Are you looking for a high-performance gaming laptop that won't break the bank? Look no further than the HP Pavilion Gaming i5. This sleek and stylish laptop packs a powerful punch with its Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA graphics card. As a graphic designer, I was excited to put this laptop to the test and see how it performs for both gaming and design work. In this review, I'll share my experience with the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 and why I think it's a great option for those on a budget.
Let's start with the specs. The HP Pavilion Gaming i5 comes equipped with an Intel Core i5-9300H processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card provides stunning visuals and smooth gameplay. The laptop also has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with anti-glare technology, which makes it easy to work or play for long periods without straining your eyes. The keyboard is backlit with a red LED backlight, adding a cool touch for gaming sessions. Overall, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 has impressive specs for its price point.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming performance, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 does not disappoint. I tested the laptop with a few different games, including Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Overwatch, and was impressed with the results. The NVIDIA graphics card provides stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, even on high settings. I experienced no lag or stuttering, even during intense action sequences. The laptop also has dual speakers with B&O Audio, which provided clear and immersive sound. Overall, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is a great option for gamers who want a powerful laptop without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
One downside of the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is its battery life. While the laptop is designed for gaming on-the-go, you'll need to keep it plugged in for extended gaming sessions. I was able to get around 4-5 hours of battery life with casual use, but when gaming, the battery drained much faster. If you plan on using this laptop for extended periods without access to a power source, you may want to invest in a portable charger.
Design and Build
As a graphic designer, I appreciate a laptop that looks good and is built to last. The HP Pavilion Gaming i5 ticks both of those boxes. The laptop has a sleek and modern design, with a matte black finish and red accents. It's also built with durability in mind, featuring a full metal chassis and a reinforced keyboard deck. The keyboard has a decent amount of travel and is comfortable to type on for extended periods. The touchpad is also responsive and accurate. Overall, the design and build of the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 are impressive for its price point.
Design Performance
Now, let's talk about the HP Pavilion Gaming i5's performance for design work. As a graphic designer, I rely on my laptop to handle heavy design programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The HP Pavilion Gaming i5 performed well for these tasks, thanks to its powerful processor and plenty of RAM. I was able to work on large files without any lag or freezing. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display also provided accurate and vibrant colors, making it easy to edit photos and designs. The only downside for design work is the lack of a dedicated graphics card, which can limit performance for more intensive tasks like 3D rendering. However, for most graphic design work, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is a great option.
Port Selection
Another aspect to consider for design work is port selection. The HP Pavilion Gaming i5 has a decent selection of ports, including a USB-C port, HDMI port, and Ethernet port. However, it only has two USB-A ports, which may not be enough for some users. If you need to connect multiple devices or peripherals, you may need to invest in a USB hub.
Display Quality
The display quality of the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is impressive for its price point. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display provides accurate and vibrant colors, which is important for graphic design work. The anti-glare technology also makes it easy to work for long periods without straining your eyes. One downside is the lack of a touchscreen, which can be useful for certain design tasks. However, for the price, the display quality of the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is hard to beat.
Audio Quality
Finally, let's talk about the audio quality of the HP Pavilion Gaming i5. As mentioned earlier, the laptop has dual speakers with B&O Audio, which provides clear and immersive sound. I tested the laptop with a few different songs and was impressed with the depth and clarity of the audio. The speakers can get quite loud, which is great for gaming or watching movies. Overall, the audio quality of the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is another strong aspect of this laptop.
Overall, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is a great option for those on a budget who want a powerful laptop for gaming or design work. The laptop has impressive specs, including an Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA graphics card, and performs well for both gaming and design tasks. While the battery life could be better and the lack of a dedicated graphics card may limit performance for some tasks, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is still a great value for its price point. If you're in the market for a high-performance laptop that won't break the bank, the HP Pavilion Gaming i5 is definitely worth considering.
| Pros | Cons |
| - Powerful Intel Core i5 processor | - Battery life could be better |
| - NVIDIA graphics card for stunning visuals | - Lack of dedicated graphics card may limit performance for some tasks |
| - Sleek and durable design | - Only two USB-A ports |
| - Impressive display quality | |
| - Clear and immersive audio |