CES 2026: HP says the HyperX Omen Max 16 is the most powerful 16-inch gaming laptop in the world

Key Takeaways:

• HP’s gaming hardware now carries the HyperX name.
• The Omen Max 16 delivers up to 300 watts of power.
• It can be equipped with up to an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU.
• A third fan and Fan Cleaner tech help maintain performance.
• No official price or release date has been announced.

HP Rebrands to HyperX

In a noteworthy move for 2026, HP is removing its name from its gaming lineup, allowing the HyperX brand to take the limelight. This transition underscores the company’s dedication to unified branding and signals a shift toward emphasizing gaming-centric products.

The Powerhouse Specs

Unveiled at CES 2026, the HyperX Omen Max 16 is touted as the “world’s most powerful 16-inch gaming laptop” with fully internal cooling. Its 300-watt total platform power enables it to house some of the latest Intel and AMD processors, alongside up to an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU. This hardware combination caters to gamers looking for serious desktop-replacement performance in a slightly more portable shape.

Cooling Innovations

Under the hood, the Omen Max 16 is designed to stay cool even under intense loads. It incorporates a third cooling fan, which helps reduce thermal throttling during sustained gaming or computing sessions. The laptop also features HP’s Fan Cleaner technology, which reverses fan direction periodically to dislodge dust and debris, preventing buildup over time.

Design and Display

The exterior design remains in line with HyperX’s signature matte black aesthetic. Eye-catching details, including per-key RGB backlighting and an RGB lightbar mounted on the laptop’s front edge, inject a distinct gaming flair. The 2.5K OLED display boasts 500 nits of brightness. Its glossy coating increases color saturation, though it can lead to noticeable reflections in well-lit environments.

Portability and Practicality

While the Max 16 does weigh between 6.1 and 6.5 pounds depending on configuration, it is paired with a relatively compact power brick—an accomplishment given the laptop’s 300-watt power requirement. Still, this isn’t a device built for frequent travel. Students and professionals interested in a daily on-the-go system will likely find it heavy, but its performance and design may appeal to those who prize power above all.

Release Details and Other Models

HP has yet to announce official pricing or a release date for the HyperX Omen Max 16, though the company plans to share more information later in the spring. For those looking for slightly smaller or more budget-friendly options, HP is also updating the Omen 15 and Omen 16 notebooks with fresh components and HyperX branding. These models promise to carry over some of the Max 16’s design philosophy while possibly offering different levels of performance.