Custom PC builds: from WHY to DIY

pcgamer.com:

There are many good reasons to opt for a tailor-made PC over a pre-built model, and you don’t have to be a tech expert to appreciate them.

Firstly there’s cost—you’re free to pick and choose the best value components across the whole market. Self-assembly doesn’t just save you even more money, but gives you valuable insight into how things work under the hood.

There’s also customization. Custom-built rigs mean no extra costs for features you don’t need, and the end product will look and feel exactly as stylish as you want it to.

Finally, there’s future-proofing. With a home-built rig you can upgrade piece-by-piece at your own pace, following either your own whims or the cutting edge of tech development.

So, ahead of the PC-building masterclasses you can expect on December 3rd at ASUS’ PC DIY Day, let’s explore some of the options.

Rather like electric cars, water-cooled PCs were once a luxury, but have now firmly established themselves in the mainstream—available in a huge array of colors and styles.

Installation’s no longer the hassle it once was either, even the more affordable modern cooler units, like the TUF Gaming LC II 240 ARGB, are as simple to clip on as any old-school air cooler or heatsink.

Step up to the Republic of Gamer range, and you have a huge range of aesthetic options— white or black, square or round heads and, of course, the usual range of gorgeous RGB lighting options. Because it’s not a custom-built setup unless it lights up like a Beyoncé concert.

If you’re shopping for a new PSU, you’ve either suffered a power surge that’s killed the old one or you need more headroom for your monster new graphics card. Commiserations or congratulations, as appropriate.

Whatever the reason, Republic of Gamers is