Intel’s newest 6th generation processor – dubbed Skylake – is now arriving to OEMs as an upgrade option. At HP, they’ve made two specific desktops available for purchase with the 6th Gen CPU: the Envy 750se desktop and the even-more-gamer-centric Envy Phoenix 860st.
Both of these models are well-equipped and fairly similar in performance when spec’d out, but astute shoppers will note the Phoenix is significantly more expensive for slightly increased performance.
Gamers wanting the latest tech but also trying to save some extra bucks are in luck, as a well-timed Labor Day 30% off coupon is now available for the Envy 750se and the aforementioned Phoenix 860st. This means you’ll be able to grab the latest hardware at a significant discount.
Skylake HP Gaming Desktop Deals
HP Envy 750se Core i7-6700K (Skylake), 12GB RAM, GeForce GTX 970, Win 7 Pro — $874.99 after coupon.
- Use coupon code: LDS2015 (30% off)
- Components to add to make this build:
- Core i7-6700K 4.0Ghz Skylake CPU (+$30)
- GeForce GTX 970 4GB (+$280)
- 500w Power Supply (+$30)
HP ENVY Phoenix 860st, Core i7-6700K (Skylake), 16GB RAM, GeForce GTX 970, Windows 10 — $1,483.99 after coupon.
- Use coupon code: LDS2015 (30% off)
- Components to add to make this bulid:
- Core i7-6700k 4.0 Ghz Skylake CPU (+$30)
- GeForce GTX 970 4GB (+$280)
What do you get for $610 more with the Phoenix 860st? To be honest, not much. You’re looking at the same processor and GPU – arguably the two most important components in a gaming rig. And in this case they’re both the same exact thing. So it’s difficult to justify the extra hundreds for a “nicer” looking case (with probably more ventilation) along with 4GB of additional RAM and a beefier power supply (600w vs 500w).
But wait – the clear difference between these two builds? The Phoenix will be sporting Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest OS. (In fact, for the HP Envy 750se desktop option, you can choose Windows 10 in a similar build, but it will cost $100 more. Not exactly worth it in our opinion.)
Looking at these options, it seems plenty more sensible to grab the $875 Envy 750se. (Don’t forget to use coupon code LDS2015.)
With the Skylake CPU, expect 11% faster performance over previous generations (Haswell and Broadwell), along with a big 28% increase in Intel HD graphics performance. Then again, you probably won’t care about that with your 4GB GeForce GTX 970 upgrade. The GPU, while not exactly a 980 or 290X, can be plenty fast for all modern games without a sweat. In fact, at 1080p resolution it outperforms even the more expensive Radeon 290x in select gaming benchmarks. (The two other cards shine as you approach 1440p and 2160p resolutions.)
Shipping is of course free with these two HP desktops – although note that depending on your configuration, your desktop shipping date may be as late as October 2nd. So while Skylake is very much available for purchase in individual units for consumer, the OEM supply chain looks to be a bit further behind.