Custom PC issue 227 out now!
Intel and AMD clash in an epic battle, as we pitch 12 of the latest CPUs against each other in a massive Labs test. With prices ranging from £165 to £720, and tests run at both stock speed and overclocked settings, you can find the right processor for your needs and budget.
Back Issues
Issue 226
Play the latest games in ultra high definition with our guide to speccing up and building a 4K gaming PC with a normally-priced GPU. Also in this issue: 240mm AIO liquid coolers, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Wi-Fi mesh routers, GeForce RTX 3090 Ti and PC audio explained.
Issue 225
In Issue 225 we show you how to build a stunning water-cooled PC with hard tubing, guiding you through the whole process from start to finish. From bending tubing to installing all the gear, you just need to follow our guide and you’ll have all the details you need to make a cool, quiet and exquisite-looking machine.
Issue 224
In Issue 224 we show you how to build a barn storming gaming rig for under a grand. Our affordable PC sports a 6-core Intel Alder Lake CPU, 1TB of PCI-E storage, 16GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT GPU, enabling you to play demanding games at ultra settings.
Issue 223
In Issue 223 we give you a manual of tips to help you build a faster, cooler, quieter and less troublesome PC. From dealing with bent CPU pins to positioning fans correctly, we have 50 nuggets of wisdom to help you out.
Issue 222
Issue 222 contains a big group test of Intel Z690 motherboards, so you can choose the right foundation for your Alder Lake system. We cover both DDR4 and DDR5 options, with prices starting from £199. There’s also a group test of ATX cases, and tips for reducing your PC’s noise.
Issue 221
Issue 221 is packed with all you need to know about upgrading to Intel’s latest 12th-gen CPUs, with options starting from just £540. We take you through the CPUs’ cooling requirements, whether you want DDR4 or DDR5 memory and how to overclock the new CPUs. There are also reviews of Z690 motherboards and a guide to building an Alder Lake PC.
Issue 220
Issue 220 is all about Alder Lake; Intel’s revolutionary new CPU design that contains two types of cores. We review and overclock Intel’s latest CPUs, explore what makes the new microarchitecture tick and see what DDR5 memory has to offer.
Issue 219
In Issue #219 we show you how to downsize your desktop and build a top-notch gaming PC that’s no bigger than a shoebox. From choosing the right case to picking the right components and setting up your cooling, we’ll show you how to assemble an uncompromising mini PC that’s perfect for your needs.
Issue 218
In Issue #218 we show you how to build an 8-core PC for just £625, complete with 16GB of RAM and a 500GB PCI-E SSD. Our affordable powerhouse takes advantage of AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 5700G APU, giving you loads of CPU power without having to buy a graphics card - it can even play Doom Eternal at 1080p with High settings.
Issue 217
In Issue #217 we show you how to beat the scalpers by building an RTX gaming PC for just £1,099. There’s guaranteed stock for 100 systems, and the rig includes a GeForce RTX 3060, a liquid-cooled Ryzen 5 5600X, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD.
Issue 216
In Issue #216 we show you how to build a dazzling dream PC that you can proudly show off. We take you through the ins and outs of water cooling, spray painting, glass etching, metal engraving, vinyl effects and more.
Issue 215
In Issue #215 we show you how to take your PC building skills to the professional level. Our in-depth ‘Build a Better PC’ guide takes through loads of tips and tricks, from the art of cable tidying to reducing fan noise and lighting up your PC’s interior.