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Trying out the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 Gaming Desktop (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 Gaming Desktop and I’ve spent some time testing its capabilities. As someone who enjoys PC gaming without wanting to spend a fortune, I was curious to see how this budget-friendly option would hold up.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Personal, Gaming, Business | Brand | HP |
| Personal computer design type | Computer Tower | Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GB | Screen Size | 0.01 Inches |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB | Model Name | HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop |
| Included Components | HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-1022, USB black wired keyboard and mouse combo, 400 W Platinum efficiency power supplyHP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-1022, USB black wired keyboard and mouse combo, 400 W Platinum efficiency power supply | CPU Model | Core i3 |
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Prices
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Performance and Gaming Experience
When it comes to the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 Gaming Desktop, I’ve found it strikes a respectable balance between cost and capability for entry-level PC gaming. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER graphics card packs enough punch for titles like Valorant, where I’m easily hitting over 165fps at 1440p on medium settings. Even more intensive games like Elden Ring tick over at a playable 45fps at 1440p, climbing to over 90fps if I drop down to 1080p – again, on medium settings.
Here are some immediate thoughts on performance and experience:
Smooth 4K streaming: For media enthusiasts, it delivers on 4k content without a hitch, thanks to that capable 10th Gen Intel i3 processor.
Passable gaming: While it may not be a top-tier rig, it holds its own in a variety of games, which is impressive for the price point.
RAM headroom: An upgrade from the standard 8GB to even just 16GB can result in a significant performance boost, especially if you’re the type to keep multiple tabs open or dabble in light content creation.
Storage limitations: Its 256GB SSD is fast but fills up quickly, which is par for the course with most budget PCs these days. You’ll likely need an external solution if you’re a digital hoarder.
The Intel Core i3-10100 processor is surprisingly energetic for a baseline chip, ensuring everyday tasks and multitasking remain fluid, although it’s not without its hiccups when the action gets too intense. It’s evident that some compromises had to be made to keep this beast affordable.
One thing I’ve found, though, is that the desktop’s chassis, despite its compact size, still allows for some future upgrades. It’s clear the Pavilion is positioned as a starting point – the base model from which you can grow your system as needed. You’ll be able to latch on a bigger SSD and more RAM without much trouble, but should you wish to upgrade to a brawnier GPU somewhere down the line, you might hit a snag with the 400W power supply.
My overall gaming experience has been solid – the machine is quiet, and it gets through most games without sounding like a jet engine, which is a plus. It’s also worth noting the benefit of customization and tools like the OMEN Command Center for system optimization, which can squeeze out a bit more performance or simply make your setup look cooler with adjustable chassis lighting.
But, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention some annoyances. The storage capacity is a bit of a letdown, and serious gamers will quickly outgrow it. As much as I appreciate the compact form factor, it does mean heat can become an issue with consistent heavy use, you might need to keep an eye on temperatures if you’re pushing the device hard.
There’s no doubt about it – the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 Desktop isn’t a high-end gaming monster. But as a gateway to PC gaming, or for someone searching for a general-use PC with the capability to turn their hand to a bit of gaming, it’s a strong contender worth considering.
Upgradability and Future-proofing
The upgradability and future-proofing of a gaming PC are critical aspects to consider, especially when your aim is to ensure the PC remains relevant with the rapidly evolving game industry. From my experience with the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-1022, there’s a good mix of flexibility for future enhancements, yet there are some limitations to be aware of.
First off, the ease of access to internal components is a significant plus. HP designed this desktop with upgradability in mind. You can pop open the case and slot in new components without any fuss. Here’s what I see when thinking about upgrading this machine:
RAM: It comes with 8GB out of the box, but you can bump that to 32GB for smoother gaming and multitasking. The single-stick configuration out of the box isn’t ideal for dual-channel memory performance, so adding another stick ASAP is something I’d recommend.
Storage: The 256GB SSD is speedy but fills up fast. You’ve got room to add additional storage, which is pretty much a necessity if you’re a serious gamer or need to handle big files.
GPU: The GTX 1650 SUPER is decent, but as games get more demanding, you might crave more power. You can swap it out for something beefier, but keep in mind, the 400W power supply might need upgrading too which is an added cost.
Cooling: The included fans are minimal. If you’re adding high-performance parts, consider beefing up the cooling to avoid overheating issues.
So, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop has a strong base for upgradability. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The stock power supply is on the lighter side, which could limit your graphics card upgrade options if you don’t upgrade it. Also, the stock cooling could be better, a critical aspect to keep in mind if you live in hotter climates or push your rig hard.
