HP OMEN Vs. Lenovo Legion Desktop: Which Gaming PC Should You Buy?

Gaming desktop PCs have come a long way in recent years. With powerful components like GPUs and CPUs now more affordable than ever, it’s easier to get a custom prebuilt desktop optimized for gaming without breaking the bank.

Two of the top contenders in the prebuilt gaming desktop market are the HP OMEN series and the Lenovo Legion series. But which one is better for your gaming needs?

In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll look at the key differences, pros and cons, and do a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown of HP OMEN desktops versus Lenovo Legion desktops.

Whether you’re looking for the best value gaming PC, the highest performance, or great upgradeability, read on to find out which gaming desktop is the better pick for you.

A Brief Comparison Table

Specs	HP Omen	Lenovo Legion
Price	More budget-friendly starting prices, frequent sales	Slightly higher starting prices
Performance	Strong GPUs and CPUs for the price	Higher CPU overclocking potential
Design	Understated, configurable RGB lighting	Flashy gamer aesthetic, customizable RGB
Upgradability	Tool-less access, more user upgradable	Limited component selection, tricky access
Software	Omen Command Center, performance tuning	Lenovo Vantage, hardware monitoring
Warranty	1 year included, extended options	1 year included, less support

Overview of HP OMEN Desktops

The HP OMEN series consists of various prebuilt desktop configurations optimized for gaming performance. HP offers OMEN desktops in a range of models, from budget-friendly options like the OMEN 25L and 30L to high-end powerhouses like the OMEN 45L.

Some key features and highlights of HP OMEN desktops:

Sleek, compact chassis designed for gaming aesthetics.
Configurable with latest Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors.
Dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards up to RTX 3090 level.

Easy upgradability via tool-less access to components.
OMEN Command Center software to optimize system performance.
Starting prices around $900 for entry-level configurations.

Higher-end models compete with $2000+ gaming PCs.
Components can be customized when ordering directly from HP.

In summary, HP OMEN desktops are designed for maximum gaming performance and have a focus on convenient upgradeability, even in lower-cost models. They offer a hardware-focused experience tailored for gamers.

Overview of Lenovo Legion Desktops

The Lenovo Legion line consists of the brand’s gaming-focused desktop models. Like the HP OMEN series, Legion desktops range from budget options like the Legion T5 to high-performance machines like the Legion T7.

Here are some of the defining features of Lenovo Legion desktop gaming PCs:

Aggressive gamer-centric aesthetics with customizable RGB lighting.

Latest Intel processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards.
Proprietary Legion Coldfront cooling technology.
Starting prices below $1000 for entry-level builds.

Particularly focused on processor and GPU power.
Can be configured with multiple GPUs for max performance.
Lenovo Vantage software dashboard for system monitoring.

Higher-end models competing with $2500+ gaming rigs.
More limited component selection compared to OMEN desktops.

In short, Lenovo Legion desktops prioritize maximizing gaming speeds and performance power with a flashy, bold design tailored heavily for gamers.

Also Read: Cyberpower Vs. Skytech: Battle Of The Affordable Gaming Rigs

Key Differences Between HP OMEN and Lenovo Legion Desktop

Now that we’ve provided an overview of each gaming desktop series, let’s compare them across some key factors for gamers choosing a prebuilt PC.

Gaming Performance

For most gamers shopping for a prebuilt desktop, gaming speeds and performance are probably the most important factors. Both HP and Lenovo configure their gaming desktops to offer high frame rates and smooth gameplay on the latest titles. They achieve this with similar high-end components from industry leaders like Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA.

However, there are some key differences:

Graphics cards – Both offer RTX 30 series GPUs on higher end models. Entry-level Lenovo Legion desktops tend to have lower-end GPUs compared to equivalently priced HP OMEN models.

Processors – Lenovo Legions feature unlocked Intel CPUs for overclocking compared to locked chips on OMEN desktops. This gives them an edge in max CPU speeds.
Memory speeds – Higher tier Legion models can be configured with faster DDR4 RAM ranging from 2933MHz to 3200MHz. Most OMEN desktops max out at 2666MHz.
Multi-GPU setups – Lenovo Legion desktops are more likely to offer multi-GPU configurations for extreme gaming power.

