AI is here, and we all have to pay the "AI tax." RAM modules, SSDs, and GPUs are all increasing in price. If you're in the market for a gaming PC, the 'DIY' route is becoming a luxury. Your best bet is to lock in a pre-built price from a company like HP — who can still lean on bulk inventory — before the next wave of price hikes hits the retail shelf.
You can save 26% at HP on the Omen 45L (and other devices) if you use the promo code NEWYEAR26. The following configuration with an RTX 5080 and 32GB of RAM provides a nice balance of specs and price, but you can pick different parts if you prefer.
Is now a good time to buy a gaming PC?
Considering an RTX 5080 costs at least $1,400 on its own, the deal on the HP Omen 45L with that GPU inside is a good one. It's not as wild as when you basically got an RTX 5080 for free (sadly that deal is over), but it's a good deal.
Add in the fact that RAM prices have risen and will continue to go up and that other PC part prices are on the rise, and the HP Omen 45L is worth a hard look.
If you're ready to invest in a gaming PC, now is a good time to pull the trigger. Unless you have a time machine, you shouldn't expect to find better prices on a similarly specced rig.
In addition to ever-increasing RAM prices, the cost of GPUs will affect PC gaming this year. AMD warned of price increases of at least 10% for certain Radeon GPUs. NVIDIA GPUs are also expected to jump in price.
So, answering if now is a good time to buy a gaming PC is a bit like handling a double-edged sword. Buying a gaming PC is more expensive now than it was only a short time ago, but it is also less expensive than what's expected later this year.
Why buy the HP Omen 45L?
At first glance, many PC cases look similar. But don't be fooled by the rectangular designs and the fact that many have a glass panel on the side. Not all PC cases are created equally.
The Omen 45L has a full-metal frame that can be opened without any special tools. A single button press allows you to remove the front and side panels.
Atop the Omen 45L sits a Cryo Chamber, which helps keep your system's CPU cool. Moving the radiator outside the chassis should reduce CPU temperatures more than traditional liquid cooling. HP must be happy with the results, since it stuck with the idea when making the all-new HP Omen Max 45L.
Of course, creative cooling solutions won't mean much without the right internals. The HP Omen 45L is available with up to an RTX 5090, though I think that GPU is overkill for most gamers.
The RTX 5080 is the most powerful GPU I'd recommend to most people. When speaking of the GPU in our RTX 5080 review, our Ben Wilson said, "A suitable CPU paired with effective cooling makes for a monstrous 4K gaming machine backed up by the black magic of DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Gen for a smooth experience with visuals maxed out."
Now, thanks to the NEWYEAR26 promo code, that "monstrous 4K gaming machine" alluded to by Wilson is $936 off.
FAQ
Why is it sometimes cheaper to buy a pre-built PC than build a PC?
For ages, pre-built PCs have been easy and convenient, but more expensive than building your own PC. While that is still the case sometimes, AI demand has driven up the cost of parts, such as RAM, SSDs, and GPUs. Large companies, such as HP, bought bulk supplies of parts before the price increases, so you will occassionally see pre-built PCs at a lower price than the sum of their parts.
Can I upgrade the Omen 45L?
Yes, upgrading the Omen 45L is both possible and simple. The PC can be opened without any special tools and several of its components can be swapped out, including its RAM, GPU, PSU, and SSD. HP has a guide breaking down which parts of the HP Omen 45L can be upgraded.
What is a Cryo Chamber on a gaming PC?
HP's Cryo Chamber is a cooling component that sits atop the chassis of the Omen 45L and other PCs. It uses ambient air to cool liquid that is used to cool the system. HP claims the Cryo Chamber can reduce CPU temperature considerably more than traditional cooling. It's worth noting the Cryo Chamber adds just over 4 inches of height to the Omen 45L.
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