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Mon-Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm
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Mon-Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm
(exc. Public Holidays)
For Kiwi gamers looking to elevate their gaming experience, 2025 has delivered an impressive array of high-end graphics cards that are transforming the local gaming landscape. Whether you’re battling it out in the latest AAA titles from your Auckland flat or streaming gameplay from Christchurch, having the right graphics card can make all the difference. From Intel’s Arc GPUs launched in early 2025 to NVIDIA’s groundbreaking Blackwell RTX 50-series, the options have never been more exciting—or more varied in price and performance.
With such impressive performance capabilities comes significant investment, and the flagship RTX 5090 certainly commands a premium price point. So, is it worth upgrading from the still-capable RTX 4000-series? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the latest graphics cards available in HP’s OMEN range, compare performance metrics, and examine how they perform in terms of gaming capabilities, power efficiency, and thermal management for New Zealand conditions.
HP’s OMEN gaming range offers graphics card options to suit a wide spectrum of performance requirements and budgets. For those starting their gaming journey or working within tighter budgets, entry-level GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 provide solid 1080p gaming performance with moderate settings.
HP’s OMEN desktops are meticulously engineered to complement various GPU configurations, ensuring you can game with confidence regardless of which graphics card you choose. Each desktop allows easy access to internals, whilst the motherboard layout enables efficient communication between components. Fine-tuning settings to enhance performance through HP’s proprietary OMEN Gaming Hub software is available across all OMEN PCs.
The NVIDIA RTX graphics cards offered throughout the HP OMEN gaming lineup provide gamers with choices ranging from capable entry-level options to absolute flagship performance. Desktop variants typically offer higher performance than their mobile counterparts due to increased power budgets and better cooling solutions.
The NVIDIA RTX 4000 and 5000 series showcase substantial advancements in gaming performance. The flagship RTX 4090, available in HP’s premium OMEN desktops, features 24GB VRAM and delivers exceptional performance for 4K gaming with ray tracing enabled. When comparing desktop variants to laptop versions, desktop GPUs typically maintain higher clock speeds and sustained performance due to superior cooling and power delivery systems.
As of early 2025, over 700 games and applications have integrated NVIDIA’s RTX technology, including DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), into their graphics pipelines. HP has incorporated these cutting-edge features into their premium OMEN systems, enabling gamers to experience the best possible visual quality with maximum settings.
Modern RTX graphics cards feature advanced ray tracing cores that deliver hyper-realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections that closely mimic real-world scenarios. These visual enhancements create more immersive gaming experiences, particularly in modern titles designed to showcase ray tracing capabilities.
Your graphics card directly determines the resolution and settings at which you can comfortably play games. For Full HD 1080p gaming with 60Hz refresh rates, mid-range graphics cards provide solid performance at medium to high settings across most titles.
For future-proofing your gaming setup, opt for graphics cards with ample VRAM (8GB or more), ray tracing support, and DLSS compatibility. Consider cards with modern connectivity options for optimal compatibility with the latest displays and peripherals.
| Resolution | Entry-level | Mid-range | High-end | Ultra high-end |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p |
Desktop: RTX 3050
(8GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 3050 (4GB VRAM) |
Desktop: RTX 4060 Ti
(8GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 4060 (8GB VRAM) |
Desktop: RTX 4070
(12GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 4070 (8GB VRAM) |
Desktop: RTX 4080
(16GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5080 (16GB GDDR7) |
| 1440p |
Desktop: RTX 4060
(8GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 4060 (8GB VRAM) |
Desktop: RTX 4060 Ti
(16GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5070 Ti (12GB GDDR7) |
Desktop: RTX 4070 Ti
(12GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5080 (16GB GDDR7) |
Desktop: RTX 4080
(16GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7) |
| 4K |
Desktop: RTX 4070
(12GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5070 Ti (12GB GDDR7) |
Desktop: RTX 4080
(16GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5080 (16GB GDDR7) |
Desktop: RTX 4090
(24GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7) |
Desktop: RTX 5090
(24GB VRAM) Laptop: RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7) |
When selecting your graphics card, consider your long-term gaming aspirations alongside your current budget. Whilst flagship GPUs offer breathtaking performance, they command premium pricing that may not align with the performance improvements for all users.
BUYING GUIDE HIGHLIGHT:
The HP gaming range encompasses various performance tiers to suit different gaming needs and budgets. From entry-level systems that handle esports titles and casual gaming to flagship machines capable of 4K gaming with maximum settings, there’s an option for every type of gamer.
For competitive gamers focusing on esports titles, mid-range graphics cards often provide the best balance of performance and value, delivering high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Content creators and enthusiasts who demand maximum visual fidelity benefit from high-end graphics cards that can handle ray tracing and 4K resolution simultaneously.
Modern OMEN systems incorporate various technologies beyond raw graphics performance to enhance your gaming experience. Advanced cooling solutions ensure sustained performance during lengthy gaming sessions, whilst optimised component layouts minimise thermal throttling and maintain consistent frame rates.
HP’s OMEN Gaming Hub software provides comprehensive system monitoring and optimisation tools, allowing you to fine-tune performance settings for specific games or applications. These software features complement the hardware capabilities to deliver the best possible gaming experience.
When investing in a new gaming system, consider not just current performance requirements but also future gaming trends. Ray tracing technology is becoming increasingly common in new releases, whilst higher resolution displays are becoming more affordable and accessible.
Graphics cards with generous VRAM allocations and support for modern technologies like DLSS provide better longevity, ensuring your system remains capable of handling new releases for years to come. The HP monitor range offers various display options to complement your graphics card capabilities, from high refresh rate 1080p displays to premium 4K monitors.
Choosing the right graphics card involves balancing your gaming requirements with your budget and long-term goals. HP’s OMEN engineering excellence ensures that regardless of which GPU tier you select, you’ll receive a well-optimised system designed to maximise performance and reliability.
Whether you’re stepping up from console gaming, upgrading an existing system, or building your first high-performance gaming setup, the range of HP gaming systems provides options to suit every need and budget. Consider your primary gaming scenarios, preferred resolution, and performance expectations when making your selection—the investment in the right graphics card will enhance your gaming experience significantly.
For New Zealand gamers ready to take their gaming to the next level, explore the complete range of OMEN gaming systems and find the perfect match for your gaming ambitions.
Mon-Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm
(exc. Public Holidays)
Mon-Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm
(exc. Public Holidays)