HP OmniStudio X 31.5 Review: A Creative Powerhouse That Falls Just Short for Gamers

Reviewed March 2025

Tired of the iMac’s limited screen size options since Apple abandoned the 27-inch model? Yearning for a Windows-based all-in-one that can handle demanding creative workflows without looking like a clunky office machine? The HP OmniStudio X 31.5 might be the answer you’ve been waiting for… if you’re not a serious gamer. This machine is built for creators first, and it shows.

A Canvas for Creativity: Stunning Display and Design

The first thing you’ll notice about the OmniStudio X 31.5 is its gorgeous 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS display. It’s expansive, bright, and color-accurate, making it a joy for tasks like photo and video editing, graphic design, and even just enjoying 4K streaming content. The near-borderless design further enhances the immersive experience, drawing you into your work (or play, if that play doesn’t involve high frame rates).

The minimalist design extends to the entire unit. The stand is sleek and sturdy, offering tilt and height adjustment (though no swivel). The fabric-covered base houses the speakers, which deliver surprisingly rich audio for an all-in-one, though audiophiles will still want to connect external speakers or headphones. The overall aesthetic is premium and would look at home in any modern workspace.

Power Under the Hood: Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 4050

The OmniStudio X 31.5 isn’t just about looks. Our review unit came equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, alongside 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD. This combination provides ample power for most creative tasks.

Here’s how it performed in our real-world testing:

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Smooth playback and editing of 4K footage with multiple layers and effects. Rendering times were competitive, though not class-leading.
• Adobe Photoshop: Large, multi-layered files were handled with ease. Complex filters and adjustments were applied quickly.
• Blender: Moderate 3D rendering was possible, but the RTX 4050 is a limiting factor for intensive 3D work.
• Multitasking: Seamlessly switched between multiple applications (Chrome with dozens of tabs, Slack, Zoom, Spotify) without any noticeable slowdown.

The Gaming Reality Check: Where the OmniStudio Falters

While the RTX 4050 suggests gaming capabilities, the reality is far less impressive. The 60Hz refresh rate of the display is the primary bottleneck. Even in less demanding titles, you won’t experience the smooth, fluid motion that gamers expect.

Here’s a summary of our gaming tests (at 1080p, medium settings):

• Cyberpunk 2077: Barely playable, averaging around 30-35 FPS with frequent dips.
• Forza Horizon 5: Playable, but visually compromised, averaging around 45-50 FPS.
• Civilization VI: Perfectly smooth, as expected for a strategy game.
• Older/Less Demanding Titles (e.g., Stardew Valley, indie games): Ran flawlessly.

The bottom line: If gaming is a priority, look elsewhere. This machine is not designed for high-refresh-rate gaming.

Peripherals and Connectivity: Functional, But Not Exciting

The included wireless keyboard and mouse are… adequate. They’re functional and match the aesthetic of the system, but they feel basic. The keyboard lacks backlighting, and the mouse is a standard two-button affair with a scroll wheel. Creative professionals who spend hours at their computer will likely want to upgrade to more ergonomic and feature-rich peripherals.

Connectivity is generous, however:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
• 4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports
• 1 x HDMI-out port
• 1 x HDMI-in port (allowing you to use the display with another device)
• 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
• 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
• SD card reader

The inclusion of both HDMI-out and HDMI-in is a thoughtful touch, adding versatility for multi-monitor setups or using the OmniStudio as a display for a gaming console (though, again, the 60Hz refresh rate limits the experience).

Comparison Chart: OmniStudio X 31.5 vs. Competitors

The HP OmniStudio X 31.5 is a beautifully designed, powerful all-in-one PC that excels at creative tasks. The large, vibrant 4K display, combined with the capable Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 4050, makes it a compelling option for photographers, video editors, graphic designers, and anyone who prioritizes screen real estate and processing power for content creation.

However, its limitations are clear: the 60Hz refresh rate and relatively weak gaming performance make it unsuitable for serious gamers. The included peripherals are also underwhelming.

Pros:

• Stunning 31.5-inch 4K display.
• Powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 4050 combo for creative workflows.
• Sleek, minimalist design.
• Generous port selection, including HDMI-in.
• Excellent for multitasking and productivity.

Cons:

• 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming potential.
• RTX 4050 is underpowered for demanding games at higher resolutions.
• Basic included keyboard and mouse.
• Relatively expensive.
• No swivel adjustment on the stand.

Value Breakdown:

The OmniStudio X 31.5 sits in a premium price bracket. While it’s more expensive than a similarly spec’d traditional desktop PC and monitor, it offers the convenience and clean aesthetic of an all-in-one. It’s a worthwhile investment for creative professionals who value a large, high-quality display and powerful performance and are willing to compromise on gaming. If gaming is a significant part of your workflow, consider a separate gaming PC or a gaming laptop paired with a high-refresh-rate monitor.

Who is it for?

• Photographers and videographers
• Graphic designers and illustrators
• Content creators who prioritize a large, color-accurate display
• Professionals who want a powerful, stylish all-in-one for productivity and creative work
• Users who want a Windows alternative to the iMac, especially with a larger screen.

Who is it not for?

• Serious gamers
• Users on a tight budget
• Anyone who needs a high-refresh-rate display

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.