Pre-built desktop gaming PCsaren’t for everyone, and that’s OK. 1.Pricing, specs, & availability2.Design & build quality3.Software, RGB & warranty4.Performance & thermals5.Competition6.Scorecard7.Should you buy it?
That’s where iBuyPower comes in.
iBuyPower supplied Windows Central with a temporary review unit of its Slate 8 Mesh pre-built gaming PC.
iBuyPower’s logo is only shown on the front of the custom PC case.
The company had no input on the content of this article.
I’ve kept that in mind for this review.
If you don’t recognize the PSU brand, you’re not alone.
It’s an OEM brand that falls under Thermaltake’s umbrella.
The total, at the time of writing, came out toabout $1,420 on PCPartPicker.
Not bad at all.
The case’s side panels have no screws and can be easily removed.(Image credit: Future)
It runs on a High Power 750W 80+ Gold PSU.
Inside are a couple of drive bays for 2.5-inch drives, as well as space for one 3.5-inch HDD.
TheMeshpart of the name is clearly visible on the case.
The PSU’s vent includes a dust filter.(Image credit: Future)
As someone who lives with pets, I’d appreciate a finer dust screen in these areas.
At least it’s easy to get inside with some compressed air.
If you plan on future upgrades, you should have no problems finding room.
A look at the USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5mm audio ports on the top of the iBuyPower case.(Image credit: Future)
In terms of shipping, iBuyPower fills the case with expanding (and contained) foam.
I nearly snagged the CPU cooler in my review unit before realizing how tightly everything comes packed.
The PC booted with no issues the first time, and I found no loose parts or disconnected cables.
Some cabling running to the motherboard, next to the RAM.(Image credit: Future)
It angles in where the side tempered glass meets the front, creating a smooth transition.
I love the look, especially with the tinted glass in front of the RGB strip.
Controlling the RGB in your PC depends on the sort of motherboard you choose.
The RGB fan hub is easily accessible should you want to add more cooling (or more lights).
In my case, the ASUS board uses Armory Crate and Aura Sync to control everything.
In fact, iBuyPower ships its PCs with a clean version of Windows 11. you might add what you want or leave the system relatively clean.
iBuyPower’s support and warranty aren’t out of the ordinary for boutique PC builders.
The stock RGB fans on the front of the case are bright and provide ample airflow for the performance hardware.
Buying from a third-party retailer like Best Buy or Amazon adds some stipulations.
There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee if you buy directly from iBuyPower.
Support quality is a mixed bag, as it is with most companies this size.
you’ve got the option to alternatively reach out by email.
iBuyPower also has a driver collection for easy access depending on the hardware in your PC.
I love these secret shopper videos, and iBuyPower came out looking very good compared to many competitors.
The iBuyPower RDY Slate 8MP 004’s RGB fan and case lighting glows brilliantly as soon as the sun sets.
The GPU ran much hotter than the CPU, hitting 84C at its hotspot peak.
It otherwise averaged about 66C while pulling about 133W of power.
The case seems rather cavernous with the selected hardware, and the mesh panels don’t help dampen sound.
This PC isn’t exactly quiet, even when it’s idling. At least there are no problems with cooling.
That brings me to a gripe about the stock fan curve.
iBuyPower uses a relatively cheap OEM PSU from High Power.
I recommend upgrading this piece first after purchasing a pre-build.
Geekbench 6 results from the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built.(Image credit: Future)
First are the PCs that come from big names like Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
These PCs often use proprietary parts and unconventional designs, which can make future updates difficult.
The last pre-built gaming PC I tested came from Lenovo.
Cinebench 2024 results from the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built.(Image credit: Future)
WithBlack Fridayin November, these PCs are prime targets for major discounts.
There’s also theLenovo Legion Tower 7i (Gen 8) reviewedby my colleague Zachary Boddy.
Still, it’s prone to using proprietary parts in some key areas.
CrystalDiskMark results from the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built.(Image credit: Future)
I tested one of its MG-1 pre-built PCs earlier this year and absolutely loved it.
Like iBuyPower, the Maingear website holds a large number of pre-built models and is an in-depth customization tool.
it’s possible for you to choose everything individually down to the cables.
3DMark Time Spy results from the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built.(Image credit: Future)
Be sure to check out Windows Central’sfavorite pre-built gaming PCsfor more options.
iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Scorecard
iBuyPower Slate 8 Mesh: Should you buy it?
You want the performance to handle any game on the market, even at 1440p.
PCMark 10 results from the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built.(Image credit: Future)
iBuyPower’s Slate 8 Mesh gets a lot right.
The build has clean cable management and came assembled with no issues.
CrossMark results from the iBuyPower Slate 8MP RDY 004 pre-built.(Image credit: Future)
The Legion Tower 5i (Gen 8) is another pre-built that’s available at a lower price, but its build quality is not nearly as impressive.
A look at the ASUS Dual RTX 4060 Ti GPU that came in my review unit.
