Linus Tech Tips Bought My Computer
TLDRIn this video transcript, the host reviews Starforge Systems, a PC company owned by Twitch streamers. Despite initial skepticism due to the company's controversial start and the challenges of the PC building business, the review acknowledges Starforge's efforts to address feedback and improve their product. The host赞赏 the company's warranty and customer service commitment but also highlights areas for improvement, such as QC issues and the need for better price-to-performance ratio compared to DIY systems. The video serves as a critical yet fair assessment of Starforge Systems in the competitive pre-built PC market.
Takeaways
- 📦 Starforge Systems, a PC building company reviewed by Linus Tech Tips, faces initial skepticism due to its association with Twitch streamers and past controversies.
- 💰 The company's business model appears feasible but faces challenges such as poor margins, high shipping damage risks, and difficult customer service issues.
- 🚀 Despite initial doubts, the review of the Starforge Systems' Horizon Creator Edition PC reveals a well-built, high-performance machine with some minor issues.
- 🔧 The PC's configuration includes a 12900 KF processor and a 3080 TI graphics card, showing commitment to quality components despite some concerns about miswired LEDs and missing power connectors.
- 💡 Starforge Systems' response to feedback and willingness to make adjustments to their product, such as price drops and configuration changes, demonstrates adaptability and customer focus.
- 🛠️ The review highlights the importance of proper packing materials and shipping practices to prevent damage, which Starforge Systems seems to have addressed adequately.
- 🎮 The inclusion of gaming and streaming software like OBS and Starforge's own custom light panel add unique features to the PC, although some decisions like the light panel design face mixed reactions.
- 💸 The comparison between pre-built systems and DIY builds is discussed, with the former being more convenient but typically more expensive, highlighting the trade-offs consumers must consider.
- 🏆 Starforge Systems receives a generally positive review but is still held to high standards, with recommendations for improvement and comparisons to other system integrators in the market.
- 🛠️ The video script also touches on the challenges of starting a new tech company, especially in a field like PC building where credibility and trust are paramount.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is a review of Starforge Systems' Horizon Creator Edition PC, including its build quality, performance, and value proposition compared to other pre-built systems and DIY options.
What are some of the initial criticisms the reviewer has about Starforge Systems?
-The reviewer criticizes Starforge Systems for their poor margins, high chances of shipping damage, and difficult customer service experiences, including dealing with issues like game crashes and slow Windows updates.
How does the reviewer describe the business model of selling pre-built PCs?
-The reviewer describes the business model as deceptively challenging, with many companies failing in the long term despite the apparent ease of selling high-priced systems.
What is the significance of the 'penis rocket' logo controversy mentioned in the video?
-The 'penis rocket' logo controversy refers to a design element that was perceived as phallic, leading to jokes and criticism online. The reviewer insists it was not intentional and discusses the importance of not making such mistakes in branding.
What are some of the issues the reviewer found with the physical build of the Starforge Systems PC?
-The reviewer found that some USB 3 cable connectors were not fully plugged in, the power LED was plugged in backwards, and the front panel indicator LEDs were miswired, which are considered inexcusable quality control errors.
How does the reviewer address the price-performance ratio of the Starforge Systems PC compared to DIY options?
-The reviewer states that while the Starforge Systems PC performed well, it is always cheaper to build your own PC. However, they acknowledge that not everyone is willing or able to build their own system, which is where pre-built systems like Starforge's add value.
What warranty and customer service features does Starforge Systems offer?
-Starforge Systems offers a two-year warranty where they pay for shipping both ways and fix the PC if something breaks. They aim to resolve issues over the phone to avoid shipping the PC back.
What is the reviewer's final verdict on the Starforge Systems PC?
-The reviewer considers the Starforge Systems PC a success, especially given the initial skepticism. They praise the performance and the company's responsiveness to feedback but still highlight the importance of continued improvement and proving themselves over time.
What are the reviewer's thoughts on the ownership group of Starforge Systems?
-The reviewer finds it amusing that the ownership group consists of Twitch streamers with no obvious business acumen, but also notes that the executive team has experience and that the company was able to pivot based on community feedback.
How does the reviewer compare Starforge Systems to other pre-built PC companies?
-The reviewer compares Starforge Systems favorably to other pre-built PC companies in terms of performance and feature inclusion, but notes that the price-performance ratio is still better for DIY systems.
