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Why Choose an HP Prebuilt Gaming PC? Our Top Picks for Instant Gaming Power
October 22, 2024
Although self-building PCs have grown in popularity, nothing will beat the convenience of a prebuilt PC. These powerful machines are configured optimally, offering a hassle-free way of getting your gaming kicks.
Why Choose an HP Prebuilt Gaming PC?
There are several reasons why choosing an HP prebuilt gaming PC might be suited to your needs:
Time savings
Not only is opting for a prebuilt PC more convenient, but it can also save you a lot of time. Building your own PC requires much research. You must buy parts from various vendors and assemble them together. Our gaming PCs come ready to play out of the box, meaning you can jump straight into your favourite game titles.
Reliability
We build our gaming PCs optimally. When building a computer, you can’t put any component with any other component. For example, some motherboards don't work well with certain processors or RAM due to compatibility issues. A prebuilt gaming PC from a reliable company will provide assurance.
Customer support
When building your own PC, you’re left to your own devices. The YouTube tutorial you’re following may not have the exact components that you have, and issues can arise. Buying a PC from HP protects you against defects and malfunctions. You'll also have access to our helpful support team.
Cost-effectiveness
When building a custom PC, you do have the pleasure of flexibility and waiting for certain offers. However, not only does this take time, it doesn’t benefit from economies of scale. Our prebuilt PCs are mass-produced. We have good supplier contracts, meaning we get high-end parts at a lower cost. In the end, a prebuilt PC can end up cheaper because of these economies of scale. It also reduces issues around components being in short supply.
Top HP Prebuilt Gaming PCs for Instant Power
The four PCs below come in various configurations, meaning they may be built with different graphics cards and processors. However, we can still categorise them based on their rough price and performance.
HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop
Gamers who want serious performance for their most demanding games will find the HP OMEN 45L to be a powerhouse PC. With its sleek design and customisable RGB lighting, it houses a lot of volume for its powerful components. The OMEN 45L can be configured in many ways, with one being an Intel® Core™ i7-13700K and an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080. It can deliver good performance at 4K resolution. Its Cryo Chamber cooling solution will also ensure the longevity of your most valued components by keeping them cool.
HP OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop
For gamers focused on a compact rig that is great value for money, the HP OMEN 25L is a great choice. It packs a punch with options like an Intel® Core™ i5-14600KF and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 graphics, all while keeping the price down to £1,149. Its customisable RGB lighting and compact appearance make it versatile for putting on a show or being hidden away easily. It has more than enough power to deliver reliable 1080p gaming.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is a budget-friendly option at £799.99. Yet it can still deliver good performance. With an AMD Ryzen™ 5 5600G and a GeForce® GTX 1650 SUPER™, it's a great, low-cost entry point for new gamers. It will also be powerful enough to double as a work PC, running programs like Adobe® and CAD software.
HP Reverb G2 VR Headset
The HP Reverb G2 is a fantastic option for those interested in virtual reality (VR) gaming. The headset offers an exceptional level of immersion that gaming PCs cannot, with a 2160x2160 pixel display for each eye. With its high pixel density, the common issue of the “screen door effect” is mitigated. Inside-out tracking makes for an easier set-up, and its off-ear speakers make it comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Key Features to Look For in a Prebuilt Gaming PC
When shopping for a prebuilt gaming PC, you still need to do some research to ensure that it meets your needs and budget. So, keep these features in mind when making your decision:
Processor (CPU)
The processor is the brain of your gaming PC – it executes instructions and coordinates other components. For gaming, you need a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks and deliver smooth gameplay. It’s worth learning how to read a CPU model, let’s take a mid-range Intel® Core™ i5-14600KF as an example:
- i5: This is the Intel Core series
- 14: 14th generation
- 600: The performance tier within the generation
- K: Unlocked for overlocking
- F: No integrated graphics (it requires a GPU)
Bear in mind that some games rely more on the processor than others. Strategy games, for example, rely on CPUs for their extensive calculations.
Graphics card (GPU)
Graphics cards are perhaps the most important part of your gaming PC. The GPU is responsible for handling graphical computations which then render into stunning visuals. A dedicated graphics card is a must, and there are good options from both NVIDIA® and AMD®. For 4K gaming, opt for a high-end card from the latest generation.
Memory (RAM) and storage
Your RAM is relied upon for storing and accessing data that your gaming PC needs to run games. For example, game assets like textures and maps. It’s particularly important if you’re a streamer, as your PC will be juggling multiple tasks at once. 16GB is now considered the minimum for demanding games, with DDR4 and DDR5 offering good speeds. It’s also important to consider where you’re installing the games themselves. An SSD will offer good game load times. If you like to play many different titles, opt for 1TB capacity or more.
Cooling and design
The biggest obstacle that a gaming PC faces is its temperature. If it’s too hot, then the performance will drop to ensure the components remain in a safe temperature range. To prevent them from throttling, and to ensure they last many years, look for PCs that have robust cooling systems. Liquid coolers are particularly efficient, and the “Crypto Chamber” is particularly cutting-edge.
Comparing HP Prebuilt Gaming PCs
Performance benchmarks
Our prebuilt gaming PCs cover a broad range of performance capabilities. Most will breeze through older titles and indie games. But, it can be hard to tell if they can run the latest AAA titles without checking benchmarks.
The HP OMEN 45L delivers the strongest benchmark performance, followed by the HP OMEN 25L and then HP Pavilion. However, it will depend on the specific configuration.
Bottlenecking can sometimes skew benchmarks. It’s when the PC is slowed down by just one component in particular.
Value for money
An important part of choosing the right PC is defining your budget and what your options are. Mid-range options like the OMEN 25L are typically viewed as offering the best value for money. However, it’s still subjective, and your budget remains the key factor. If you’re interested only in lightweight games or older titles, the HP Pavilion also offers an incredible value proposition. If you want a PC to last for a long time (5-10 years), the HP OMEN 45L is a good choice. It's very future-proof and will have great performance for years to come. Plus, the larger housing makes it easier for upgrades.
Room for upgrades
Just because you are opting for a prebuilt PC, it doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade parts in the future. This can help extend the life space of your PC and provide performance boosts down the line. Ensure there’s some spare power supply wattage and space in the case. And, check to see if there are empty RAM slots and space for additional drivers. Remember, this may affect warranty coverage.
User reviews
User reviews provide a real-life insight into people’s experiences with the PC. This is important. Benchmarks and specs don't always predict performance or user experience. By reading the reviews directly on the HP product page, you can be sure of the exact PC build they are reviewing. Pay attention to comments about the quality of the build along with the configuration and performance.
Conclusion
Prebuilt machines have a few advantages, like being optimally configured. They also suffer less from stock shortages and component inflation. At HP, we cater to all budgets and performances, balancing value with convenience. With the space to upgrade in the future and a strong customer support team, spending more now can often mean spending less down the line.
