2000 Starforge Pre-Built Gaming PC Review: Horizon II Ultra Benchmarks
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Luckily didn't kill anything else in the rig. So yeah definitely wouldn't want loose screws. Could very well end up with a dead PSU the moment you plug it in if one fell into it...if you had a case where the fan was facing up. Many have grills that would probably stop a coin cell falling into it (mine did not) but screws might slip through most.
Date: 2024-01-04
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Comments and reviews: 19
thelbtlover
If you want a decent prebuilt you need to go with a company that makes more than 100 in profit from each build. You need to go with a company with a longstanding reputation for high quality builds instead of trying to compete on price. Using a TeamGroup SSD in a 2,000 computer is COMPLETELY unacceptable. Spend the extra 20 and put in something decent like a Samsung or a WD Black. I own a computer repair shop and there are only TWO companies that I recommend for prebuilt computers - Puget Systems and Velocity Micro. Expect to pay about double what the parts cost is. What you get for that extra money is a US based company with US based support, a good warranty that they'll actually stand behind, the assurance that they will NOT cut corners in ANY way (no sneaky shitty quality power supply or cheap ass TeamGroup SSD), and a system that's 100% built correctly because they don't hire idiots for 12/hour to build their computers.
That or take the option that my clients take and go to a local computer repair shop and ask them to build you something. The systems I build are just as good as the stuff from Puget Systems and Velocity Micro but at a lower cost, especially if you're spending 2,000+ on a build. I am NOT advertising my services here and I won't even tell you the name of my shop. I'm just saying that you should consider a local shop. I charge 369 for the build itself plus a 20% parts premium. If a part fails when it's under manufacturer warranty, I'll diagnose the problem for free and replace the part for free (no parts or labor charges). So if you have a power supply with a 7 year warranty and it fails 6 years later, I'll replace it for free and deal with the RMA myself on my own time. I can afford to do this thanks to the 20% parts premium and because I'm not making 100 measly dollars on a build. And since I'm not trying to SELL you a computer, it doesn't benefit me to try and cheap out on parts to maximize my profit.
I also make a couple dollars by selling you a license to Windows and sometimes Office. I don't charge the 20% parts premium on software or labor so you'll pay the same for Office/Windows through me as you would buying it yourself. If you're interested in something like this I recommend you call up some local shops. Not all shops regularly deal with custom builds and it's a different skillset from computer repair, so make sure you vet the shop before you hire them to build you a computer. If you don't want to deal with this, then seriously people, Puget Systems or Velocity Micro. No other company even comes close.
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If you want a decent prebuilt you need to go with a company that makes more than 100 in profit from each build. You need to go with a company with a longstanding reputation for high quality builds instead of trying to compete on price. Using a TeamGroup SSD in a 2,000 computer is COMPLETELY unacceptable. Spend the extra 20 and put in something decent like a Samsung or a WD Black. I own a computer repair shop and there are only TWO companies that I recommend for prebuilt computers - Puget Systems and Velocity Micro. Expect to pay about double what the parts cost is. What you get for that extra money is a US based company with US based support, a good warranty that they'll actually stand behind, the assurance that they will NOT cut corners in ANY way (no sneaky shitty quality power supply or cheap ass TeamGroup SSD), and a system that's 100% built correctly because they don't hire idiots for 12/hour to build their computers.
That or take the option that my clients take and go to a local computer repair shop and ask them to build you something. The systems I build are just as good as the stuff from Puget Systems and Velocity Micro but at a lower cost, especially if you're spending 2,000+ on a build. I am NOT advertising my services here and I won't even tell you the name of my shop. I'm just saying that you should consider a local shop. I charge 369 for the build itself plus a 20% parts premium. If a part fails when it's under manufacturer warranty, I'll diagnose the problem for free and replace the part for free (no parts or labor charges). So if you have a power supply with a 7 year warranty and it fails 6 years later, I'll replace it for free and deal with the RMA myself on my own time. I can afford to do this thanks to the 20% parts premium and because I'm not making 100 measly dollars on a build. And since I'm not trying to SELL you a computer, it doesn't benefit me to try and cheap out on parts to maximize my profit.
I also make a couple dollars by selling you a license to Windows and sometimes Office. I don't charge the 20% parts premium on software or labor so you'll pay the same for Office/Windows through me as you would buying it yourself. If you're interested in something like this I recommend you call up some local shops. Not all shops regularly deal with custom builds and it's a different skillset from computer repair, so make sure you vet the shop before you hire them to build you a computer. If you don't want to deal with this, then seriously people, Puget Systems or Velocity Micro. No other company even comes close.
