capabilities. Its sleek Performance Blue design, durable build, and modern connectivity make it a standout in the best budget gaming laptop category for 2025, ideal for students, casual gamers, and esports enthusiasts.
Check Limited Discount Price
Key Specifications
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS, 144Hz, 9ms response time, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H (8 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU (4GB GDDR6, up to 95W TGP, DLSS 2)
- Memory: 32GB DDR4-3200 (upgradable to 64GB, dual-channel)
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (up to 6,600MB/s)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ-45, 1x SD card reader
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Weight: 5.06 lbs (2.29 kg)
- Battery: 52.5Wh, up to 6.5 hours (varies with usage)
- Additional Features: Backlit keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, 720p webcam, B&O-tuned dual speakers, HP Fast Charge, Omen Gaming Hub
Performance: High FPS on a Budget
Processor and Graphics
The Intel Core i5-12450H is a 12th Gen processor with 8 cores (4 performance, 4 efficiency) and a turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz, offering solid performance for 1080p gaming and light productivity tasks. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, featuring 4GB GDDR6 and DLSS 2, it delivers high FPS in esports titles and respectable performance in AAA games. In Fortnite, expect 80–100 FPS at 1080p high settings, while Valorant and Apex Legends achieve 120–144 FPS, fully utilizing the 144Hz display.
Benchmark highlights include:
- Geekbench 5: The i5-12450H scores well for its class, handling gaming and multitasking efficiently, though it trails behind i7 or i9 processors in heavy workloads.
- 3DMark Fire Strike: The RTX 3050 delivers 60+ FPS in Call of Duty: Warzone at medium settings, with DLSS boosting performance by 20–30%.
- Cinebench R23: Decent multi-core performance for budget video editing or streaming.
For AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 3050 achieves 40–50 FPS at 1080p medium settings with DLSS Quality enabled, making it one of the best budget gaming laptops for high FPS in 2025. While not suited for 4K gaming, it supports external displays via HDMI 2.1 for 1440p gaming at 30–40 FPS with lowered settings.
Gaming Performance
The 144Hz FHD IPS display ensures smooth, tear-free visuals with Adaptive-Sync, ideal for competitive gaming. In Valorant, the laptop maintains 120–144 FPS at high settings, leveraging the RTX 3050’s efficiency. For GTA V, expect 70–90 FPS at high settings, and The Witcher 3 runs at 50–60 FPS with medium settings and DLSS. The Omen Gaming Hub allows for performance tweaks, including fan control and GPU overclocking, squeezing extra FPS from the RTX 3050.
While the display’s 45% NTSC color gamut is modest compared to premium panels, it’s sufficient for gaming, with vibrant visuals for budget titles. The 9ms response time is slightly slower than high-end displays but doesn’t noticeably impact fast-paced games like CS2.
Multitasking and Productivity
The 32GB DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz is a standout feature in this price range, enabling seamless multitasking for gaming, streaming, and browser-heavy workflows. The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD offers fast load times (under 8 seconds for Apex Legends) and ample storage for game libraries. While there’s no second M.2 slot, the 1TB capacity is generous for a budget laptop. The Victus also handles light content creation, such as photo editing in Photoshop or streaming via OBS, making it versatile for students and creators.
Display: Smooth but Not Color-Rich
The 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS display delivers fluid visuals for esports and fast-paced games, with a 78% screen-to-body ratio for immersion. The 250-nit brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut are adequate but fall short of premium displays like those on the ASUS TUF series (100% sRGB). The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, but outdoor visibility is limited. For budget gamers prioritizing frame rates over color accuracy, the 144Hz panel is a great fit, though creative professionals may want an external monitor for color-critical work.
The laptop supports HDMI 2.1 for external 1440p or 4K displays, though the RTX 3050 struggles at higher resolutions without significant settings adjustments. For 1080p gaming, the display perfectly matches the GPU’s capabilities.
Cooling: Reliable for Budget Gaming
The HP Victus 15.6 features a dual-fan cooling system with wide vents, keeping the i5-12450H below 85°C and the RTX 3050 around 75°C during intense gaming sessions. The Omen Gaming Hub offers fan control, with Quiet, Balanced, and Performance modes to balance noise and thermals. Fans can reach 48 dBA in Performance Mode, noticeable but not disruptive. The palm rest stays cool, ensuring comfort during long sessions, making it one of the best budget gaming laptops for cooling under $700 in 2025.
