Prebuilt HP Computer Vs. Custom Build PC

japjeev · Oct 7, 2015

So I ordered a PC from HP a month ago & It still hasnt arrived(huge labor day sale). I got a pretty nice deal. I am getting
Skylake 6700k (can't overclock)
12 GB ddr4 Ram (8GB + 4GB) No Dual Channel

GTX 970
2TB 7200 Sata HDD + 120GB SSD
All for $888(After Tax)

If i get HP i am not sure if I will be able to overclock, Have USB 3.1 & M.2 Sata etc

If I build on my own I can get :
5820k (Will only overclock to 3.7)
16GB of ram in Dual Channel
1TB Hybrid Hard Drive + 120GB SSD
Gtx 960
Will Have USB 3.1, M.2 Sata, ability to overclock.
Will Cost $1000 ($112 More)

My primary purpose for the machine is to do Music Studio Work, Audio Engineering, Audio Processing.

My secondary purpose is some casual 1080p gaming.

Which one is better for my needs?
I'm having a hard time making a decisions on which will be better for my needs & if spending the extra $112 is actually worth it.

Computers Taste Like Metal · Oct 7, 2015

If you are only going to be a casual 1080p gamer, I think the HP would do, though it is always more exiting to DIY.

Overclocking really is a 4k heavy gamer kind of thing.

turkey3_scratch · Oct 7, 2015

The second one is better for your needs, the 6 cores 12 threads are more beneficial for that audio work you do. But that's not saying the first one is bad - it will still be very good for all that stuff, and is cheaper.

japjeev · Oct 7, 2015

I was wondering if the 12GB of ram and slower HDD will hold me back from anything? I mean I am using an SSD for OS and HDD is just for storage

k1114 · Oct 7, 2015

What's the price of a similar spec custom build as the hp? Should be less.

japjeev · Oct 7, 2015

It's actually a bit more than the HP build because I got the HP Rig on a super great Labor Day Deal and a few more rebates.

japjeev · Oct 8, 2015

This is the hp envy series http://store.hp.com/us/en/mdp/desktops/envy-desktop--1
Does it look reliable?

Computers Taste Like Metal · Oct 8, 2015

It's always cheaper to build, well, you get a lot more bang for your buck, they ramp up the price on prebuilt's for the shiny logo.

I love building, it's really fun, besides, you get to tell your friends you build computers.

It's your choice, that thing looks fine for audio and visuals, but, if you want performance in today's games, you need to build it. You could get more power for your dollar by building.

My estimate for that HP -

Minecraft High - 35 fps
CS:GO 50 fps
TF2: 47 fps

High tier games
Rust: (23 fps)
Dayz: 20 fps (but dayz is horrible on everything)

Benchmarks are all settings maxed, anything that needs HD rendering will devour your ram, and graphics.

k1114 · Oct 8, 2015

Where did you get those numbers from? They are much lower than what a 970 and 6700k will get.

japjeev · Oct 8, 2015

No way haha a gtx 970 & 6700k are both powerhouses. It will definitely last me long i am just concerned if having only 12 gb of ram in single channel be slow and if a HDD will hold me back rather than the hybrid drive.

k1114 · Oct 8, 2015

It should be in flex mode so not all single and that shouldn't affect performance much. Files that you are working on are not going to be cached unless it's used often and you should have enough space on the ssd to install your software on so the hybrid shouldn't affect your work.

At a value standpoint, the 6 core cpu is worth it if the pc is only $100 more. The lower gpu would only affect gaming. But if you don't even really need the extra cpu power, then you just saved money and get a better gaming experience.

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