Most high-powered gaming desktops come in sizable towers, taking up a big chunk of your desk or floor space. A handful of pre-built, space-saving options out there come in small cases, while the HP Omen Obelisk lands somewhere in the middle. With a traditional desktop tower shape but a compact size, the Obelisk comes with all the latest components for enthusiast-level gaming. Considering the size, it's certainly impressive that it can pack up to an Intel Core i9-9900K processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card, and all the parts and cooling needed to run them effectively. It will be available starting in March for $2,249.99, but for now, let's take a closer look at what's inside.
A Small Tower, Full Power
Despite packing the latest components and requisite cooling hardware (liquid cooling for the CPU, in this case), the Obelisk stands at just 20.31 by 11.77 by 19.53 inches (HWD). That's not especially tiny, exactly, but it's on the smaller side for its class and the footprint is really small. (Most of the case extends up rather than sprawling across your desk.) It's a MicroATX build, complete with open DIMM slots and storage bays, but you shouldn't let the size fool you.
Enthusiast Components
There are two different models of the Obelisk, both with objectively powerful components in the upper tiers of their respective price ranges. However, the more powerful of the models ramps it up another level.
The starting model comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 and an Intel Core i7-9700K processor. If that's not enough, the beefier unit packs a Core i9-9900K processor and a GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. Both come with a single stick of HyperX 16GB memory, plus a fast 512GB SSD/1TB hard drive combo. Either configuration is more than enough for full-settings gaming, but which is best for you depends mostly on the monitor you'll be playing on.
The starting model comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 and an Intel Core i7-9700K processor. If that's not enough, the beefier unit packs a Core i9-9900K processor and a GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. Both come with a single stick of HyperX 16GB memory, plus a fast 512GB SSD/1TB hard drive combo. Either configuration is more than enough for full-settings gaming, but which is best for you depends mostly on the monitor you'll be playing on.
Small and Stylish
The Obelisk doesn't look too shabby either, with tasteful lighting, a spiffy glass window, and an overall design that forgoes any garish flourishes. The Omen logo is the only real accent to the black case, and it can match the interior lighting. Less is more on this case, in my opinion, with just a bit of flair added by the angled design.
Through a Glass Darkly
The tempered-glass side window lets you see all of the premium parts inside, as well as the case lighting. It's also coated with a clear EMI protective layer to prevent magnetic and electrical interference with other devices. The borders on the window aren't too thick, either, letting you see most of the inside.
Tool-Free Interior Access
You can remove the side panel without using any tools, making interior maintenance or upgrades a breeze. And with three open RAM slots, one free M.2 slot, and one 3.5-inch storage bay open, you may be tempted. (We would have liked to see twin DIMMs to take advantage of dual-channel memory speeds, for one thing.)
A Peek at the Top Ventilation
The CPU's cooler radiator vents out the top panel, helped by a rear case fan. Even with a processor as beefy as the Core i9-9900K, the Obelisk should run efficiently with the liquid cooler.
The Front Ports...
The top panel features just a few ports toward the front for easier access: two USB 3.1 ports, as well as headset and mic jacks. Perhaps a USB Type-C port on the front would be useful, but there's enough here to have your basic peripherals covered.
...and the Rear Ports
Most of the ports can be found around back, including five USB 3.1 ports, a USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and three DisplayPort connections, with the video-outs on the RTX card. I would say this is plenty for any mice, keyboard, and external storage, as well as other adapters and external displays, you may use.
We'll be whipping up a full review of the Obelisk, replete with detailed benchmark numbers, shortly after CES wraps up. Stay tuned...
We'll be whipping up a full review of the Obelisk, replete with detailed benchmark numbers, shortly after CES wraps up. Stay tuned...