Design and Build Quality
Weighing 5.06 lbs and measuring 0.93″ thick, the HP Victus is portable for a gaming laptop, with a Performance Blue finish that adds flair without being overly flashy. The chassis is durable, with a sturdy hinge and a professional aesthetic suitable for school or work. The backlit keyboard offers single-zone white lighting, sufficient for gaming in low-light conditions but lacking RGB customization. The multi-touch trackpad is responsive but average for productivity tasks.
The B&O-tuned dual speakers deliver decent audio for gaming, though bass is limited compared to premium models. The 720p webcam is functional for casual video calls but subpar for streaming. The inclusion of an SD card reader is a bonus for creators, setting it apart from competitors like the Lenovo LOQ.
Connectivity and Ports
The HP Victus offers solid connectivity:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (supports DisplayPort)
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x RJ-45 Ethernet
- 1x SD card reader
- 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6 ensures low-latency online gaming, and Bluetooth 5.3 supports reliable peripheral connections. The HDMI 2.1 port allows for external monitors, enhancing versatility for home setups. While lacking Thunderbolt 4, the port selection is robust for a budget laptop.
Battery Life
The 52.5Wh battery provides up to 6.5 hours of light use (web browsing, streaming at 150 nits), but gaming reduces this to 1–1.5 hours, typical for budget gaming laptops. HP Fast Charge reaches 50% in 30 minutes with the 150W AC adapter, though USB-C charging is not supported. For gamers who play plugged in, battery life is a minor concern, but portability is slightly limited for unplugged use.
Check Limited Discount Price
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High FPS Performance: RTX 3050 delivers 80–144 FPS in esports titles and 50–60 FPS in AAA games at 1080p.
- Affordable Price: Under $700, one of the cheapest RTX 3050 laptops in 2025.
- Generous RAM and Storage: 32GB DDR4 and 1TB SSD are rare at this price.
- Smooth Display: 144Hz FHD IPS ensures fluid gameplay.
- Solid Cooling: Dual fans maintain low temperatures without throttling.
- Versatile Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, and Wi-Fi 6 for modern setups.
Cons
- Modest Color Gamut: 45% NTSC limits color vibrancy for creative work.
- Noisy Fans: Up to 48 dBA in Performance Mode.
- Limited Battery Life: 1–1.5 hours during gaming.
- No RGB Keyboard: Single-zone white backlighting lacks customization.
- Average Webcam: 720p camera is basic for streaming or calls.
Who Should Buy the HP Victus 15.6?
The HP Victus 15.6 is ideal for:
- Budget Gamers: Those seeking high FPS in esports and AAA titles under $700.
- Esports Enthusiasts: Perfect for Valorant, Fortnite, and Apex Legends at 120–144 FPS.
- Students and Casual Users: Lightweight and versatile for school, work, and gaming.
- Upgraders: Users who value 32GB RAM and potential for 64GB upgrades.
It may not suit:
- Gamers needing 2.5K/4K displays or premium color accuracy.
- Users prioritizing silent operation or long battery life.
- Content creators requiring high-end GPU performance for rendering.
Verdict: The Best RTX 3050 Gaming Laptop Under $700 in 2025
The HP Victus 15.6 i5 Gaming Laptop is a top pick for the best RTX 3050 gaming laptop under $700 for high FPS in 2025. Its Intel Core i5-12450H, RTX 3050 GPU, and 144Hz display deliver smooth 1080p gaming, with 80–144 FPS in esports titles and 50–60 FPS in AAA games like GTA V. The 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD are exceptional for the price, ensuring fast load times and multitasking prowess. While the display’s color gamut and battery life are modest, its performance, cooling, and affordability make it a killer deal.
Compared to competitors like the Acer Nitro V or MSI Katana 15, the HP Victus offers more RAM and a unique SD card reader, making it a versatile choice for budget gamers. For those seeking high FPS on a budget, the Victus 15.6 is a must-consider option in 2025.