Outlines
💻 Linus Tech Tips Reviews Starforge Systems - Initial Impressions
Linus Tech Tips reviews Starforge Systems, a PC company that has recently gained attention. The review highlights the appeal of system building and the potential profitability, but also points out the challenges faced by the company, such as poor margins, high shipping risk, and difficult customer service issues. The video script discusses the company's background, including its ownership by a group of Twitch streamers and ex-employees from a recently failed builder, Artesian. Despite a rocky launch and backlash over pricing and configurations, Starforge Systems makes adjustments based on community feedback and offers a high-end Horizon Creator Edition PC for review.
📦 Unboxing and Initial Assessment of Starforge Systems' PC
The script details the unboxing experience of the Starforge Systems' PC, focusing on the packaging and initial quality assessments. It notes the use of non-descript packaging for security and the effectiveness of double boxing for resilience and theft prevention. The reviewer expresses concerns about the use of chemical expanding foam bags instead of acrylic or metal braces for protection during shipping. The PC is found to be undamaged, and the reviewer is cautiously optimistic about the build quality and components, such as the 3D Mark test results and the use of deep cool fans.
🔧 Closer Look at the PC Build and Configuration
This paragraph delves deeper into the PC's build quality and configuration. The reviewer notes the use of three deep cool fans for airflow and the placement of the pump at the lowest point for longevity. There is a critique of certain cable connections, such as the four-pin fan connector not being fully engaged, which could potentially cause issues. The reviewer also mentions the inclusion of a EVGA 850 G6 power supply and the absence of Molex connectors, which are usually included for future upgrades. The paragraph ends with a discussion about the included accessories and the discovery of a Wi-Fi antenna and power cable.
💡 Lighting and Aesthetic Features of the Starforge Systems' PC
The paragraph discusses the lighting features of the Starforge Systems' PC, including the front panel's light-up feature and the customizable RGB lighting. The reviewer expresses mixed feelings about the aesthetics, particularly the inclusion of an acrylic light panel with the Starforge logo. There are also concerns raised about the logo's design, which some viewers interpret as phallic, leading to a humorous defense of the design and a discussion on perception and intent.
🎮 Testing and Gaming Performance of the Starforge Systems' PC
The focus of this paragraph is on the gaming and performance aspects of the Starforge Systems' PC. The reviewer discusses the inclusion of a 3080 TI graphics card and the benefits of the hardware used. There is a mention of the PC's performance in the game Hardware Info, and a note that the PC did not come with streaming software like OBS due to end-user license agreements. The paragraph also touches on the importance of proper cable management and the potential for future upgrades, as well as the need for Starforge Systems to prove themselves in the market.
🔍 In-Depth Analysis and Final Thoughts on Starforge Systems' PC
The paragraph concludes the review with an in-depth analysis and final thoughts on the Starforge Systems' PC. The reviewer acknowledges the company's efforts to address concerns and improve their product. There is a discussion about the company's warranty, which includes covering shipping costs for repairs, and the potential for the company to earn consumer trust over time. The paragraph ends with a comparison of the Starforge Systems' PC to other pre-built options on the market, emphasizing the importance of pricing and value proposition for consumers considering a pre-built PC.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Linus Tech Tips
💡System Building
💡Margins
💡Shipping Damage
💡Customer Service
💡Twitch Streamers
💡Business Acumen
💡PC Components
💡Cable Management
💡Warranty and Support
💡Value Proposition
Highlights
Linus Tech Tips reviews Starforge Systems, a PC company owned by a group of Twitch streamers.
The review discusses the challenges of selling high-end PCs, such as poor margins and high shipping damage risks.
Starforge Systems' initial launch faced backlash due to high prices and配置问题.
The company responded to criticism by dropping prices and adjusting configurations based on community feedback.
Linus Tech Tips purchased the Horizon Creator Edition PC for $3,500 and reviewed its build quality and performance.
The PC arrived with improper packing materials and some minor shipping issues, but no significant damage.
The review notes that the PC passed 3D Mark, but emphasizes that it's not a pass/fail test, just a performance score.
Starforge Systems uses chemical expanding foam bags for protection, which is not the best method but acceptable given off-the-shelf cases.
The review points out some cable management issues and a lack of Molex connectors, questioning the value proposition.
Starforge Systems' logo is humorously debated as resembling a 'penis rocket', sparking a discussion on perception and design.
The review acknowledges that while there are some QC errors, the overall build and components are of good quality.
Linus Tech Tips Labs tests the system and finds its performance to be on par with similar spec DIY systems.
The review concludes that while Starforge Systems has had some issues, they are making efforts to improve and earn consumer trust.
Starforge Systems offers a two-year warranty with free shipping for repairs, aiming to provide excellent customer service.
The video ends with a discussion on the value of pre-built PCs versus DIY, and the unique position Starforge Systems is in as a company.
Linus Tech Tips' review provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging the company's efforts and areas for improvement.