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ChibiQilin
I have a generally negative view about the SI industry, especially when basic things aren't done right. Building a computer is not a herculean task; literal children and teens building their first PC often do manage to get it right, it's a little more complicated than the square goes in the square hole but not complicated enough that an average person can't figure it out.
I also have a very skeptical view of creators that buy failing companies or slap their names on failing products. It's great when they're passionate and knowledgeable about something, and either manufacture it themselves or work together with a solid company in the industry to make a product... but when it's a company or product that's failed, and they're just associating themselves with it without actually providing any value, I can't help but question its value or the very reason for its existence.
Despite all that, this review seems surprisingly good. I'm almost always on the side, even for new people, to always try building their own. But I was expecting to see a lot worse, and this honestly seems competent. A near 500 markup for mere assembly is ludicrous, but additional support and warranty is... well, that's still a insanely expensive but not as bad if the person actually makes use of it fully. If there was someone who asked for help with getting a new computer, and I didn't like them enough to actually provide some basic guidance and support, I'd probably recommend something like this.
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I have a generally negative view about the SI industry, especially when basic things aren't done right. Building a computer is not a herculean task; literal children and teens building their first PC often do manage to get it right, it's a little more complicated than the square goes in the square hole but not complicated enough that an average person can't figure it out.
I also have a very skeptical view of creators that buy failing companies or slap their names on failing products. It's great when they're passionate and knowledgeable about something, and either manufacture it themselves or work together with a solid company in the industry to make a product... but when it's a company or product that's failed, and they're just associating themselves with it without actually providing any value, I can't help but question its value or the very reason for its existence.
Despite all that, this review seems surprisingly good. I'm almost always on the side, even for new people, to always try building their own. But I was expecting to see a lot worse, and this honestly seems competent. A near 500 markup for mere assembly is ludicrous, but additional support and warranty is... well, that's still a insanely expensive but not as bad if the person actually makes use of it fully. If there was someone who asked for help with getting a new computer, and I didn't like them enough to actually provide some basic guidance and support, I'd probably recommend something like this.
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jolness1
I am not the target audience for prebuilts but I am so glad you guys do this. When people ask me what computer they should get... I struggle to give them advice unless they are looking at cost no object (tend to tell them to use Falcon Northwest in the case but there is a premium for their stuff. It's done right, at least all the ones I have seen, but not cheap). So having these reviews is super useful for me in that regard.
Also, I didn't realize the chamber was that expensive or maybe I did and forgot. I love that GN has the resources and the inclination to have this sort of equipment and to use it to give people more information.
Awesome work GN team, you guys are such a great resource.
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I am not the target audience for prebuilts but I am so glad you guys do this. When people ask me what computer they should get... I struggle to give them advice unless they are looking at cost no object (tend to tell them to use Falcon Northwest in the case but there is a premium for their stuff. It's done right, at least all the ones I have seen, but not cheap). So having these reviews is super useful for me in that regard.
Also, I didn't realize the chamber was that expensive or maybe I did and forgot. I love that GN has the resources and the inclination to have this sort of equipment and to use it to give people more information.
Awesome work GN team, you guys are such a great resource.
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gamersnexus
motherboard mount screws, and other screws in a PC, have to be tightened in several cycles. Once you have them all in, you go around and check them all again. Then when you have to whole PC assembled, you check them all again. Of course, if any other parts or accessories block the screws, you need to recheck them that 3rd time before putting int hat part. Then, after a few weeks to a month, check them all again. Then check them again every 6 months or so. If that sounds like too much work, buy a laptop. Gaming laptops are pretty decent these days, and not too overpriced
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motherboard mount screws, and other screws in a PC, have to be tightened in several cycles. Once you have them all in, you go around and check them all again. Then when you have to whole PC assembled, you check them all again. Of course, if any other parts or accessories block the screws, you need to recheck them that 3rd time before putting int hat part. Then, after a few weeks to a month, check them all again. Then check them again every 6 months or so. If that sounds like too much work, buy a laptop. Gaming laptops are pretty decent these days, and not too overpriced
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DanielH212MC
As much as the front panel is flimsy, I love that case. It includes all the fans you need (with daisy-chaining, though only voltage control not PWM, but at least it isn't molex), front USB-C, good filters (especially front filter) that can be easily removed for cleaning, a built-in GPU support arm (starforge seems to source their own version without the arm though), and is available for a reasonable price here in Canada. The front airflow isn't the best but still perfectly fine.
