Review: Avell Storm X RTX 4090 is a gamer’s dream, but the price is discouraging
The Avell Storm X RTX 4090 is the top-of-the-line model among the Brazilian brand’s gaming notebooks. Launched in the second half of 2023, the computer is geared towards high-performance gaming, equipped with high-end specifications such as the Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card. It also offers options for 1TB or 2TB SSD storage and up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM.
Despite its impressive performance, the price of the Avell Storm X RTX 4090 is quite high. The basic models start at R$ 26,999 and can reach up to R$ 34,797 for the more expensive versions. But does this notebook justify its high value with its performance?
In terms of design, the Storm X is robust and has a thickness of 3.5 cm, although it is not surprising for a gaming notebook. The aluminum casing and high-density polyethylene body give it a sleek look, but it still features RGB lighting elements on the keyboard and the back. The backlit mechanical keyboard is colorful, but the user can change the color pattern through the PC’s internal software.
As for connectivity, the Storm X offers several USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, RJ-45 Ethernet cable, P2 connections for headphones and microphone, SD card reader, and HDMI output. It also supports Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6.
When it comes to sound quality, the Storm X falls short with only two simple speakers located at the bottom of the machine. Although not the focus of the computer, the speaker placement could be improved. As for the screen, the notebook has a 17-inch WQXGA display with a 240Hz refresh rate, 350 cd/m² brightness, and 1000:1 contrast ratio. The color quality is very good and does not distort when the device is viewed from the side.
In terms of performance, the Storm X RTX 4090 is capable of running heavy games without any lag. During tests, the notebook performed very well when carrying out demanding tasks such as video editing in Adobe Premiere and playing games like The Last of Us Part I and Red Dead Redemption 2. The performance was exceptional in the first game, running at a stable rate of 85fps, while in the second game, it was necessary to lower the resolution to achieve an acceptable frame rate.
Regarding the battery, the Storm X has low autonomy compared to productivity-focused notebooks. When unplugged, the battery lasts about two hours, and even less if the user is running programs that require more processing power. Therefore, it is recommended to use the notebook while it’s plugged in to ensure efficiency during gaming.
The Avell Storm X RTX 4090 has few direct competitors in the Brazilian market, namely the Acer Predator Triton, Dell Alienware m16, and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i. However, these competitors have less powerful graphics cards and more affordable prices. The Asus ROG Strix SCAR 18 is a direct competitor to the Storm X, with similar specifications, but at a similar price and an 18-inch screen.
In the end, the Avell Storm X RTX 4090 is an excellent option for gamers who can invest in a high-performance notebook. However, it is important to remember that there are more affordable alternatives in the market, such as gaming consoles or notebooks with slightly less powerful specifications. The purchasing decision will depend on how much each person is willing to invest.
