What It Offers

This model is a high-performance “desktop replacement” gaming laptop, aimed at gamers and creators who want strong graphics and a large screen without moving to a full desktop. Key highlights:

• CPU / GPU: A 10th-generation Intel Core i7-10750H (6 cores / 12 threads) paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 makes this capable of running modern games at high settings, doing GPU-accelerated workloads (streaming, rendering), and handling multitasking well.

• Display: Large 17.3-inch Full HD screen (1920×1080) with 144 Hz refresh rate. That gives smoother motion and better responsiveness for fast-paced games.

• Memory & Storage: 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and a fast 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD as standard. Good for many games, media files, and general workloads.

• Connectivity & Ports: WiFi 6 support (Intel AX201), Bluetooth, multiple display outputs (HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C), etc. Good flexibility for external monitors, LAN, etc. 

• Battery & Power: 70 Wh battery, and comes with a 230W power adapter. As with most gaming laptops, powered performance is much greater than battery performance.

Key Specifications

Performance & Real-World Use

Gaming & Graphics

• The RTX 2070 is a capable GPU for 1080p and even 1440p gaming (depending on settings). In demanding modern titles, you can expect solid frame rates on high settings at 1080p.

• The 144 Hz display helps deliver a smoother experience for fast-paced games (e.g. FPS, eSports titles).

• Ray tracing features are supported via the Turing architecture, but performance in ray-traced settings will depend on how much you dial things down (DLSS helps in many games).

• Thermal throttling is a risk in thin gaming laptops; the cooling design will significantly impact sustained performance.

Productivity & Multitasking

• The 6-core i7-10750H provides strong multi-threaded performance for tasks like video editing, compiling, virtualization, or content creation (though heavier workloads may stretch it).

• 16 GB of RAM is a good baseline; the dual-DIMM configuration allows future upgrades (typically up to 32 GB or more depending on motherboard support).

• Storage is fast (NVMe SSD), giving quick boot times and fast app/game load times. However, 512 GB might fill up quickly if you install many large games or content libraries — adding or replacing the SSD is often possible via internals access.

Display & Media

• The 17.3″ 144 Hz IPS panel offers good fluidity for motion, though color accuracy, brightness, and contrast may not match premium external monitors.

• Anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections in well-lit environments.

Thermals, Noise, & Cooling

• Under heavy load (gaming or rendering), the laptop is likely to run hot and fans will spin up — this is common in powerful 17″ gaming laptops.

• If internal airflow, thermal paste, and cooling system design are well-implemented, it can maintain respectable performance. Otherwise, expect potential throttling or elevated component temps.

• Many users of high-performance gaming laptops add cooling pads or external laptop stands to help airflow.

Portability & Battery

• At over 3 kg (and including the power brick), this is not a very portable machine — it’s best suited as a “desktop replacement” rather than a carry-around daily laptop.

• The battery capacity (70 Wh) is modest, and real-world use under load (gaming, GPU-intensive tasks) will drain it quickly. Expect only 1–2 hours (or less) under heavy use. For lighter tasks (web browsing, light workloads), battery life will be better but still likely under 4–5 hours.

Expandability & Maintenance

• The unit is designed with a single access panel for accessing internals (RAM, SSDs, etc.).

• You can typically upgrade RAM (to higher capacity) and upgrade or replace the SSD as needed.

• Be careful with thermal management when opening — resealing, reapplying thermal paste, or validating cooling settings is necessary.

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

• Strong performance for its time — capable GPU + CPU for gaming and creative tasks.

• High refresh rate display suited for responsive gaming.

• Good internal upgradeability.

• Generous 17.3″ screen real estate — immersive for gaming and productivity.

• Decent set of ports (USB-C / Thunderbolt, multiple display outputs).

👎 Cons / Caveats

• Weight and bulk make it less mobile.

• Battery life is limited for on-the-go use.

• Under sustained load, thermal and acoustic behavior may become a limiting factor.

• The 512 GB SSD may become a bottleneck in terms of storage space.

• As with many gaming laptops, build quality, thermal design, and quality control can vary between units.

Anecdotally, some users report issues with build quality, overheating, and reliability of certain OMEN models:

“The construction doesn’t feel solid, the overheat is a problem … the motherboard suddenly died.” 
That said, experiences vary considerably depending on unit, usage, and luck.

Verdict

The HP OMEN 17 (17-cb1080nr, 2020 model) with i7-10750H + RTX 2070 is a solid gaming laptop for its era. It is well suited for 1080p gaming at high settings, and can handle many productive workloads. Its main drawbacks are its size, thermal constraints under sustained load, and limited battery life.

If you’re considering acquiring or keeping one, here are some tips:

• Use a good cooling pad or elevate the laptop to improve airflow.

• Monitor temperatures and fan curves, perhaps using HP’s OMEN Command Center or third-party tools.

• Consider upgrading the storage if 512 GB feels limiting.

• Be cautious with heavy workloads in hot environments — ensure adequate ventilation.

• If portability is important, weigh whether a lighter model might better suit your needs.

If you like, I can compare this model with more modern alternatives (2024/2025) and see whether it’s still cost-effective in your region. Would you like me to do that?

HP OMEN 17 – Powerful 17.3″ Gaming Laptop