Is there a better alternative?

As configured, the Lynx is a competitively priced premium gaming PC. Although the Lynx costs the same as HP’s Omen Obelisk, Digital Storm made different compromises to get to the same $2,000 price. HP’s gaming strategy with the Obelisk is to focus on the graphics, so the company went with an older 8th-generation Intel processor to keep costs down. The Lynx, on the other hand, comes with a newer 9th-generation processor but comes with a slightly weaker RTX GPU. If you’re willing to wait until spring, HP’s 2019 version of the Omen Obelisk will come with a 9th-generation Intel processor, upgraded RTX 2080 Ti graphics, and liquid cooling for a starting price that’s only $249 more than the Lynx. At that price, you’re getting a much better graphics card.

　　Both units are more affordable than other premium options, like Origin PC’s Neuron. Although the Neuron can support dual graphics cards like the Lynx, Origin PC gives prospective owners options to configure the unit with higher-end silicon. When configured with better Intel Core i9-9900K processor, Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti graphics, upgraded 32GB RAM, and a 500GB SSD along with 2TB hard drive, the Neuron comes in at almost $1,700 more expensive. While Digital Storm’s more moderate pricing for its midrange build is commendable, we wish the company would give performance users more upgraded configurations for the Lynx.

　　Another pre-built PC that supports dual graphics is Dell’s Alienware Aurora R7. With a more bulbous design, the Alienware desktop doesn’t share the edgy aesthetics as the Lynx or the Neuron, but pricing appears to be competitive with the Lynx. The $2,099 Aurora comes with a similar Core i7-9700K processor and RTX 2070 graphics, but Dell offers higher end builds that top out with Intel’s Core i9-9900K and Nvidia’s 2080 Ti for a whopping $5,449.

　　

How long will it last?

The 9th-generation Intel processor and Nvidia RTX graphics will make the Lynx a great investment for years to come, but if you’ve managed to outgrow Digital Storm’s configuration, the roomy midsize case design allows you to easily make DIY upgrades as your needs grow. High-end users can even add a second graphics card to amp up performance.

　　

Should you buy it?

Without investing the work in building your own rig from scratch, you’re relying on the choices that Digital Storm made. That means that even though you’re getting a handsomely designed, water-cooled system that packs in ample performance to get you started, you’re not necessarily getting the best components. And for gamers, the compromises Digital Storm made shows, as the midrange 2070 graphics trails higher-end options in the RTX range. For advanced users, the biggest draw to the Lynx is the unit’s untapped potential. With a spacious interior and room to add a second graphics card, the Lynx can be a serious performer, but only if you invest the time in making the DIY upgrades yourself.