This pre-built gaming PC is surprisingly well-built and affordable, but it falls into a classic trap

As a seasoned tech enthusiast who has built and tinkered with countless gaming rigs over the years, I must say that the iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh Pro ARGB is an impressive pre-built powerhouse. The attention to detail, from the cable management to the choice of parts, speaks volumes about the team behind this machine.

For some people, pre-assembled desktop gaming computers might not be suitable, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead, many dedicated enthusiasts who have the inclination, time, and perseverance to pick out individual components and put it together themselves often prefer this method. They find joy in the thrill of powering on a self-made system for the first time.

Instead of building something yourself, opt for an option that resembles a homemade build, using common, easily-available components, tidy wiring, and meticulous craftsmanship. In such cases, iBuyPower is the solution you’re looking for.

iBuyPower stands out in these areas, providing a noticeable improvement over mass-produced computers from brands such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. While iBuyPower does offer pre-built PCs like the Slate 8MP RDY 004 I’ve reviewed here, it sets itself apart with an extensive customization tool that allows you to tailor each component according to your preferences.

This device employs familiar components that don’t obstruct potential upgrades, operates smoothly right out of the box, and is put together meticulously. Given its slight price premium over purchasing comparable parts yourself (I compared it with a DIY PC build), it presents a compelling argument for budget-conscious gamers eager to dive into the gaming world as soon as their system arrives.

For several weeks, I’ve been testing out the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built PC to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. This way, if it aligns with your requirements, I can provide valuable buying guidance.

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Price, availability, and specs

This pre-built gaming PC is surprisingly well-built and affordable, but it falls into a classic trap

As an enthusiast of bespoke PC building who leans towards boutique offerings, I appreciate that iBuyPower provides a selection of pre-built systems for me to pick from.

As an analyst, I recently had the opportunity to analyze a system loaned to me, specifically the RDY Slate 8MP 004. This powerhouse boasts a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F processor, coupled with an ASUS Dual RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC graphics card. It also sports 16GB of T-Force Vulcan DDR5-5200MHz RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD from the WD Blue SN580 line.

This PC is assembled on an ASUS Prime B760M-A AX6 II motherboard and is equipped with a robust 750W power supply, certified as 80+ Gold. The case used in the construction of this system is a custom iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh Pro ARGB model. If you’re not familiar with the PSU brand, it’s common – it’s an OEM brand that operates under Thermaltake’s corporate umbrella.

Initially calculated during composition, the total amount was approximately $1,420 on PCPartPicker. Given that iBuyPower offers this pre-built system for $1,499 normally, you can think of additional costs like warranty, assistance, and construction time as factors contributing to the price difference. All things considered, it’s not a bad deal at all.

Instead of just the variety of pre-built models found at big box stores such as Best Buy, Newegg, Walmart, and Amazon, you can discover extensive customization options on iBuyPower’s website. By opting for an Intel or AMD platform, you’ll gain access to a multitude of hardware choices, ranging from cases and fans to thermal paste. The user-friendly configurator provides a visual representation of your completed PC, along with FPS targets in popular games.

Reviewed configuration

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Design and build

The prebuilt system Slate 8 Mesh comes equipped with a customized ARGB case, specifically the Slate 8 Mesh Pro. Here’s the twist: it’s not your ordinary case! It’s an ATX mid-tower design, spanning 501mm in length (L), 220mm in width (W), and 492mm in height (H). This versatile case boasts 7 PCI expansion slots at the back and offers ample space inside for efficient cooling solutions.

This case comes pre-equipped with three 120mm ARGB fans at the front for air intake, and one additional 120mm fan at the back for exhaust. The case can accommodate an extra three 120mm fans on the top, and both the front and top can support a 360mm AIO liquid cooling radiator if desired. Inside, there are slots for two 2.5-inch drives and space for one 3.5-inch HDD. The case provides dual USB-A 3.0 ports, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), and a 3.5mm audio jack on the top for convenience.

Behind the motherboard, the cable arrangement is neat and optimized; I couldn’t improve on it even if I were assembling a personal computer myself.

The mesh component in the product’s name is prominently noticeable on its exterior. The front design features a mix of half-tempered glass and half-steel mesh, while the upper part of the case is completely mesh. As a pet owner, I find it beneficial to have a finer dust filter in these mesh areas for cleanliness. Fortunately, it’s straightforward to access the interior with compressed air.

The tempered glass side panel, as well as the opposite steel side panel, pull off easily due to their having no screws. It’s a tad nerve-wracking seeing the glass panel bend a bit when you grab it at one corner (the only place to get a hold), but after removing and replacing it countless times during the review process, it’s holding up well.

