StormForce Onyx AMD Ryzen 5 4500 16GB 500GB RTX 3050 Windows 11 Gaming Desktop Review
Introduction
In today’s bustling gaming landscape, choosing the right gaming desktop can be a daunting task. Enter the StormForce Onyx AMD Ryzen 5 4500—a powerhouse designed for gamers and creators alike. This desktop promises a seamless experience with its robust RTX 3050 graphics card and efficient Ryzen processor. But how does it stack up in the era of DDR5 and PCIe 5.0? In this review, we’ll explore its capabilities, performance benchmarks, and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
🔹 Product Specifications
Here’s a detailed look at what the StormForce Onyx offers:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Manufacturer | AMD |
| Series | Ryzen 5 |
| Number | 4500 |
| Cores | 6 |
| Clock Speed | 3.6GHz |
| Installed Size | 16GB |
| Speed | 3200MHz |
| Type | DDR4 |
| Maximum Capacity | 32GB |
| SSD Capacity | 500GB |
| Graphics Type | Dedicated |
| Graphics Manufacturer | NVIDIA |
| Graphics Card | GeForce RTX 3050 |
| Video Memory | 6GB |
| USB 2.0 | 3 |
| USB 3.0 | 5 |
| HDMI | 1 |
| Display Port | 3 |
| Height | 40cm |
| Width | 20cm |
| Depth | 36cm |
| Colour | Black |
| Optical Drive | None |
| Form Factor | Desktop PC |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
🔑 Key Features
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500 Processor: Efficient and powerful for multitasking.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050: Offers ray tracing capabilities for modern games.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM: Ensures smooth performance in demanding applications.
- 500GB SSD: Fast boot and load times, enhancing overall system responsiveness.
- Upgradability: Future-proof with support for additional RAM and storage.
📌 For more details on selecting the best gaming PC, check out our buyer guides.
🔥 Performance & Hardware
The AMD Ryzen 5 4500, with its six cores and 3.6GHz clock speed, provides a solid foundation for gaming and productivity tasks. While it may not match the raw power of Intel’s i9 or Ryzen 9 processors, it offers excellent value for its price range. This CPU is adept at handling multitasking, streaming, and even some light video editing.
In terms of gaming, the RTX 3050 shines with its dedicated 6GB video memory, making it suitable for running most modern games at medium to high settings. Estimated performance suggests smooth gameplay in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Warzone at 1080p. For more GPU performance comparisons, visit VideoCardBenchmark.
Motherboard & Future-Proofing: The desktop’s motherboard supports essential features like PCIe 4.0, which is crucial for faster SSDs and future upgrades. However, it lacks the latest PCIe 5.0 support, which might be a consideration for future-proofing enthusiasts.
RAM & Storage Performance: Equipped with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this system ensures smooth multitasking and gaming. The 500GB SSD provides quick boot times and fast data access, significantly outperforming traditional HDDs.
🎮 Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming, the StormForce Onyx delivers impressive performance for its price point. Here’s a breakdown of expected gameplay:
- Cyberpunk 2077: Estimated to run at medium settings with stable FPS at 1080p.
- Call of Duty: Warzone: High settings at 144Hz can be achieved, providing a competitive edge.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Expect smooth performance at 1080p with medium to high settings.
The RTX 3050 supports ray tracing and DLSS, ensuring a visually stunning experience in supported games. However, for those seeking ultra settings at 4K, higher-end GPUs like the RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 might be necessary.
🔋 Power Supply & Cooling
The power supply unit (PSU) is efficient, ensuring reliable performance without excessive heat output. The air cooling system maintains optimal temperatures, though it may produce noticeable noise under heavy loads.
🖥 Case & Build Quality
The desktop’s case is both stylish and functional, featuring excellent ventilation and a sleek black finish. While it lacks RGB lighting, its minimalist design will appeal to those who prefer a subtle aesthetic.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
– Excellent performance for 1080p gaming.
– Future-proof with upgradable components.
– Competitive pricing for the specs offered.
– Efficient cooling system.
– 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
❌ Cons
– Lacks PCIe 5.0 support.
– Limited 4K gaming capabilities.
💰 Price & Value for Money
Priced at £519.97, the StormForce Onyx offers remarkable value for gamers seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. Its biggest selling point is the balance between price and performance, though the lack of cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 might deter some future-proofing enthusiasts.
🏆 Final Verdict
The StormForce Onyx is a compelling choice for gamers and creators on a budget. It excels in 1080p gaming, offers future upgradability, and is backed by a solid warranty. While it may not be the ultimate choice for 4K gaming or PCIe 5.0 enthusiasts, it remains a strong contender in its price range. For those seeking a reliable and cost-effective gaming desktop, this model is worth considering.
📌 Trustly Score: 4.2/5
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