Best OMEN Desktop for Smooth 4K 144Hz Gaming
Need faster framerates to dominate in first-person shooters? Or perhaps you're tired of staring at low-res graphics on an outdated display? The best gaming desktops pack enough punch to crank the resolution up to 4K while still delivering fast-flowing gameplay.
In this guide, we're covering the HP OMEN desktop, a powerhouse gaming rig with top-end specs. By combining best-in-class hardware, these powerful machines can run demanding titles at 144Hz in 4K.
What makes 4K 144Hz gaming demanding?
Gaming at 4K, or ultra high-definition (UHD), requires tremendous computing power, regardless of the refresh rate. Your PC must render around 8 million pixels for every frame, four times more than standard 1080p resolution. A high-performance graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU) are non-negotiables here.
Many mid-range rigs can run games in 4K with lower frames per second (FPS) and refresh rates. While fine for slow-paced single-player adventures, sluggish graphics won't cut it for competitive online gaming.
Understanding Key Gaming Terms
Need to brush up on the lingo? The framerate refers to how many times per second your CPU/GPU can process an image. The refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second your monitor can refresh the display. In practical terms, the framerate cannot exceed the refresh rate, and vice versa.
Common in gaming monitors, 144Hz is the benchmark for esports and fast-paced online matches. Any lower, and your opponents may gain a competitive edge. Higher refresh rates can help slightly, but expect diminishing returns.
Hitting the gold standard 144Hz refresh rate requires a 144Hz (or higher) monitor and sufficient specs to reach 144 FPS. With a 4K resolution, your CPU/GPU must generate 8 million new pixels 144 times every second, often for hours on end. That requires a top-tier cooling system and exceptional processing power.
Hardware requirements for 4K 144Hz Gaming
What kind of processing power are we talking about?
The precise requirements vary depending on the game's complexity. Nonetheless, the following benchmarks provide some idea of what's required for 4K gaming at 144Hz.
Essential Components:
- Graphics:
- The GPU is the most important (and priciest) piece of the puzzle. You'll need a high-end card with substantial VRAM, such as the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 Super or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX.
- Processor:
- A high-speed, late-generation CPU is essential. Look for a multi-core AMD Ryzen™ 7 or Intel® Core™ i7/i9 to eliminate processing bottlenecks.
- RAM:
- Your PC will start struggling if you run out of temporary memory. Aim for at least 16GB of DDR5 RAM, more if you plan to stream. Many RAM modules come with heat sinks to keep your system cool.
- Storage:
- A high-speed PCIe® NVMe™ Solid State Drive (SSD) provides faster game load times. Most modern AAA games average 50-100GB, so choose one with ample free space.
- Cooling systems:
- Rendering 8 million pixels 144 times per second will make your GPU extremely hot, making liquid cooling systems, like the OMEN Cryo Chamber, a valuable addition. Larger desktop cases (i.e., 45L) have more space and vents to improve airflow.
Introducing the HP OMEN Desktop
Specially designed for 4K gaming, the HP OMEN Desktop is our flagship gaming PC. The premium series comes in three sizes (16L, 35L, 45L) measured in liters, with larger cases accommodating better hardware and cooling technology.
While the 16L model is a potent unit, it won't run 4K games at 144Hz with modern AAA titles. To hit this performance benchmark, invest in a 35L-45L HP OMEN Desktop instead.
HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop: The premium choice
Built for extreme performance, the OMEN by HP 45L GT22-3090 is a state-of-the-art machine that excels at 4K resolution gaming at 144Hz. Toolless access lets you upgrade any component with ease–not that you'll need to anytime soon. On the exterior, tempered glass panels and four RGB zones provide a striking, cyberpunk-style aesthetic.
As for the GPU? You get an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 for 4K gaming with 32GB of dedicated VRAM. Built-in NVIDIA DLSS uses AI technology to boost performance without sacrificing quality, while ray tracing delivers realistic images that run faster than ever, thanks to 2nd generation RT cores.
To keep the card cool during intense, fast-paced gameplay, the patented OMEN Cryo Chamber system draws in and chills ambient air. The Intel Cryo Cooling Gen2 Technology features an AIO liquid cooler and multiple 120mm RGB or ARGB system fans.
With this top-end tech, you can expect to run any modern game at 4K with a 144Hz refresh rate. This is the best HP gaming PC money can buy.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K (up to 5.7 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 36 MB L3 cache, 24 cores, 24 threads)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 (32 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- RAM: Kingston FURY 64 GB DDR5-5600 MT/s XMP RGB Heatsink
- Storage: 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
HP OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop: The balanced alternative
Can't justify spending that much on an HP OMEN 45L Desktop? The smaller, more affordable 35L HP OMEN is a well-balanced alternative. Our recommendation is the OMEN 35L GT16-0085t, a powerhouse desktop featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 and GeForce RTX™ 4080 SUPER.
While it won't deliver the same best-in-class performance across the board, this high-performance machine is capable of running most modern games at 4K with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Optimized for performance, the case features fans to enhance airflow and minimize noise, modular power supply units with PCIe 5 and ATX 3.0 tech, and a robust AIO Liquid Cooling or Air-Cooling system.
Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 reduces latency during intense online battles. DTS X technology produces lifelike, spatially realistic sounds through your headset, with specially tuned audio modes for different game types.
For avid gamers seeking a high-speed machine with an outstanding price-to-performance ratio, this 35L HP OMEN Desktop is the ideal choice.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (up to 5.5 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 30 MB L3 cache, 20 cores, 20 threads)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER (16 GB GDDR6X dedicated)
- RAM: Kingston FURY 32 GB DDR5-6000 MT/s XMP RGB Heatsink
- Storage: 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Performance M.2 SSD
Common Questions About 4K 144Hz Gaming PCs
What's the minimum GPU needed for 4K 144Hz gaming?
The minimum GPU for 144Hz 4K gaming depends on several factors, including the game's complexity, graphics settings like shadows and anti-aliasing, and AI-powered upscaling technology like DLSS. Generally, you'll need a GPU with at least 16GB of VRAM, such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / 4090 or an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX.
How important is CPU choice for high refresh rate gaming?
For high refresh rate gaming, a powerful CPU is required to feed the GPU instructions and data. Any processing bottlenecks will limit your GPU's capability, resulting in reduced framerates and refresh rates.
Can DLSS help achieve 144 FPS at 4K resolution?
Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) works by rendering games at a lower resolution, then using AI to upscale the images to 4K. The technology can help your PC achieve 144 FPS at 4K resolution using less powerful hardware. However, success depends on the game, GPU, and DLSS settings.
What cooling solution is best for sustained performance?
Liquid cooling outperforms air-cooling solutions as it transfers heat more efficiently to achieve lower temperatures under heavy loads. A liquid gaming desktop cooling system, such as the HP OMEN Cryo Chamber, is also more stable during long gaming sessions.
Summary: Best OMEN desktop for smooth 4K 144Hz gaming
An ordinary gaming PC won't do. You need top-end technology to achieve a silky smooth 144Hz refresh rate when playing modern games in 4K.
Packing a potent GPU, CPU, and substantial RAM capacity, the HP OMEN Gaming Desktop delivers the power you need. Aided by the patented HP OMEN Cryo Chamber, this blistering-fast gaming rig will remain cool as a cucumber for hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
Looking for a 4K high refresh rate gaming setup? Check out the full range of 35L and 45L HP OMEN Gaming Desktops available in the US today.
