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This review looks at the Starforge “Lowkey,” a limited edition mini-ITX pre-built PC assembled and designed by Starforge Systems, a Texas-based system integrator (SI) that builds gaming PCs. This is part of our prebuilt gaming PC reviews series and gives us a more positive product to look at, following a series of less well-designed products in review recently. We previously reviewed Starforge’s Horizon II Ultra gaming PC and found it to be overall good quality, with a few issues on screw torque and attention to detail items. Starforge is owned by streamers who are part of OTK, such as Asmongold, Tips, and others, and started after the collapse of Artesian Builds. You can learn about that story below.
Watch our previous Starforge Horizon II Ultra review:
Watch the Collapse of Artesian Builds:
Watch our HW News episode about the US Govt bans:
Correction: The chart software truncated the X-axis label for the frequency spectrum plot. The last two frequencies in the range are 10,000 Hz and 20,000 Hz. This has been resolved going forward by expanding the ‘buffer’ space between the axis label and the axis line itself.
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AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D on Newegg:
AMD R7 7800X3D on Amazon:
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AMD RX 7900 XT on Newegg:
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Starforge Pre-Built Lowkey Gaming PC Review
03:08 – Who Starforge Is
03:57 – Tear-Down of Starforge PC
10:47 – Tear-Down Inspection Pass
11:11 – Starforge Customer Support for Intel
12:34 – Intel Settings Rant
13:48 – Interesting BIOS Changes
15:12 – Intel Microcode Bug
17:20 – Starforge Thermals (CPU Only)
18:12 – Starforge Fan Curve (CPU Only)
18:35 – Starforge Frequency vs. Temperature
19:04 – Starforge 13600KF vs Intel Default
20:10 – GPU Full Load Thermals
20:43 – Fan Change Test
21:22 – AIRFLOW ANIMATION
23:03 – Noise Levels in Hemi-Anechoic Chamber
23:50 – Acoustic Frequency Spectrum
25:09 – Power Consumption Testing
25:55 – Software & Bloat Inspection
26:52 – Packaging Inspection
28:28 – Conclusion
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More Information:
The title "Actually Good: $2400 Starforge Pre-Built Gaming PC Review (Lowkey Fractal Terra ITX)" suggests a review of a specific high-end gaming PC that has been pre-built and is available at a price point of $2,400. This review focuses on several key aspects that are critical to the performance and build quality of a gaming PC, particularly one that’s within the ITX (Mini-ITX) form factor.
Key Features of the Starforge Gaming PC
Form Factor – Fractal Terra ITX:
- The use of the Fractal Terra case signifies a compact yet stylish design, appealing to gamers who appreciate aesthetic and functionality. This form factor allows for a smaller footprint, making it suitable for limited desk space, while still accommodating powerful components.
Performance Components:
- At a price of $2,400, the gaming PC likely boasts high-end components. This could include a top-tier CPU (like an AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7/i9), a powerful GPU such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or better, fast RAM (16GB or more, potentially with RGB lighting), and a fast SSD (with NVMe technology) for quick load times.
Cooling Solutions:
- Given the compact nature of the ITX design, effective cooling is crucial. The review may discuss the cooling solutions employed, such as custom water cooling, efficient air cooling, or the use of high-performance fans. This is essential to maintain performance under heavy gaming loads without thermal throttling.
Build Quality and Aesthetics:
- The craftsmanship and design choices in the Starforge gaming PC can significantly impact user experience. The review might critique the cable management, aesthetics (RGB lighting, glass panels), and overall elegance of the build.
Upgradability and Portability:
- The ITX form factor sometimes limits upgrade options compared to larger cases. The review may evaluate the ease of access to components for upgrades in the future, such as adding more storage or upgrading the GPU.
Value for Money:
- The reviewer may discuss the value proposition of the PC at $2,400. This includes assessing whether the performance and aesthetic quality justify the price compared to building a custom rig or purchasing alternative pre-built systems.
Real-World Performance Tests:
- The review would likely include benchmarks and performance tests, showcasing how the gaming PC handles popular titles, both in terms of frame rates and graphics settings.
- User Experience:
- Additional factors such as noise levels, software (like Windows pre-installed or additional software), and customer support from Starforge might be highlighted as part of the overall user experience.
Conclusion
A review titled "Actually Good" implies that the Starforge pre-built gaming PC offers an impressive mix of performance, aesthetics, and build quality, perhaps exceeding expectations for a pre-built system. The assessment within the context of the $2,400 price range would provide prospective buyers or enthusiasts insight into whether this PC is a worthwhile investment for their gaming needs. In an environment where custom builds are popular, a compelling review can help differentiate high-quality pre-built options like the Starforge from the many alternatives available.