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As much as the front panel is flimsy, I love that case. It includes all the fans you need (with daisy-chaining, though only voltage control not PWM, but at least it isn't molex), front USB-C, good filters (especially front filter) that can be easily removed for cleaning, a built-in GPU support arm (starforge seems to source their own version without the arm though), and is available for a reasonable price here in Canada. The front airflow isn't the best but still perfectly fine.
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Varmint260
Always make sure the standoffs are torqued to a higher value than the motherboard screws! I come across this issue a lot at work (Freightliner dealer). If there is a threaded component installed in another threaded component, the most accessible one should always be torqued to a lower value so it breaks loose first. Not a big deal in a headlamp standoff, but a huge pain in the rear if it's a fuel line fitting at the back of the engine compartment!
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Always make sure the standoffs are torqued to a higher value than the motherboard screws! I come across this issue a lot at work (Freightliner dealer). If there is a threaded component installed in another threaded component, the most accessible one should always be torqued to a lower value so it breaks loose first. Not a big deal in a headlamp standoff, but a huge pain in the rear if it's a fuel line fitting at the back of the engine compartment!
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anteshell
16:48 You didn't really explain that hemi so well. It certainly doesn't come from the fact that you have specifically a vinyl floor in there. No, it comes from the fact that you do NOT have that part of the room muffled with the wedges. Rather, you have there a floor as a working surface.
Considering how accurate you normally strife to be, I think this is quite a big blunder. Comparable to that protective tape left on the thermal pad.
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16:48 You didn't really explain that hemi so well. It certainly doesn't come from the fact that you have specifically a vinyl floor in there. No, it comes from the fact that you do NOT have that part of the room muffled with the wedges. Rather, you have there a floor as a working surface.
Considering how accurate you normally strife to be, I think this is quite a big blunder. Comparable to that protective tape left on the thermal pad.
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oleg_aka_djmeg
The glue on the USB 3 connector is only there to prevent the heavy, rigid and bulky cable from disconnecting itself during shipping, which is a very real possibility. It comes off as hypocritical when you talk down Walmart for gluing the connector to the board, then proceed to give Starforge credit for putting duct tape over the RGB cable connections despite the fact that it's used for the exact same purpose.
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The glue on the USB 3 connector is only there to prevent the heavy, rigid and bulky cable from disconnecting itself during shipping, which is a very real possibility. It comes off as hypocritical when you talk down Walmart for gluing the connector to the board, then proceed to give Starforge credit for putting duct tape over the RGB cable connections despite the fact that it's used for the exact same purpose.
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charleswarner8700
I'll have to watch this later when i get home, just bought this exact pc for a buddy of mine before Christmas and impulse bought myself the voyager 2 or whatever their top one is.
First time buying a pre-built, was just too busy and lazy to build one this time around, and I had great customer service and both PCs work flawlessly so far. Interested if that's the norm or if I'm too easily pleased.
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I'll have to watch this later when i get home, just bought this exact pc for a buddy of mine before Christmas and impulse bought myself the voyager 2 or whatever their top one is.
First time buying a pre-built, was just too busy and lazy to build one this time around, and I had great customer service and both PCs work flawlessly so far. Interested if that's the norm or if I'm too easily pleased.
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whatupcuz3688
Starforge PCs are absolutely terrible value and in my opinion, a ripoff. All of their PCs have like a 30-50% markup from msrp parts, even though they definitely have a special deal with manufacturers to buy components for cheaper. IDK why if someone wanted a prebuilt, they wouldn't just buy a PC from microcenter, or even bestbuy, who have better builds for the same price or cheaper than starforge.
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Starforge PCs are absolutely terrible value and in my opinion, a ripoff. All of their PCs have like a 30-50% markup from msrp parts, even though they definitely have a special deal with manufacturers to buy components for cheaper. IDK why if someone wanted a prebuilt, they wouldn't just buy a PC from microcenter, or even bestbuy, who have better builds for the same price or cheaper than starforge.
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KingBobsterr
being from the UK I really would like to see how good PC specialist are as they pretty much dominate the pre builds over here and having never built a pc myself I am considering a pre built but there never seems to be a company out there who does pre builds perfectly (even tho PC SPECAILIST does get good feedback. no video reviews/teardowns I've seen though...
