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The HP OMEN Obelisk is a capable 2018–2019 gaming desktop with easier-than-usual access to standard components, but whether it is worth buying now depends on the exact model and its price. Its RTX 2080 review configuration handled some games well at 4K, while other demanding titles fell short of smooth 4K play. The case offers a useful upgrade path, though limited memory slots, cooling, and expansion make it less flexible than a fully custom build.
What is the HP OMEN Obelisk?
HP announced the OMEN Obelisk on August 20, 2018, as a gaming desktop for buyers who wanted a prebuilt PC with more standardized parts and easier access than many proprietary systems. The family included microATX configurations with tool-less interior access, support for full-length graphics cards, space for an industry-standard ATX power supply, and more than one storage layout. Depending on configuration, it used 8th-generation Intel processors or 2nd-generation AMD Ryzen processors and could be configured with up to an RTX 2080 and 32 GB of HyperX FURY DDR4-2666 memory. HP’s announced launch starting price was $849.99, not a current price or a price for every configuration. HP’s 2018 announcement
The Obelisk is a product family, not one fixed specification. A review of a high-end Intel/RTX 2080 unit cannot establish performance or upgrade limits for every model. Check the precise product number and installed components before comparing listings or buying parts.
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Tom’s Hardware tested a specific 2018 review unit with an Intel Core i7-8700, 32 GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, a 512 GB M.2 NVMe SSD, a 1 TB 7,200-rpm hard drive, and a 500 W 80 Plus Bronze power supply. The following are that review unit’s measured results, not guaranteed results for other Obelisk configurations. Tom’s Hardware’s 2019 review
#1 Best Overall
- Hyper-realistic graphics: NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) RTX 2080 Super (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated memory). Enjoy new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency and immersion with real-time ray-tracing technologies
- Cutting-edge gaming performance: Geared with the latest hardware and easy to upgrade, so you can crush the latest and most demanding games including Fortnite, PUBG, and Overwatch
- Ultra-fast processor: 9th generation Intel Core i9-9900K Processor, 8-core, 3.60 GHz
- HP OMEN command center: Included software lets you customize RGB lighting, prioritize gaming network traffic, and stream your PC games on your big screen TV with OMEN game stream (a free remote gaming service)
- Solid state drive and memory: 1 TB PCIe(R) NVMe(TM) M.2 Solid State Drive and HyperX(R) 32 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (upgradable to 64 GB). Load up your favorite games in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and enjoy a more powerful and immersive experience than a standard hard drive
| Game and settings | Measured result |
|---|---|
| Battlefield V, 4K, High, DX12 | 50–67 fps |
| Battlefield V, 1080p, ray tracing Medium | 80–90 fps |
| Hitman, 1080p, Ultra | 133 fps |
| Hitman, 4K | 73 fps |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider, 1080p, Very High | 82 fps |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider, 4K | 27 fps |
| Grand Theft Auto V, 1080p, Very High | 97 fps |
| Grand Theft Auto V, 4K | 34 fps |
These results show why “4K-capable” needs qualification: the RTX 2080 unit produced playable rates in some tested games, but only 27 fps in Rise of the Tomb Raider and 34 fps in Grand Theft Auto V at 4K. At 1080p, its tested results were stronger. Those are historical tests of older games and do not predict frame rates in current releases.
Is the Obelisk easy to upgrade?
It is more approachable than many tightly packed prebuilts. HP described tool-less access, full-length graphics-card support, and room for a standard ATX power supply; PC Gamer also praised the open interior and easy access. But the family’s upgrade ceiling depends on its exact model, motherboard, power supply, and cooling arrangement. One documented Edoras-board configuration has two DDR4 sockets, M.2 sockets, a PCIe x16 graphics slot, support for selected 65 W LGA1151 processors, and reserved space for an additional 120 mm fan or 120 mm liquid-cooling radiator. Do not assume those specific details apply to every Obelisk. HP support documentation for an Edoras configuration PC Gamer’s 2019 review
Rank #2
- Hyper-realistic Graphics: nvidia(r) geforce(r) RTX 2070 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated memory). enjoy new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency and immersion with real-time ray-tracing technologies
- Cutting-edge gaming performance: geared with the latest hardware and easy to upgrade, so you can crush the latest and most demanding games including Fortnight, PUBG, and Overwatch
- Ultra fast Processor: 9th Generation intel(r) core(tm) i7-9700k Processor, 8-Core, Liquid Cooling, 3.60 GHz
- HP OMEN command center: included software lets you safely overclock your CPU, customize RGB lighting, prioritize gaming Network traffic, and stream your PC games on your big screen TV with omen game stream (a free remote gaming service)
- Solid State Drive and memory: 512 GB pcie(r) nvme(tm) M.2 Solid State Drive and hyperx(r) 16 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (upgradable to 64 GB). load up your favorite games in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and enjoy a more powerful and immersive experience than a standard hard drive
Memory and storage
At least one documented board configuration has two DDR4 DIMM sockets, which limits expansion compared with boards that provide four. Confirm the installed memory and the motherboard’s supported capacity and memory type before purchasing a DDR4 upgrade. M.2 sockets and storage layouts vary; check the exact SKU and board documentation to determine which slots are present and available. PC Gamer listed only one additional storage bay as a drawback of its reviewed system.
