Looking to breathe new life into an old system or require a solid starting point for a new system, the Stormforce FORGE OC promises ample power for all of today’s tasks.
Product on Review: Stormforce FORGE Component Bundle (Ryzen 2700)
Manufacturer: Stormforce
Street Price: £550
Regular readers will be no stranger to Stormforce, we’ve visited many of their pre-built machines over the years and found them to be of an excellent quality with a great finish. Today we look at something a little different, the FORGE OC Bundle from Stormforce.
The FORGE OC Bundle comprises of an AMD Ryzen 7 2700, an 8-core, 16-thread CPU with core boost speeds up to 4.1GHz and 16GB of Kingston HyperX Fury DDR4 memory clocked at 2400MHz. Those components are then bundled with an ASUS TUF B450-PLUS GAMING motherboard utilising the B450 chipset and an ATX form factor. CPU cooling is offered up by the AMD Wraith RGB cooler which we’ll test for noise and cooling ability.
Thanks to the incredible performance we’ve seen from the Ryzen CPUs, this bundle will almost certainly breathe new life into an older machine or give a solid starting point for someone starting a new build.
Pre-overclocked and stress tested, the FORGE OC Bundle offers an immediate start up at 4.1GHz on the CPU and 2400MHz on the RAM, allowing you to choose your own chassis, power supply, graphics card and storage solution.
Stormforce offers the FORGE OC Bundle with a three-year collect, repair and return warranty, giving you solid peace of mind for years to come.
Stormforce on the FORGE OC Bundle:
Hand-picked components are crafted together in our labs to deliver searing gaming performance. Peace of mind is assured with our pre-installed bundles with a class leading Warranty to back it all up. Overclocked & stress tested to ensure rock solid reliability, FORGE OC Bundles are the perfect heart to your new gaming rig.
Technical Specifications
Asus TUF B450-PLUS GAMING
Model Number: TUF B450-PLUS GAMING
Chipset: AMD B450
Form Factor: ATX Form Factor 12.0 inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
CPU Interface: AMD Socket AM4
RAM Slots: 4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3466(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory, Dual Channel Memory Architecture, ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU
On-board Audio: Realtek® ALC887-VD2 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC *2
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16, x8/x4+x4) *, 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode),
3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1
Storage: 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*1, 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA mode)*1, 2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), Support Raid 0, 1, 10, AMD B450 chipset: 4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), Support Raid 0, 1, 10
LAN: Realtek® RTL8111H, TUF LANGuardLANGuard
On-board I/O: 1 x Aura RGB Strip Header, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (19-pin), 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s), 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode), 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s), 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin), 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (3 x 4 -pin), 1 x AIO_PUMP connector (1 x 4 -pin), 1 x S/PDIF out header(s), 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s), 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s), 1 x Front panel audio, connector(s) (AAFP), 1 x System panel(s), 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s), 1 x COM port header,
Rear I/O: 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s), 1 x DVI-D, 1 x HDMI,1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s), 1 x 5Gb/s port(s) USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0, 3 x Audio jack(s)
Multi-GPU Support: Supports AMD CrossFireX™ Technology
Build Guide: *1 The M.2 Socket shares bandwidth with the SATA_5/6 ports, and therefore the SATA_5/6 ports cannot be used when an M.2 device is installed. *2 Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. *3 Windows 7 64-bit is only supported when using AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors.
Operating System: Windows® 10 64-bit, Windows® 7 64-bit *3
Special Features: ASUS TUF PROTECTION: ASUS SafeSlot: Protect your graphics card Investment, ASUS ESD Guard: Enhanced ESD protection, ASUS Overvoltage Protection: World-class circuit-protecting power design, ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability! ASUS DIGI+ VRM: Precision control for stable power, AURA : Aura Lighting Control, Aura RGB Strip Headers, ASUS Exclusive Features : AI Suite 3, Ai Charger, PC Cleaner, File Transfer, ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution & MOS Heatsink, ASUS Fan Xpert 4 Core
ASUS EZ DIY: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, ASUS EZ Flash 3, ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode,
ASUS Q-Design: ASUS Q-Shield, ASUS Q-Slot, ASUS Q-DIMM,
Overclocking Protection: ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
AMD Ryzen 7 2700 AM4 CPU
Model Number: YD2700BBAFBOX
Socket: AM4
No. of Cores: 8
No. of Threads: 16
Base Clock speed: 3.2GHz
Turbo Clock Speed: 4.1GHz
Lithography: 12nm
Wattage: 65W
Memory: DDR4
L3 Cache: 16MB Cache
On-Board Graphics: None
Thermal Solution: Wraith Spire with RGB LED
