HP’s Omen series is designed specifically for gaming and creative professionals. Unlike consumer Pavilion laptops, Omen models prioritize performance, cooling, and upgrade flexibility. The Omen 16 and 17 feature dual RAM slots, dual SSD storage, and robust power delivery. This guide covers recent Omen models, detailing DDR5 RAM compatibility, dual M.2 SSD configurations, and gaming-specific upgrade strategies.
HP Omen Compatibility Master Table
The table below lists current HP Omen 16 and 17 models, highlighting their dual-slot RAM and storage configuration.
| Model | RAM Type | Max RAM | SSD Slots | Max Storage | Charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP Omen 16 (Gen 8) | DDR5 SODIMM | 32GB (2×16) | 1x M.2 NVMe | 1TB | 240W AC |
| HP Omen 16 Pro (Gen 8) | DDR5 SODIMM | 32GB (2×16) | 2x M.2 NVMe | 2TB | 280W AC |
| HP Omen 17 (Gen 8) | DDR5 SODIMM | 32GB (2×16) | 2x M.2 NVMe | 2TB | 280W AC |
| HP Omen 16 Plus (Gen 9) | DDR5 SODIMM | 32GB (2×16) | 2x M.2 NVMe | 2TB | 280W AC |
| HP Omen 17 Plus (Gen 9) | DDR5 SODIMM | 32GB (2×16) | 2x M.2 NVMe | 2TB | 280W AC |
RAM Upgrade for Gaming
DDR5 SODIMM Configuration
All current Omen models use DDR5 SODIMM, supporting up to 32GB (2x16GB). Most ship with 16GB (1x16GB), leaving one slot available for expansion. Gaming benefits significantly from 32GB DDR5, especially when streaming, recording, or running multiple applications alongside games.
Upgrade recommendation: For gaming, 16GB DDR5 is the practical minimum for modern AAA titles (2024+). Adding another 16GB module reaches 32GB for £60–80, providing excellent future-proofing and enabling simultaneous streaming or content creation without framerate hits.
Gaming-optimized DDR5 modules:
- Kingston Fury DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM — Gaming-focused branding, proven performance
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM — Premium gaming RAM
- G.Skill Flare X DDR5 16GB SODIMM — High-performance gaming option
- Crucial DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM — Budget-friendly alternative
Performance impact: In gaming, 32GB DDR5 provides a 3–8% framerate boost over 16GB in CPU-limited scenarios. More importantly, it eliminates stutters from background processes and enables streaming/recording without performance loss.
SSD Upgrade for Gaming Libraries
Single-Slot Models (Omen 16 base)
The Omen 16 base model features one M.2 slot. Most ship with a 512GB or 1TB drive. Upgrading to 1TB costs £40–70; upgrading to 2TB costs £100–150.
Upgrade recommendation: For gaming, 512GB is becoming inadequate as modern games range from 100GB–150GB each. Upgrading to 1TB lets you store 5–10 games; 2TB provides space for 15–20+ titles.
Dual-Slot Models (Omen 17, Omen 16 Pro/Plus)
Higher-end Omen models feature two M.2 slots, allowing you to add a second drive or replace both for maximum capacity. This is ideal for large game libraries and media files.
Common configurations:
- Keep original 1TB + add 1TB: Total 2TB (standard for serious gamers)
- Replace stock 512GB with 1TB + add 1TB: Total 2TB (best when upgrading from base config)
- Add 2TB to existing 1TB: Total 3TB (for creators and massive libraries)
Gaming SSD Recommendations
For gaming, PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives are preferred due to faster load times. However, even PCIe 3.0 drives perform adequately; the GPU is the limiting factor for framerate.
- Samsung 990 Pro 1TB/2TB (PCIe 4.0) — Premium choice, excellent for gaming
- Samsung 990 EVO 1TB/2TB (PCIe 4.0) — Great balance of speed and cost
- Crucial P5 Plus 1TB/2TB (PCIe 4.0) — Reliable for gaming
- WD Black SN850X 1TB/2TB (PCIe 4.0) — Gaming-optimized, proven in high-end laptops
Cooling and Thermal Management
Omen laptops are engineered for sustained high performance but generate significant heat. Upgrading SSDs gives you an opportunity to improve thermals:
- Thermal pads: When installing a second SSD, ensure adequate thermal pads between the drive and heatsink. Use Thermal Grizzly Minus Pads or Gelid Extreme.
- Cooling stand: For marathon gaming sessions, a laptop cooling pad like Thermaltake Massive helps dissipate heat.
- Repasting: Every 1–2 years of heavy gaming, consider repasting the CPU/GPU with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
Charger Requirements
Omen models use high-wattage chargers to sustain performance during gaming. The Omen 16 base uses 240W, while higher-end models use 280W or more. Using an underpowered charger will throttle the GPU under load.
Common Gaming Upgrade Paths
Esports Gaming Path: £40–70
Add 16GB DDR5 RAM to reach 32GB. For competitive esports (Valorant, CS:GO), this is sufficient and costs under £80. SSD is less critical for esports titles.
AAA Gaming Path: £150–250
Combine 32GB DDR5 RAM (1x16GB addition) with a 1TB–2TB secondary SSD. This handles demanding games like Cyberpunk, Alan Wake 2, and Starfield smoothly while enabling large game libraries.
Creator/Streamer Path: £200–350
Max RAM to 32GB DDR5 and configure dual 2TB NVMe drives (4TB total). This supports simultaneous gaming, streaming to Twitch, OBS recording, video editing, and content creation without bottlenecks. This is the ultimate Omen configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM do competitive esports players need?
16GB is sufficient for competitive games (Valorant, CS:GO, Overwatch 2) at 240Hz+. 32GB provides headroom for streaming and Discord simultaneously without framerate loss. Most pro players use 32GB for this reason.
Can I use both M.2 slots on my Omen 17?
Yes. Omen 17 and higher-end Omen 16 models have two M.2 slots. Both can be populated simultaneously. Ensure both drives are NVMe (not SATA) and properly seated. Most users configure one for OS/games and one for media or backups.
Will upgrading SSD improve my gaming FPS?
Not directly. Framerates are GPU-limited. However, a faster SSD dramatically improves load times (by 50%+) and prevents stutters during asset streaming. For games like Elden Ring or GTA V with large open worlds, a fast NVMe drive is perceptually important.
Should I upgrade at purchase or later?
RAM upgrades are cheaper at purchase. SSD upgrades are nearly identical cost whether done now or later. If you’re unsure about capacity, buy the base configuration and upgrade SSD later. RAM is less frequently upgraded in the field, so if you think you’ll need 32GB, specify it at purchase.
Is DDR5 gaming performance worth the extra cost over DDR4?
All current Omen models use DDR5. The performance difference between DDR4 and DDR5 in gaming is minimal (2–5% at high framerates). However, DDR5 is future-proofed and becoming standard, so the cost difference is minimal when buying new.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Best overall DDR4 upgrade kit | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 3200MHz | Reliable alternative with tight latency | View on Amazon UK |
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Top-rated DDR5 kit for gaming & productivity | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Excellent DDR5 alternative with XMP support | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