For most mainstream gamers, both brands will offer high FPS and max graphics settings in the latest games. But if you want to push overclocking and multi-GPU setups for 4K 144Hz gaming or VR, Lenovo Legion models have a slight performance advantage.

Design & Build Quality

Gaming PCs are centerpieces of any gaming setup, so aesthetics and build quality are definitely factors to consider. Here is how HP and Lenovo’s gaming desktops compare:

Size & form factor – The OMEN 25L/30L are compact with a 15L micro-ATX case size. Lenovo Legions are larger at around 18L, with a more prominent gamer-focused design.
Lighting & RGB – Most Legion desktops feature fully customizable RGB case lighting. Only high-end OMEN desktops have RGB case lighting.
Build materials – Both use steel cases and high-quality components for durability. Lenovo uses a metal mesh front panel on some models instead of glass.

Ease of upgrades – OMEN desktops win here with convenient tool-less access panels. Upgrading Legion desktops involves more disassembly.
Cable management – Overall more tidy cable management on HP OMEN models and interiors.

For gamers who want a more subdued but quality build, HP OMEN delivers. Those looking for maximum RGB lighting and flashy gamer aesthetics will prefer Lenovo Legion desktops.

Customizability & Upgrades

An important consideration for any gaming PC is upgradability. Being able to customize or upgrade components down the line helps extend the lifespan of a desktop. Here is how each brand compares:

Component selection – HP offers much more customization options for processors, GPUs, storage, and RAM on OMEN desktops. Legion models have limited component selection.

User upgradable – Both brands use standard components that can be user upgraded. OMEN makes upgrades easier with tool-less access.
Expansion & ports – OMEN desktops tend to offer more USB ports and expansion slots overall for upgrades.
Overclocking – Processors on Legion desktops are often “K” models that are unlocked for overclocking. OMEN processors tend to be locked.

Extra PCIe slots – High-tier Legion desktops have space and PSU headroom for adding more GPUs. This is rarer on OMEN models.

If easy DIY upgrades are important, HP OMEN desktops are the winner. For hardcore overclocking and multi-GPU potential, Lenovo Legion has the upper hand.

Software & Features

HP and Lenovo each provide software suites and features tailored to gamers:

Gaming networks – OMEN Command Center connects to OMEN Gaming Hub. Lenovo Legion PCs integrate with Lenovo Legion Arena.
Performance tuning – Both offer automated overclocking, fan control, and hardware monitoring. Lenovo Vantage has more detailed control.

Lighting control – Customizable RGB lighting is managed through each brand’s software. More options on Legion desktops.
WiFi & connectivity – HP OMEN Command Center integrates partners like Discord, Spotify, Twitch, etc. Lenovo doesn’t have similar built-in integrations.
Audio – Lenovo Legion desktops favor onboard audio amplifiers. Most OMEN desktops rely on sound cards instead.

Accessories – Lenovo-branded gaming mice, keyboards, and headsets work seamlessly with Legion PCs. Less accessory integration on the OMEN side.

For software ecosystems and gaming-centric features, Lenovo Legion edges out OMEN slightly with more baked-in optimizations and partner integrations.

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Price & Value

Pricing is often the deciding factor when choosing a prebuilt gaming PC. Here is how pricing shakes out for HP and Lenovo’s offerings:

Starting MSRPs – Legion desktops start under $1000. OMEN start around $900-$1200 for equivalent configurations.

Mid-range pricing – Both have mid-tier models in the $1200-$1800 range with slight pricing advantage to OMEN.
High-end pricing – Top-end OMEN desktops reach around $2500. Flagship Legion models exceed $3000.
Component value – OMEN desktops tend to cram in better GPUs and CPUs at each price tier, especially in lower-end models.