Key Features: AMD StorMI Technology, AMD SenseMI Technology, AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility, AMD Ryzen™ VR-Ready Premium
KINGSTON HYPERX FURY DDR4 2400MHZ
Model Number: HX424C15FB2K2/16
Type: DDR4
Capacity: 16GB (2 x 8GB)
Clock Speed: 2400MHz
Voltage: 1.2V
Model Number: TUF B450-PLUS GAMING
Chipset: AMD B450
Form Factor: ATX Form Factor 12.0 inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
CPU Interface: AMD Socket AM4
RAM Slots: 4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3466(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory, Dual Channel Memory Architecture, ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU
On-board Audio: Realtek® ALC887-VD2 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC *2
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16, x8/x4+x4) *, 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode),
3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1
Storage: 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*1, 1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA mode)*1, 2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), Support Raid 0, 1, 10, AMD B450 chipset: 4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), Support Raid 0, 1, 10
LAN: Realtek® RTL8111H, TUF LANGuardLANGuard
On-board I/O: 1 x Aura RGB Strip Header, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (19-pin), 2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s), 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode), 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s), 1 x CPU Fan connector(s) (1 x 4 -pin), 3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) (3 x 4 -pin), 1 x AIO_PUMP connector (1 x 4 -pin), 1 x S/PDIF out header(s), 1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s), 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector(s), 1 x Front panel audio, connector(s) (AAFP), 1 x System panel(s), 1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s), 1 x COM port header,
Rear I/O: 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s), 1 x DVI-D, 1 x HDMI,1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s), 1 x 5Gb/s port(s) USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0, 3 x Audio jack(s)
Multi-GPU Support: Supports AMD CrossFireX™ Technology
Build Guide: *1 The M.2 Socket shares bandwidth with the SATA_5/6 ports, and therefore the SATA_5/6 ports cannot be used when an M.2 device is installed. *2 Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. *3 Windows 7 64-bit is only supported when using AMD Ryzen™ 2nd Generation/ Ryzen™ 1st Generation Processors.
Operating System: Windows® 10 64-bit, Windows® 7 64-bit *3
Special Features: ASUS TUF PROTECTION: ASUS SafeSlot: Protect your graphics card Investment, ASUS ESD Guard: Enhanced ESD protection, ASUS Overvoltage Protection: World-class circuit-protecting power design, ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability! ASUS DIGI+ VRM: Precision control for stable power, AURA : Aura Lighting Control, Aura RGB Strip Headers, ASUS Exclusive Features : AI Suite 3, Ai Charger, PC Cleaner, File Transfer, ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution : Stylish Fanless Design Heat-sink solution & MOS Heatsink, ASUS Fan Xpert 4 Core
ASUS EZ DIY: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, ASUS EZ Flash 3, ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode,
ASUS Q-Design: ASUS Q-Shield, ASUS Q-Slot, ASUS Q-DIMM,
Overclocking Protection: ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
AMD Ryzen 7 2700 AM4 CPU
Model Number: YD2700BBAFBOX
Socket: AM4
No. of Cores: 8
No. of Threads: 16
Base Clock speed: 3.2GHz
Turbo Clock Speed: 4.1GHz
Lithography: 12nm
Wattage: 65W
Memory: DDR4
L3 Cache: 16MB Cache
On-Board Graphics: None
Thermal Solution: Wraith Spire with RGB LED
Key Features: AMD StorMI Technology, AMD SenseMI Technology, AMD Ryzen™ Master Utility, AMD Ryzen™ VR-Ready Premium
KINGSTON HYPERX FURY DDR4 2400MHZ
Model Number: HX424C15FB2K2/16
Type: DDR4
Capacity: 16GB (2 x 8GB)
Clock Speed: 2400MHz
Voltage: 1.2V
Packaging & Bundle
Ensuring the FORGE OC Bundle arrives in perfect condition they’ve used an enormous outer box filled with bubble wrap. There’s an outer sleeve which describes the bundle and gives you all the information needed about the contents. The background of the first is a pencil-drawn human heart with the FORGE OC name front and centre.
Pictures and info are printed on the back, with a large Trustpilot logo showing their trustworthiness.
Inside the large outer box is a smaller box designed to house the motherboard much more securely.
Inside the box is the ASUS B450-PLUS GAMING along with all the cables, rear IO, small extras and instruction manuals for the individual components.
Closer Look
Being part of the TUF Gaming Alliance, the ASUS TUF B450-PLUS GAMING motherboard features the typical black and yellow styling and the “Eagle” logo on the IO shroud and the southbridge heatsink. Ensuring plenty of upgradeability are two x16 PCI-E ports, one of which is steel armoured for improved strength, and a trio of x1 PCI-E ports for add-in cards.We also get a total of six SATA 3.0 ports, four are vertical, in the very bottom-right, with another two positioned at 90° just above the TUF GAMING logo on the right edge. Rounding out the storage options is a single M.2 port supporting both SATA and NVMe drives.