Nice job GN on this one
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being from the UK I really would like to see how good PC specialist are as they pretty much dominate the pre builds over here and having never built a pc myself I am considering a pre built but there never seems to be a company out there who does pre builds perfectly (even tho PC SPECAILIST does get good feedback. no video reviews/teardowns I've seen though...
Nice job GN on this one
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AdamsLab
The glue on the connector thing seems like a lose lose situation for the builder. You'd surely ding the build of the connectors came loose/disconnected in shipping, but also dig them for having glue.
To me it seems like a good idea to place a small amount of glue or silastic on connectors that don't have a clip. It's pretty standard thing in electronics.
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The glue on the connector thing seems like a lose lose situation for the builder. You'd surely ding the build of the connectors came loose/disconnected in shipping, but also dig them for having glue.
To me it seems like a good idea to place a small amount of glue or silastic on connectors that don't have a clip. It's pretty standard thing in electronics.
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nickshaw3619
I wonder if Starforge's pricing reflects a combination of start-up overhead that they're still dealing with, and not getting the best reseller pricing from part suppliers compared to their competitors.
I'm not going to lie, I want these guys to succeed, but they're in a tough business. I'd be curious to see where they are in another year.
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I wonder if Starforge's pricing reflects a combination of start-up overhead that they're still dealing with, and not getting the best reseller pricing from part suppliers compared to their competitors.
I'm not going to lie, I want these guys to succeed, but they're in a tough business. I'd be curious to see where they are in another year.
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Gofr5
Ah yes, the computer by the company with the cock and balls logo that they swear is a hammer . Though unlike many prebuilds, they do seem to be putting in a genuine effort to put out a good proper product. A little bit of cleaning up to do still, but one can see they are making an effort. Hopefully it keeps improving.
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Ah yes, the computer by the company with the cock and balls logo that they swear is a hammer . Though unlike many prebuilds, they do seem to be putting in a genuine effort to put out a good proper product. A little bit of cleaning up to do still, but one can see they are making an effort. Hopefully it keeps improving.
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jensmander1223
shiiiit, I would've been so disappointed if I received THIS PC and ordered the nice green one from the website. different water cooler block which would have been the most prominent design feature, back fan not rgb, front feels cheap. why is the rgb color not synced to everything? RAM just glows random
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shiiiit, I would've been so disappointed if I received THIS PC and ordered the nice green one from the website. different water cooler block which would have been the most prominent design feature, back fan not rgb, front feels cheap. why is the rgb color not synced to everything? RAM just glows random
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aserta
4:56 This is a nearly 2000k pc and THAT's the fan that goes in? What kind of Deep Fried KFC frakkery is this?
9:31 They don't need to use tape, use wire. Waxed wire tied from one connector to the other in an X. If it's good for NASA, it's good enough for transporting a PC through US (well... barely).
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4:56 This is a nearly 2000k pc and THAT's the fan that goes in? What kind of Deep Fried KFC frakkery is this?
9:31 They don't need to use tape, use wire. Waxed wire tied from one connector to the other in an X. If it's good for NASA, it's good enough for transporting a PC through US (well... barely).
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rebelshadowrm
I always love the depth and detail you give you to your reviews. I've always been curious about some of the OG SI companies like FalconNW, I've never seen anyone give a detailed review, it always just seems like an unboxing. Keep up the great work, your attention to detail is well appreciated.
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I always love the depth and detail you give you to your reviews. I've always been curious about some of the OG SI companies like FalconNW, I've never seen anyone give a detailed review, it always just seems like an unboxing. Keep up the great work, your attention to detail is well appreciated.
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JETWTF
22:52 The fan speed settings are what they should be from a pre-built. They are selling to customers that could be in Arizona to Maine, if the system was setup for Maine or other cooler environments then it will overheat in places like Arizona and overheating is more important than noise control.
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22:52 The fan speed settings are what they should be from a pre-built. They are selling to customers that could be in Arizona to Maine, if the system was setup for Maine or other cooler environments then it will overheat in places like Arizona and overheating is more important than noise control.
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jackalclone1
Would have liked to have seen a test of their customer service as well, similar to past NZXT reviews etc. For example, the peel left on the m.2 cover was a prime opportunity to contact support with (fictitious) symptoms of overheating SSD, and seeing if they were equipped to deal with that
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Would have liked to have seen a test of their customer service as well, similar to past NZXT reviews etc. For example, the peel left on the m.2 cover was a prime opportunity to contact support with (fictitious) symptoms of overheating SSD, and seeing if they were equipped to deal with that
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