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This review and benchmark tests the Starforge Horizon II Ultra pre-built gaming PC. We spent around $2,000 on this computer and ran testing during November, finalizing benchmarks and the tear-down in December, so we have a little over a month of total usage time on the computer to go into the review. Testing includes thermals, acoustics, power and PSU choice, and a tear-down, plus our usual inspection of packaging, shipping, and BIOS/Windows that we have in each pre-built review. Overall, the Starforge machine had a few key points of improvement — especially in assembly — but was generally well-built and lands on our shortlist of acceptable pre-builts we’ve reviewed recently.
If you’re not familiar with Starforge, it is owned by streamer group “OTK,” which consists of familiar names like Asmongold, Emiru, Esfand, and other top streamers. Moist Critical (penguinz0) is another co-owner of Starforge. The company’s management and some of its build staff are former Artesian Builds members.
Learn about the origins that pre-date Starforge in our Artesian Collapse video:
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Starforge Undercover Review
01:48 – Backstory of Starforge: OTK & Former Artesian
03:57 – Tear-Down & Build Quality
06:29 – Case Airflow Discussion & Screws
12:30 – CPU Socket Inspection & M.2 SSD
13:14 – Recapping the Tear-Down
14:50 – SSD Temperatures
15:27 – Acoustic Testing Methodology
17:43 – Noise Levels & Fan Ramp
18:18 – Frequency Spectrum Analysis
19:00 – Analyzing Streamer Frequency Spectrum
20:56 – Thermal Benchmarks: CPU & GPU
23:10 – Power Consumption
24:44 – BIOS Inspection
25:56 – Windows & Software Setup
26:42 – Packaging Inspection
28:23 – Accessories
28:57 – Conclusion
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Host, Testing, Writing, Editing: Steve Burke
Testing, Camera, Editing: Mike Gaglione
Testing: Patrick Lathan
Video Editing: Vitalii Makhnovets
Video Editing: Tim Phetdara
More Information:
The title refers to a review of a pre-built gaming PC by Starforge, specifically the Horizon II model, which has a price tag of $2000. This review likely covers various aspects of the computer, including its hardware specifications, performance benchmarks, build quality, cooling solutions, and overall value for gamers.
1. Specifications
The Starforge Horizon II would typically be equipped with high-end components that are suited for gaming. Components to look for might include:
- Processor (CPU): A powerful CPU, such as an AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7, to handle demanding games and multitasking.
- Graphics Card (GPU): A top-tier graphics card, possibly an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800, which is essential for high frame rates and performance in modern games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
- RAM: Sufficient RAM, likely between 16GB to 32GB of DDR4 memory, allowing for smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
- Storage: A combination of a fast SSD (NVMe) for quick load times (potentially 1TB or more) and possibly additional HDD space for larger game libraries.
2. Performance Benchmarks
The review would include a range of benchmarks that showcase the capabilities of the Horizon II in various gaming scenarios. This may involve:
- Frame Rates: Performance metrics at different resolutions and settings (such as 1080p High, 1440p Ultra).
- Rendering Tests: How the PC handles graphic-intensive tasks, including ray tracing and high-resolution textures.
- Thermal and Acoustic Performance: Assessing the cooling efficiency under load and how loud the PC operates during gaming sessions.
3. Build Quality
Attention to detail in the physical construction of the PC is essential. The review would likely evaluate:
- Case Design: Aesthetic aspects, airflow, cable management, and ease of access for future upgrades.
- Components: Quality of components used, such as PSU ratings, motherboard chipset, and potential real-world reliability based on manufacturer reputation.
4. Value Proposition
For a $2000 price point, the review would consider whether the performance, design, and overall experience justify the investment. Comparisons might be made with similar alternatives (both pre-built and custom builds) to assess where the Starforge Horizon II stands in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
5. User Experience
User reviews could provide insight into the setup process, customer support experiences, and the enjoyment level during gaming sessions.
6. Conclusion
The final part of the review would summarize whether the Starforge Horizon II is a worthy contender in the pre-built gaming PC market, considering its performance against the competition, reliability, aesthetic appeal, and potential longevity in gaming performance.
This review serves as a crucial resource for potential buyers looking for a high-performance gaming PC without the hassle of building their own system, especially in a market with various brands and models available.