The FORGE OC bundle is equipped with 16GB of DDR4 memory split between two DIMMs; they’ve opted to use the Kingston HyperX Fury 2400MHz kit with black heat spreaders. Going with two DIMMs leaves a further two unpopulated for future upgrade options, if or when DDR4 pricing drops.
Ensuring the Ryzen’s 8 cores remain cool is the AMD Wraith Spire RGB cooler, a top-down stock cooler which is bundled with the 2700 from the factory. This features a PWM fan to ensure noise never needs to exceed what is necessary.
Looking at the rear IO, we get the following:
1x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
2x USB 2.0 ports
1x DVI-D video-out
1x USB 3.0 Type-C
1x HDMI 2.0
2x USB 3.1
1x Gigabit Ethernet
2x USB 3.0
Audio in/out
Benchmarks: Temperature
For our first benchmark test we observe the maximum CPU temperatures of the system while allowing Unigine Heaven 4.0 to run on a 30-minute loop. To report back on the temperatures we use RealTemp which provides the peak figures.
Benchmarks: Cinebench R15 & Handbrake
CINEBENCH can measure systems with up to 64 processor threads. This test scene contains approximately 2,000 objects which in turn contain more than 300,000 polygons in total, and uses sharp and blurred reflections, area lights, shadows, procedural shaders, antialiasing, and much more. The result is displayed in points (pts). The higher the number, the faster your processor is.
Benchmarks: PCMark 8 & 10
PCMark 10 combines performance benchmarking with battery life measurement and includes tests based on popular Adobe and Microsoft applications. Whether you are looking for long battery life, or maximum power, PCMark 10 will help you find the devices that offer the perfect combination of efficiency and performance for your needs. It’s the complete PC performance benchmark for home and business.
Conclusion
You may have noticed the lack of any gaming-related benchmarks in our testing, and that’s down to the fact that the Ryzen 7 2700 lacks any kind of IGP (Integrated Graphics Processor) so the system relies on you installing one of your own; Stormforce don’t make this clear on their product page and you’d be forgiven, especially as a novice, to thinking that an HDMI port on the motherboard would result in a useable system straight out of the box (with a power supply and storage, of course) but this is limited to only a few AMD Ryzen CPUs such as the 2200G or 2400G.Due to having to install your own GPU, which could range from something like an AMD Radeon R7 240 all the way up to an NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti; obviously these two GPUs are worlds apart, both in cost and performance, and would offer entirely different results; results that most likely will not reflect your particular GPU. For this reason, we haven’t included any gaming results at all, instead focussing on the CPU’s power only.
Having said that, the Ryzen 7 2700 and 16GB of HyperX Fury DDR4 are very appealing and offer an excellent basis for a high performance system, giving you the flexibility to choose a GPU you like, as well as storage, chassis and power supply, to keep things at their bare minimum. However, someone who is buying a barebones system such as this will be privy to websites such as Overclockers, Scan, ebuyer or Novatech, to name just a few, where the component parts can be found for roughly £45 less, or if you’re happy to choose a different brand of RAM, up to £80 less for, arguably better performance at a higher frequency. Now, this is where the Stormforce value comes into play. Not only have they assembled the bundle, they’ve also overclocked it (we’ll talk about this in a second) and stress-tested the system; but the real jewel in the crown is the three-year collect, repair and return warranty, where they’ll fix whatever issue arises and supply the bundle back to you in a working condition. If that peace of mind is worth roughly £45 to you then this is the bundle you’re looking for.
Moving onto Stormforce’s claims surrounding overclocking the bundle, we’re unable to find any overclock at all. The AMD Ryzen 2700 boosts to 4.1GHz straight out of the factory, which is all we’ve seen from the CPU in our testing, and the RAM, being the only other overclockable component, is running at its packaged frequency of 2400MHz. This, to us, isn’t overclocked at all and is running in its stock configuration.
At the time of writing, thanks to AMD’s offer, there’s also currently a free Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 code included with each purchase.
The AMD Ryzen 7 2700 will power through most tasks with absolute ease, and paired to a recent GPU, will provide years of high end gaming. The £45 premium can be easily justified with the stress-testing and the warranty but we’d love to know where our overclock is.
Pros
+ Works straight out the box
+ Incredible performance from the Ryzen CPU
+ Bombproof packaging
+ Wraith Spire RGB cooler looks great
+ Three-year collect, repair and return warranty
Neutral
+- Price premium over individual components
+- You will need a GPU, PSU, chassis and storage to form a working system, as a minimum
Cons
– Where’s our overclock?
+ Works straight out the box
+ Incredible performance from the Ryzen CPU
+ Bombproof packaging
+ Wraith Spire RGB cooler looks great
+ Three-year collect, repair and return warranty
Neutral
+- Price premium over individual components
+- You will need a GPU, PSU, chassis and storage to form a working system, as a minimum
Cons
– Where’s our overclock?
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