The gaming PC market has been dominated by RGB lighting and flashy aesthetics for over a decade, but HP is taking a different approach with its latest desktop offering. The company has announced the Omen 35L Stealth Edition, a deliberately understated gaming machine that prioritizes performance over visual flair, targeting users who want powerful hardware without the typical gaming PC appearance.
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| The HP Omen 35L Stealth gaming PC emphasizes powerful performance in a subtle and professional design, appealing to users who prefer a less flashy appearance |
A Decade of RGB Fatigue Drives Design Philosophy
Since MSI introduced the first RGB motherboard in 2015, the gaming PC industry has embraced colorful lighting as a standard feature. However, after ten years of rainbow-illuminated components, some users are experiencing RGB fatigue. The Omen 35L Stealth Edition addresses this sentiment with an all-black chassis that resembles a professional workstation rather than a gaming rig. The minimalist design features only subtle white branding on the front and side panels, creating what some describe as an almost Kubrickian aesthetic.
Performance Specifications Match High-End Gaming Demands
Despite its understated appearance, the Stealth Edition doesn't compromise on performance capabilities. The system offers extensive configuration options, including AMD Ryzen processors ranging from the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. Intel options are more limited, featuring only the Core i5-14400F and Core i7-14700F from the previous generation. Graphics options span NVIDIA's entire Blackwell lineup, from the entry-level RTX 5050 up to the flagship RTX 5090, though AMD Radeon cards are notably absent from the configuration options.
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| A closer look at the HP Omen 35L Stealth gaming PC's internals reflects its high-performance capabilities, catering to demanding gaming requirements and highlighting the quality of its components |
Connectivity and Upgradeability Features
The desktop includes practical connectivity options with two 10 Gbps USB-C ports and six USB-A connections, though four of the USB-A ports operate at USB 2.0 speeds. Following the tradition of its predecessor, the Stealth Edition uses industry-standard components, making future upgrades and part replacements straightforward for users who want to modify their systems over time.
Pricing and Market Positioning
HP has positioned the Omen 35L Stealth Edition as an accessible entry point into high-performance gaming, with pricing starting at USD $1,499 for base configurations. Higher-end models with premium processors and graphics cards will command significantly higher prices, particularly those equipped with the RTX 5090. The system represents HP's recognition that not all gaming enthusiasts want their PCs to announce their hobby through aggressive styling.
Industry Shift Toward Choice and Customization
The launch of the Stealth Edition reflects a broader industry acknowledgment that gaming PC aesthetics shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. While RGB lighting and transparent side panels remain popular, the success of minimalist cases like the Fractal North demonstrates market demand for subtler designs. HP's decision to give the Stealth Edition its own branding and marketing push, rather than treating it as a budget variant, signals confidence in this alternative approach.
The Omen 35L Stealth Edition is expected to launch in October 2025, joining the standard RGB-equipped Omen 35L in HP's gaming desktop lineup. This dual approach allows the company to serve both traditional gaming aesthetics and the growing segment of users who prefer their powerful hardware to blend into professional or home environments.