Behind the motherboard, the cable management is neatly organized and optimized; I couldn’t possibly improve it if I were assembling a PC myself. The two 2.5-inch SATA drive bays are easily accessible for immediate use, while extra power supply cables that aren’t in use have been grouped together and hidden neatly beneath the lower protective shield.

On the front side, the cabling appears a bit disorganized mainly because the motherboard is smaller and the cables need extra length to reach their respective inputs. Despite having plenty of empty space in the case, only around a quarter of it is utilized by components like the motherboard, GPU, and CPU cooler, leaving ample room for future upgrades.

Regarding packaging for shipment, iBuyPower uses expanding foam to fill the case, ensuring that the internal components are securely held in place during transit. This foam is effective at preventing items from shifting or falling out, but be cautious when removing it to avoid damaging other parts, like the CPU cooler, as I discovered in my review unit. Upon initial boot, the PC functioned flawlessly without any loose parts or disconnected cables.

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Software, RGB, and support

From my perspective as an enthusiast, all my PC’s ARGB fans are connected to a single controller located at the back of the motherboard. Apart from these fans, the only RGB illumination within the case is a distinctive strip that travels from the bottom rear to the top front. It subtly adjusts where the tempered glass side meets the front, offering a seamless transition. I’m utterly smitten by this design, particularly with the tinted glass shielding the RGB strip.

Controlling the RGB in your PC depends on the sort of motherboard you choose. In my case, the ASUS board uses Armory Crate and Aura Sync to control everything. It’s an extra download, which might be confusing for some novice PC gamers, but it keeps the PC free from bloat.

Actually, iBuyPower delivers its computers preloaded with a streamlined version of Windows 11. Unlike some other brands (I’m looking at you, Lenovo), there are no immediate prompts for renewing your McAfee subscription upon startup, and no intrusive iBuyPower app attempting to manage everything. Instead, you have the freedom to customize it according to your preference or keep the system relatively uncluttered.

The warranty and support provided by iBuyPower isn’t exceptionally different from what you find in boutique PC building companies. A significant portion of the cost associated with pre-built computers is due to a simplified warranty process – assembling your own PC requires you to pinpoint the malfunctioning component and manage the RMA process yourself.

With a purchase made directly through iBuyPower, you’ll receive comprehensive support: three years of labor and two years of parts coverage for their desktop PCs. However, purchasing from retailers like Best Buy or Amazon may come with certain conditions. Additionally, if you buy directly from iBuyPower, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The level of support offered can vary, much like in larger organizations, with some repair processes taking a month or longer, and for Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs), you may need to cover shipping and insurance costs. However, online reviews show both negative experiences and those where customers report no issues with the service.

24/7 assistance is accessible via phone or live chat, with fast response times typically expected when you make a call. Alternatively, you may send an email as well. Additionally, iBuyPower offers a driver collection to facilitate access based on the components in your computer system.

In the section above, you’ll find a video from Linus Tech Tips that offers a glimpse into iBuyPower’s customer support system. I’m particularly fond of undercover shopping videos, and iBuyPower impressed me favorably against many other contenders in this industry.

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Performance and thermals

During my initial testing of the PC, I didn’t encounter any significant unexpected issues. My main concern was the stock iBuyPower CPU cooler underperforming, but even a prolonged stress test kept the Core i7-14700F from exceeding 74°C while consuming 205W of power. Contrastingly, the GPU ran significantly hotter, peaking at 84°C at its hottest spot. On average, it maintained around 66°C while utilizing approximately 133W of power.

During the stress test, no instances of thermal throttling were detected. I paused the test after half an hour. The PC reached a maximum noise level of 51.8dBa during this test, which is approximately 12dBa louder than the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) I previously reviewed. The case appears quite spacious with the chosen components, and unfortunately, the mesh panels do not effectively muffle sound.

Here’s one way to rephrase the text: This issue I want to bring up concerns the stock fan curve. Initially, the fans operate at maximum speed, causing quite a racket and needlessly consuming energy. For those familiar with PC settings, it’s simple to adjust this in the BIOS. However, a novice user purchasing this computer might not realize that they can make the system quieter by doing so. Even after adjustment, you may still hear the computer humming when it’s idle.

The system isn’t overly noisy, and it consistently delivers performance that aligns quite well with the typical standard for this caliber of hardware.

While the system isn’t perfectly silent, it delivers consistent performance that aligns well with what one would anticipate from this tier of hardware. The RTX 4060 Ti graphics card is capable of smoothly handling 1440p gaming, and the added benefits of DLSS and robust ray tracing support are definitely valued.

In these games I played, you might discover some frames per second (FPS) improvement if you opt for the standard 16:9 aspect ratio or even switch to 1080p resolution, especially with games that are resource-intensive.