In short, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-1022 provides a solid foundation for future improvements. You have the space and compatibility for upgrades, which is more than some other prebuilts offer. It’s something to consider when you’re looking at options like the HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop, i7, RTX 4060, 64GB, 2TB SSD, White, which also offers room for growth. But be ready to invest in additional upgrades like storage, RAM, and potentially a new PSU and cooling to keep it running smooth for years to come.
Connectivity and Expansion Options
One of the crucial aspects to consider when you’re eyeing a gaming desktop, like the HP Pavilion TG01-1022, is its connectivity and how well it can handle expansion. When I got my hands on this system, I was pleasantly surprised by the array of options available.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: It comes with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. While not the latest, they’re reliable for a stable internet connection, which is essential for gaming and online streaming.
USB Ports: A good set of USB Type-A and Type-C ports. This is key, especially because I have a lot of peripherals that need connecting. The super-speed ports are great for quick data transfer, cutting down on the wait to move files or game saves.
Dual Display Support: One of my favorite features is the dual display support. As someone who multitasks a lot, being able to have a game up on one screen and a guide or streaming software on the other is invaluable.
Audio Jacks: The headphone/microphone combo jack is pretty standard but essential. Plus, there’s 5.1 surround sound for when you want to get immersed in the game world without disturbing the neighbors.
In terms of drawbacks, it’s disappointing to see it doesn’t include the newest Wi-Fi 6 technology, which is something many modern devices are offering. Given the importance of low latency in gaming, it’s a let-down that could impact hardcore gamers looking for the edge in competitive play.
Also, while Bluetooth 4.2 is passable, the faster data transfer speeds and lower energy consumption of Bluetooth 5.0 would’ve been a welcome enhancement for wireless peripherals.
I’ve also noted that while the system supports MIMO routers for smoother online experiences, this is only really beneficial if you have other devices that can also take advantage of that technology – so you might need to factor in the cost of an upgraded home network setup.
Overall, connectivity in the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 isn’t bleeding-edge, but it’s solid enough for most gamers. The USB port options are ample and versatile, while the addition of dual display support and decent audio connectivity rounds off a well-considered package for gamers and multi-taskers alike. With a few adjustments and potentially an upgraded home network, this gaming desktop can comfortably meet the needs of casual and semi-serious gamers - ensuring that it’s not just another tower occupying desk space, but a hub of immersive gaming and productive multitasking.
Overall Value for Money
When assessing the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-1022, I’m looking at what I’m getting for the price tag. For a budget-range gaming machine, this PC hits quite a few sweet spots while managing a couple of less impressive points.
Here’s the rundown from my perspective:
Pros:
Decent processor for the price range, with the Intel Core i3-10100 offering solid performance on day-to-day tasks.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER graphics card isn’t bleeding-edge, but it’s good enough to get decent frame rates on many titles at medium settings.
The design is compact and sleek, and the customizable LED lighting adds a cool factor.
Upgradability is a highlight, with the potential to slot in more RAM or a bigger SSD as budget allows.
It comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, which ensures the latest features and security upgrades.
Cons:
The single 8GB RAM stick set-up is a miss, as dual-channel memory would speed things up noticeably.
Storage capacity is tight with only a 256 GB SSD, meaning you’ll need external solutions or upgrades sooner rather than later.
On the whole, the system’s upgradeability is a crucial feature. It starts off as a workable entry-level gaming machine, and the ability to enhance components later is a definite win. As for the starting RAM and storage, they’re just enough to dip your toes into PC gaming or handle moderate non-gaming tasks. So plan on those upgrades if you’re looking for more intensive gameplay or multitasking performance.
Sure, the cooling setup might be a concern for future upgrades and intense gaming sessions — larger or additional fans might become necessary. Plus, the single RAM stick configuration and minimal stock storage could slow things down more than ideal. Make no mistake, add-ons and upgrades will drive up the price, but they’re not urgent unless you’re trying to push the PC to its limits from day one.
I’ll say the Pavilion TG01-1022 offers an overall positive experience for casual gamers or those new to PC gaming who aren’t ready to invest in a higher-end system. The initial lower cost comes with some trade-offs, like the aforementioned RAM and storage issues, but nothing that can’t be addressed down the line.
To wrap it up, the HP Pavilion TG01-1022 for me strikes a fine balance between price and performance for anyone looking at a budget-friendly entry point into the world of gaming desktops. Its potential for upgrades gives it longevity, and its baseline performance is solid for the price. If you’re okay with starting simple and enhancing as you go, this Pavilion could be a smart pick.