HP Victus 15 2021, Core i5-12450H, 32GB, 512GB SSD, GTX 1650, Black

The HP Victus 15 is a budget gaming laptop that crams 32GB of RAM and a 144Hz screen into a sub-$900 package. Its GTX 1650 is an aging GPU that limits AAA gaming to low-to-medium settings, but esports titles run beautifully. If memory headroom matters more than cutting-edge graphics, it's a solid deal.

Our database puts the GTX 1650 right around the 71st percentile for gaming laptops, which means it's above average among all models but nowhere near the top. In practice, you're looking at a GPU that can push 144fps in lightweight competitive shooters at 1080p, but demanding single-player games from the last couple of years will land closer to 30-45fps on medium settings. The 9ms response time on the 144Hz screen isn't the fastest, but it's fine if you're not a pro-level esports player.

The i5-12450H chip is a solid performer that lands in the middle of the pack (48th percentile), meaning it'll handle everyday tasks and gaming just fine without breaking a sweat, but it won't win any rendering contests. The real star is that 32GB of RAM, which sits at the 73rd percentile, letting you keep dozens of browser tabs, Discord, Spotify, and a game running without the system grinding to a halt. We've seen laptops at this price that barely manage 8GB, so the memory headroom here is genuine.

Stacked against more expensive gaming laptops like the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, the Victus 15 looks like a featherweight. The Legion packs an RTX 4060 or better, a brighter screen, and a sturdier chassis, but it'll cost you hundreds more. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is smaller, lighter, and far more powerful, yet it easily starts above $1,500. For productivity-focused machines like the MSI Prestige or Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro, the Victus 15 offers a clear edge in gaming and RAM, while those ultrabooks win on portability, battery, and display quality. If you can stretch your budget, the Legion Pro 5i is the better pure gaming rig, but if every dollar counts and you want that 32GB cushion, the Victus is a smart compromise.

In the $820 to $900 range, you're usually forced to choose between a decent GPU and enough RAM, but the Victus 15 flips the script by loading up on memory and pairing it with a workable, if dated, graphics chip. An Acer Nitro 5 or Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 with an RTX 3050 might give you better frame rates in newer games, but they'll come with half the RAM. If your workloads, modded games, or just your digital habits crave more memory, this HP makes a strong case. Just know that you're sacrificing some gaming longevity for that RAM.

If you're hunting for a budget gaming laptop that doesn't skimp on memory, the HP Victus 15 with a full 32GB of DDR4 RAM is going to catch your eye. Priced between $820 and $900, this configuration stands out in a sea of 8GB and 16GB systems, and that alone makes it worth a look for multitaskers, students, and anyone who hates closing tabs. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H and GeForce GTX 1650 provide enough horsepower for daily work and esports titles, while the 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate keeps things smooth.

But this is a budget rig through and through. The GTX 1650 is a few years old now, and while it can handle games like CS2, Valorant, and Fortnite at high settings with well over 60fps, it'll choke on newer AAA games unless you drop settings to medium or low. Still, for someone who needs a laptop that can game a little and tackle memory-hungry apps like Photoshop, coding environments, or a ridiculous number of Chrome tabs, the Victus 15 carves out a niche.

Build quality is all plastic and the 2.4kg weight doesn't make it a travel champ, but you get a decent port selection with HDMI 2.1, two USB-A ports, one USB-C, and even an Ethernet jack. Add in Wi-Fi 6 and a backlit keyboard, and the basics are covered. The question really comes down to whether you'd trade newer graphics for a memory advantage at this price.

Skip the Victus 15 if you want a laptop that can handle modern AAA games at high settings, need something lightweight for daily travel, or expect good battery life. A Lenovo Legion Pro 5i or ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 will serve you better if your budget allows, while an Acer Nitro 5 with an RTX 3050 gets you better gaming frame rates at a similar price, just with less RAM.

Buy the HP Victus 15 if you need a laptop that handles schoolwork, media, and light gaming without breaking the bank, and you especially value not running out of RAM. It's a sensible pick for engineering students, multitaskers, or anyone who wants a 144Hz display and can live with older GPU performance. But if your gaming ambitions include Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings, you'll be disappointed. We think the RAM advantage is real, but only if you actually need it.