Additionally, I conducted several benchmark tests emphasizing productivity, including the 3DMark Time Spy GPU test and CrystalDiskMark SSD test for added comparison. The system generally performed well, but it’s worth noting that the WD Blue SSD showed slightly slower speeds compared to other systems we’ve recently tested. If you plan on customizing the pre-built configuration at checkout, upgrading the SSD could be a beneficial modification.

Overlooking a computer’s power supply may seem like an easy way to cut costs during DIY PC building, but it could potentially lead to component damage due to increased risk of failure.

With iBuyPower, they often use an economical OEM power supply unit (PSU) sourced from High Power. This particular PSU isn’t modular, which could make future upgrades a bit tricky, and it carries more risk than top-tier PSUs. It would be wise to prioritize upgrading this component after buying a pre-built system. If you’re customizing a build with iBuyPower, there are numerous high-quality PSU options available for selection.

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Competition

In terms of pre-constructed gaming computers, you’ll typically find they fall into two main categories. The first category consists of systems manufactured by well-known brands such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. These machines frequently utilize unique components and atypical layouts, which may complicate future upgrades. They are suitable choices for individuals who prefer not to delve into custom PC building, although enthusiasts will likely identify their drawbacks.

The most recent pre-assembled gaming computer I reviewed was manufactured by Lenovo. It appears that the company is striving to create PCs with a more conventional aesthetic, however, the Power Supply Unit (PSU), motherboard, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and CPU cooler in the Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) were all components from original equipment manufacturers. If you’re looking for a computer to buy and run with minimal fuss over its internal workings, it remains a reliable choice.

Typically, the Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) costs roughly $1,000 when equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F CPU, an RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. With Black Friday approaching in November, these computers are likely to receive significant price cuts.

Additionally, my coworker Zachary Boddy has reviewed the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i (Gen 8). Compared to the Tower 5i, this model offers a more upscale choice, boasting enhanced performance hardware and additional high-end features. However, it should be noted that it utilizes proprietary components in certain critical areas.

If you appreciate iBuyPower’s personalized method for creating systems, you might also be interested in exploring Maingear’s options. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of trying out one of their MG-1 pre-built computers, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with it.

Just like the Slate 8 Mesh, it appears to have been crafted by individuals who are well-versed with PCs, employing non-exclusive components wherever feasible. Similarly, much like iBuyPower, Maingear’s website offers a variety of pre-built systems and serves as an extensive customization platform. You can personalize every aspect, even the cables themselves.

The Maingear MG-1 is comparable to the Slate 8 Mesh I reviewed, and you can find a model with an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD for around $1,388.

Be sure to check out Windows Central’s favorite pre-built gaming PCs for more options.

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Scorecard

iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if…

🔍 You’re looking for a customizable pre-assembled computer that gives you the feel of a DIY build, primarily with common components readily available in stores.

✅ You want the performance to handle any game on the market, even at 1440p.

You should not buy this if…

🔹 You prefer creating a custom system from separate components, as it may offer some cost savings for you.

❌ You want a more compact PC; there’s plenty of unused space in the Slate 8 Mesh Pro ARGB case.

iBuyPower’s Slate 8 Mesh does a number of things well. Its construction boasts tidy cable organization and arrives fully assembled without any complications. Most components within the build are readily available for individual purchase, with exceptions being the power supply unit (PSU) and CPU cooler, which can be swapped out post-purchase. The machine comes bloatware-free, giving users the freedom to select their preferred RGB software.

With regards to the cooling aspect, there seem to be no problems, given the hardware level we’re dealing with, and the case fans are effective in circulating air. However, it’s important to note that the system isn’t particularly silent, even after adjusting the stock fan settings. For those who prefer customization, I would suggest opting for a smaller case as it might help reduce noise levels.

The NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti and Core i7-14700F are performing exactly as expected, providing sufficient graphical muscle to smoothly run high-demand games at a 1440p screen resolution.

If you can’t find the RDY Slate 8MP 004 build I tested at a discounted price from a third-party vendor, iBuyPower’s hardware list provides a suitable selection for customization. Additionally, it’s advantageous to choose a well-reviewed brand-name Power Supply Unit (PSU) over the non-modular High Power OEM option that typically comes standard.

The NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti and Core i7-14700F are performing optimally as expected, providing sufficient power to handle demanding games at a 1440p resolution. Additionally, this setup offers room for future hardware upgrades, with additional Power Supply Unit (PSU) ports conveniently hidden away for future use, even in the non-modular configuration of my system.

In summary, I suggest iBuyPower’s pre-assembled computers for gamers who prefer not to construct their own system due to lack of time or inclination. These computers are competitively priced, making them an attractive choice, particularly as Black Friday approaches. Notably, iBuyPower has a history of offering discounts on its PCs at various times throughout the year.

2024-11-26 17:10