HP’s new budget desktops look the same on paper, but only one is worth your time

(Image credit: HP)

HP Omnidesk M02-0000t delivers basic power; the S03-0010 struggles with even routine tasks
A dual-core chip in 2025 makes the S03-0010 feel like leftover tech in a new box
At $430, the M02-0000t makes sense, but the S03-0010 feels like a compromise too far

HP is currently offering two new desktop PCs, the Omnidesk S03-0010 and the Omnidesk M02-0000t, each priced at the incredibly low price of $430.

At first glance, this appears to be a reasonable price point for entry-level systems aimed at home offices or small business PC deployments.

But a closer look reveals a stark difference in capabilities between the two machines, raising serious concerns about the utility of the lower-end option.

HP Omnidesk M02-0000t

The Omnidesk M02-0000t is powered by Intel’s Core i3-14100 processor, a 4-core, 8-thread chip with a maximum boost clock of 4.7GHz.

This CPU scores around 15,225 on PassMark, which is typical for low-end workstation PC tasks such as document editing, email, web apps, and light multitasking.

It comes with 8GB of DDR5 memory and a 256GB NVMe SSD, which are adequate for its class.

The absence of a keyboard and mouse is disappointing but understandable at this price point, especially as the internals are better aligned with modern workloads.

HP Omnidesk S03-0010

The Omnidesk S03-0010, on the other hand, is far less convincing, and it is equipped with the Intel 300 processor, a dual-core, 4-thread CPU that tops out at 3.9GHz.

Its PassMark score sits at just 7,276, less than half that of the M02-0000t - and for a 2025 desktop from a major brand, this is troubling, and even basic tasks like running a few browser tabs, using video conferencing tools, or opening office documents may feel sluggish.

This makes the S03-0010 hard to recommend, even for basic use - as despite sharing the same RAM and storage as the M02, the S03’s severely limited processing power holds it back.

Both systems feature Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a modest set of USB ports, along with a compact chassis.

But one performs like a passable mini PC for light business use, while the other feels closer to obsolete hardware repackaged in a modern shell.

It’s difficult to ignore that these two products carry the same price despite offering vastly different user experiences.

For buyers expecting consistent quality from a reputable manufacturer, the S03 introduces a level of risk that’s hard to justify.

Buyers would have a tough decision to make on this one and must consider whether saving a few dollars is worth the compromise in long-term usability.

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Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking. Efosa developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and politics. His research delves into how technological advancements influence regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Upon joining TechRadar Pro, in addition to privacy and technology policy, he is also focused on B2B security products. Efosa can be contacted at this email: udinmwenefosa@gmail.com

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