A recent Wired review highlights the iBuyPower RDY Slate 9MP R01 as a reliable prebuilt gaming desktop, offering strong performance at a discounted price amid rising RAM costs. Despite minor flaws like assembly issues and limited expandability, the system delivers smooth gameplay in demanding titles. The review notes its appeal for gamers avoiding custom builds.
The iBuyPower RDY Slate 9MP R01, priced at $1,900 but available for $1,600 on discount, features an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor paired with an Asus RTX 5070 graphics card boasting 12 GB of VRAM. It includes 32 GB of RAM on a microATX B650 motherboard, providing solid performance for modern gaming.
In testing, the system achieved at least 90 frames per second at 1440p in online games such as Marvel Rivals and Helldivers 2. For more intensive titles like Cyberpunk 2077, it exceeded 90 fps at 1080p with high settings, excluding path tracing. The reviewer appreciated the minimal bloatware and proper setup, including enabled memory overclocking and an updated Windows installation.
Positive aspects include the separate packaging of the GPU in its original box, simplifying shipping and installation compared to integrated methods that risk damage. The case design features a sturdy, press-fit smoky glass side panel for a clean look, though it slightly hampers airflow, mitigated by offset fans and mesh sections.
Criticisms center on the choice of a smaller microATX board, which costs more and offers less expandability than full ATX options, despite available space. A notable issue was a disconnected fan cable upon arrival, potentially leading to overheating without warning, though easily fixed by experienced users. The reviewer suggested better instructions and cable management to aid novices.
Overall, the system represents good value, especially with RAM prices surging to over $400 due to AI demand, making prebuilts more economical than sourcing parts separately. While not flawless, its performance outweighs quirks for budget-conscious gamers.