Availability of deals – HP OMEN desktops more frequently go on sale direct from HP or from retailers. Less frequent major discounts on Legion PCs.
Peripherals & accessories – HP OMEN packages sometimes bundle gaming mouse and keyboard without raising base price.

Overall, HP OMEN gaming desktops win out in terms of value, offering aggressive pricing and component value, especially when catching frequent sales. Lenovo Legion pricing is less competitive in the mid and low tiers.

Customer Support & Warranty

Strong customer support and warranty coverage provides peace of mind:

Warranty – Both HP and Lenovo provide 1 year limited hardware warranty standard. Extended warranties available.

Tech support channels – HP offers 24/7 phone, online chat, forum, and email support. Lenovo also has 24/7 phone access but more limited live chat.
On-site repair – HP provides longer on-site repair coverage for desktops included with warranty. Can be crucial for large tower desktops.
Driver & firmware updates – HP OMEN Command Center makes system updates easy. Lenovo Vantage also streamlines updates well.

Service turnaround – Overall HP tends to edge out Lenovo slightly in customer service responsiveness and repair turnaround speed.
Gaming community support – As a long-time gaming brand, HP has a much larger knowledge base of tutorials and guides from the gaming community available online.

The verdict: HP OMEN desktops win out over Lenovo Legion when it comes to included warranty coverage, accessible support channels, and available self-help resources.

Also Read: Comparison Between Skytech And NZXT Gaming PCs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Lenovo Legion better than HP?

It depends. Lenovo Legion desktops offer better peak performance potential thanks to overclocking and multi-GPU support. But HP OMEN desktops provide better overall value and component balance across pricing tiers. For most mainstream gamers, HP OMEN provides the right blend of performance, price, and support.

Is HP omen better than Legion?

Overall, HP OMEN desktops edge out Legion desktops for more gamers due to more competitive pricing, superior upgradability, broader component configuration options, and better warranty coverage. However, Legion PCs outshine OMEN in terms of max CPU and GPU speeds, flashy RGB aesthetics, and software ecosystems tailored for gaming.

Is Lenovo Legion 5 better than HP Omen?

When comparing Lenovo Legion 5 and HP Omen laptops, the Legion 5 is considered better for the money for most people. It tends to offer superior CPU and GPU performance at a given price point. However, HP Omen laptops have advantages like better displays, premium build materials, and Thunderbolt 3 support in many cases.

Are HP Omen desktops any good?

Yes, HP Omen desktops are excellent prebuilt gaming PCs that can compete with pricier brands. Even budget HP Omen models include high-end processors and graphics cards suitable for the latest games. With frequent sales and promotions, they offer superb value. Omen desktops also score big points for easy upgradability via their tool-less design. For performance-focused features, the higher-end Omen 30L and 45L desktops are recommended.

Final Thought

Now that we’ve compared these two gaming PC brands across a range of factors, let’s summarize which type of gamer should choose HP or Lenovo.

HP OMEN desktops are ideal if you:

Prioritize affordable pricing and frequent deal availability.
Want a tool-less upgradable desktop with accessible maintenance.

Prefer a more subtle, mature gamer aesthetic for your desktop build.
Value strong customer support and extended warranty options.
Appreciate maximal processor and GPU power included standard in each price tier.

On the other hand, Lenovo Legion desktops are better if you:

Want maximum RGB lighting, liquid cooling, and loud gamer aesthetics.
Plan to overclock or configure a multi-GPU desktop powerhouse.

Don’t upgrade components frequently yourself after initial purchase.
Are interested in seamlessly integrating Legion branded accessories and peripherals.
Prefer software ecosystems tailored heavily around PC gaming.

For most mainstream gamers shopping for an affordable but powerful prebuilt PC, the HP OMEN 25L or 30L hits the sweet spot combining performance, upgradability, pricing, and support in one package. But performance junkies wanting to push overclocking limits will feel more at home with a Lenovo Legion T7.

Let your own priorities and preferences guide you, as both HP and Lenovo make compelling prebuilt desktops! Reach out in the comments if you have any other questions.