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The case was designed for full-length graphics cards, but that does not mean every modern GPU will fit or work safely. Check card length and thickness against the specific chassis, then verify the power supply’s wattage, connectors, and condition. The 500 W 80 Plus Bronze unit in Tom’s Hardware’s RTX 2080 test system is one configuration, not a specification for the whole range. A more power-hungry replacement GPU may require a compatible ATX supply with adequate headroom.
Rank #3
- Hyper-realistic graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti (11 GB GDDR6 dedicated memory). enjoy new levels of gaming realism, speed, power efficiency and immersion with real-time ray-tracing technologies
- Cutting-edge gaming performance: Geared with the latest hardware and easy to upgrade, so you can crush the latest and most demanding games including Fortnight, PUBG, and Overwatch
- Ultra-fast processor: 9th generation Intel Core i9-9900k Processor, 8-Core, Liquid Cooling, 3.60 GHz.Power supply type: 750 W Platinum efficiency power supply
- HP OMEN command center: Included software lets you safely overclock your CPU, customize RGB lighting, prioritize gaming Network traffic, and stream your PC games on your big screen TV with omen game stream (a free remote gaming service)
- Solid state drive and memory: 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive and HyperX 16 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (upgradable to 64 GB). load up your favorite games in seconds, transfer files without waiting hours, and enjoy a more powerful and immersive experience than a standard hard drive
Cooling and physical expansion
HP reserved room in documented configurations for an extra 120 mm fan or a 120 mm liquid-cooling radiator. This is a useful option, not evidence that every Obelisk ships with those parts or has identical mounting points. Tom’s Hardware said its reviewed system needed at least one more fan. If buying used, inspect installed fans, temperatures, dust, and whether the intended cooling hardware fits the exact case.
What are the main drawbacks?
- Limited expansion: Two DIMM slots on the cited Edoras configuration and a single additional storage bay in PC Gamer’s reviewed system leave less room to grow than many larger custom-build motherboards and cases.
- Cooling and airflow: Tom’s Hardware called for at least one more fan in its review unit, so cooling condition and fan configuration deserve attention.
- Cable routing: Reviewers noted cable-management limitations, which can make changes less tidy despite the accessible interior.
- Less customization than a DIY PC: Tom’s Hardware described it as not entirely customizable; the standardized components help, but the motherboard and case still constrain options.
- Age and configuration variation: This is a 2018–2019 product family. Component condition, installed parts, and remaining upgrade value vary widely among used systems.
Is the HP OMEN Obelisk still worth buying?
It can make sense as a discounted or used PC if the specific unit has a suitable GPU and power supply, the components are in sound condition, and its price reflects its age. It is less compelling if you want current-generation gaming performance, quiet cooling out of the box, many drive bays, or broad RGB and hardware customization. The original launch price and historical review configuration price should not be used as a present-day valuation: Tom’s Hardware listed $2,378.99 for its tested configuration in 2019, while HP’s $849.99 figure was an announced starting price in 2018. Neither establishes what a used Obelisk should cost today. HP’s 2018 announcement Tom’s Hardware’s 2019 review
Rank #4
- Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 24-Core 3.70 GHz Processor (36MB Smart Cache, Turbo Boost up to 5.70 GHz), Intel AI Boost 13 TOPS NPU
- 64GB DDR5 5600 MHz Memory, 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solis State Drive, OMEN CRYO CHAMBER, OMEN Light Studio, AI Copilot, Windows 11 Pro
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) & Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) / Supports Video Alt Mode, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB-A 2.0, 1x Headphone/Microphone Input
- 2-Year Warranty by Techno Intelligence & Free Tech Support, Liquid Cooling, RGB Lighting, Tempered Glass Case, Keyboard & Mouse, Black
Before buying, compare the listing against newer prebuilts or a DIY build, and verify the exact system product number, CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, PSU label, available bays, and cooling. A low headline price does not make a particular Obelisk a good deal if it needs an expensive power-supply or GPU replacement.
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What did reviewers conclude?
Tom’s Hardware highlighted the Obelisk’s upgradability but said it needed another fan and was not fully customizable. PC Gamer praised tool-less access and the open, navigable case while noting limited DIMM and storage expansion. PC Gamer gave its reviewed configuration 80/100; that score applies to its 2019 review, not every model or today’s used market. Tom’s Hardware PC Gamer
Quick Recap
Best Value
- INDUSTRY STANDARD FORM FACTOR AND TOOL-LESS ACCESS - Built with ease of upgrading and customization in mind, this chassis adheres to the industry standard form factor; Easily, access and swap out components and parts without any tools or equipment
- EXPERIENCE POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT AI PERFORMANCE - Unlock optimized gaming, creation and AI capabilities for desktops and workstations like never before with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K processor
- GAME CHANGER - Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell, GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU brings game-changing AI capabilities to gamers and creators
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 solid-state drive offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 32 GB DDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
- WINDOWS 11 PRO AND Microsoft Copilot - Windows 11 helps you think, express, and create in a natural way; Microsoft Copilot is always on hand to boost your productivity, accelerate your creativity, and help you communicate with maximum clarity
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
