Hardware Analysis · UK Editorial

Built PC Blog & Buying Guides

Comprehensive buying guides, socket architecture breakdowns, and hardware tutorials written specifically for the UK market. Verified against British retailer stock, 20% VAT, and genuine Amazon UK pricing.

graphics cards9 min read

The Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming in 2025/2026

1440p (2560x1440) is the sweet spot for modern PC gaming in the UK. After extensive testing, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super emerges as the best overall 1440p GPU for ray tracing and power efficiency, while the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT remains the unmatched champion for raw rasterisation value and 16GB VRAM longevity under £450.

Key Findings:

✓The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super delivers the cleanest 1440p experience with DLSS 3.5 and unmatched ray tracing efficiency at 220W.

✓The AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT offers 16GB of VRAM and higher raw rasterisation frames per pound in traditional rendering.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-18

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processors8 min read

The Best Gaming CPUs in 2025/2026: AMD vs Intel Tested

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D remains the supreme gaming processor on the market, offering unbeatable frame times and remarkable power efficiency. For budget-conscious UK builders, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is the champion of value on Socket AM5.

Key Findings:

✓The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D delivers class-leading 1% low frame consistency thanks to its massive 96MB 3D V-Cache.

✓AMD Socket AM5 is guaranteed multi-generational support through 2027+, offering superior upgrade longevity over Intel LGA1700.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-15

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gaming pc-builds14 min read

How to Build a Gaming PC in the UK (2025/2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Building your own desktop computer saves money, guarantees higher quality components, and ensures seamless future upgrades. Follow our battle-tested, UK-specific step-by-step assembly guide from unboxing parts to installing Windows 11.

Key Findings:

✓Install the CPU, M.2 NVMe SSD, and RAM onto the motherboard BEFORE mounting the motherboard inside the PC case.

✓Never forget to remove the clear protective film from the bottom of your CPU cooler cold plate.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-12

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power supplies7 min read

How to Choose a Power Supply (PSU): Wattage, ATX 3.0 & Tier Lists

Never compromise on the power supply. A cheap, low-grade PSU can endanger your entire computer. Discover how to accurately calculate system wattage, why ATX 3.0 standards matter for modern graphics cards, and which brands provide genuine 10-year warranties in the UK.

Key Findings:

✓Always add 150W to 200W of headroom above your estimated total system power to handle transient power spikes safely.

✓ATX 3.0 / PCIe 5.0 certified PSUs withstand momentary 200% power spikes and include native 12V-2x6 / 12VHPWR cables.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-14

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memory6 min read

How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming in 2025/2026? (16GB vs 32GB vs 64GB)

While 16GB was the gold standard for years, 32GB (2x16GB) has officially become the recommended capacity for new PC builds. Learn why games like Hogwarts Legacy, Cities: Skylines II, and Microsoft Flight Simulator exceed 16GB, and when 64GB is actually worthwhile.

Key Findings:

✓32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 is the definitive sweet spot for modern UK gaming builds.

✓16GB is acceptable for tight budget builds under £500, but leaves zero headroom for Discord, browser tabs, or game recording.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-10

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storage6 min read

SSD vs HDD for Gaming & Storage in 2025/2026: The Definitive Guide

Mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs) are officially dead for modern PC gaming. Today, fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs are required to avoid texture streaming pop-in and take advantage of Microsoft DirectStorage. Find out which drives offer the best UK value.

Key Findings:

✓Modern AAA games (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, Ratchet & Clank) now list an SSD as a mandatory system requirement.

✓PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs (5,000 to 7,450 MB/s) are up to 50 times faster than mechanical hard drives (150 MB/s).

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-16

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gaming pc-builds10 min read

The Best Gaming PC Under £1,000 in the UK (2025/2026 Guide)

£1,000 is the undisputed sweet spot for UK PC gaming. At this price point, you can assemble a formidable AM5 desktop featuring the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, 16GB Radeon RX 7800 XT, 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD.

Key Findings:

✓£1,000 buys you full 1440p Ultra gaming capability with average frame rates between 85 and 130 FPS.

✓Allocating £430 to a 16GB GPU (RX 7800 XT) ensures modern games run without memory bottlenecking.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-17

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gaming pc-builds11 min read

The Best Gaming PC Under £1,500 in the UK (High-Refresh 1440p & 4K)

With a £1,500 budget in the UK, you can step into true enthusiast territory. This build pairs the king of gaming CPUs (Ryzen 7 7800X3D) with the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super 12GB, Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD, and the stunning Fractal Design North walnut case.

Key Findings:

✓The Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RTX 4070 Super combination represents the pinnacle of 1440p competitive and AAA gaming.

✓DLSS 3.5 Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction allow playing heavy path-traced games at silky smooth frame rates.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-18

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gaming pc-builds8 min read

The Best Gaming PC Under £800 in the UK (1080p Ultra / Entry 1440p)

£800 is the sweet spot for smooth 1080p competitive gaming at 144Hz+ and entry-level 1440p. We review both custom DIY builds and the best prebuilt option from CyberpowerPC UK.

Key Findings:

✓Delivers effortless 100+ FPS in esports titles like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Fortnite.

✓RTX 4060 provides full DLSS 3 Frame Generation support and runs on just 115W power.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-15

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gaming pc-builds7 min read

The Best Gaming PC Under £500 in the UK (Budget 1080p Guide)

Building a capable gaming computer for £500 requires surgical component selection. Here is how to achieve 60-120 FPS in popular games like Fortnite, GTA V, and Minecraft without sacrificing power supply safety.

Key Findings:

✓Sub-£500 builds should prioritise a dedicated GPU rather than relying on weak integrated graphics.

✓Never cut corners on the power supply; a reputable 80 Plus unit protects your investment.

By Oliver Thorne · Updated 2025-02-11

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