From the workbench
Custom PC ideas, explained.
Useful advice before you choose a machine, and real projects that show what goes into a build beyond the parts list.
A custom gaming PC built around Theo's budget
How Steve and Marcel planned and finished Theo's black panoramic gaming PC, with original photos and his review.
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A custom gaming PC built around Kirsti's budget
A real April 2026 build shaped by the budget, supplier offers and the user's gaming needs, with an original workshop photo and Kirsti's review.
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Richard's custom PC for DCS flight simulation
A Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 and Jonsbo D400, with the agreed parts, design choices and original workshop photos.
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Mark's custom PC for a four-monitor setup
A compact build planned around work: four HDMI outputs, wireless connectivity, a real parts list and original photos.
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AJ's custom PC for competitive gaming
Planned for CS2, Valorant and Rust: an X3D platform, two temperature displays, workbench testing and original photos.
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A compact PC built for photo editing
Andy's Lian Li A3 was planned around his move from an older iMac to Windows. The story comes from project records.
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A custom office PC that belongs on the desk
Heidi's Fractal North: a work-first specification, warm black-and-wood design and real on-site setup.
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A custom gaming PC and monitor planned together
A real 2025 Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RX 9070 XT build for Lorenzo, planned with a WQHD monitor and backed by Patricia's review.
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A gaming PC built for Rosie's real budget
From an ageing family desktop to a new Ryzen 7 5700X3D and RX 7800 XT system, with the customer's review and honest image attribution.
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A compact gaming PC built around the brief
Jamie's NCore 100 Max project: an understated machine for ultrawide gaming, and a fan change that made it quieter.
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A compact custom PC for serious flight simulation
David's Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini, extensive storage planning and a genuine CPU and GPU water loop.
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A second custom-loop build, with its own brief
Edmond's Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL housed a hardline CPU and GPU loop, fabricated mounts and a high-end platform.
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When a water-cooled PC needed more than off-the-shelf parts
Measuring the case, fabricating brackets, fitting a CPU and GPU loop, pressure-testing and checking the result under load.
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A gaming PC shaped around the ROG Z11
Sean's vertical-case PC called for custom panel work, diffused lighting and careful internal finishing.
Read the build storyCustom PC build guide
Start with what you do, your display and your budget. Then work through components, cooling, case design, testing and handover with clearer questions.
Read the guideYour next PC starts here
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