5 reasons why you should build your next PC

 1   Why you should build your next PC

Don't buy your next PC. Build it. The advantages are legion. For starters you have complete control over the build. You'll learn more about your machine by building it. You'll be able to pick components from manufacturers that you trust and you won't waste cash on components that aren't important.

You can build a system that's the perfect size for the space you have; a machine that hits your budget too. Hell, you might even save money.

Combine it with the most beautiful screen you can afford, and plug in the best darn peripherals around and you're good to go. Basically, build it yourself and you can create your perfect PC, as opposed to someone else's concept of perfection.

 2    The bits you need for the machine you want

Of that long list of advantages, the key entry is the fact you get to pick exactly what goes in the machine, and thus tailor it to your needs.

If you want to play the latest games at the best quality settings, then make sure you dump most of your money on the graphics card, because that single component is going to be doing the lion's share of the work. Want to build a video editing system? Then plenty of memory, a beefy CPU and fast storage are all going to do you favours. Just want to build a budget rig? Pick the best value components.

 3    What you'll need

or most machines your component list needs to include:

• Graphics card
• Processor
• Motherboard
• CPU Cooler
• Memory
• Storage
• Optical drive
• Case
• Power supply
• Operating system
• Screen
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Headset/Speakers

Once you've got your perfect PC list it's time to actually go out and buy it.

 4    Shop around and save cash!

It's a truism of modern consumerism, but if you want the best deals, you've got to shop around. There's an important caveat to bear in mind though, and it's a caveat that makes sense of some of the low, low prices you'll find on some of the most sought-after pieces of kit.

That caveat is your biggest nemesis in this bargain hunt: postage. Get each piece of kit from a different retailer and any savings you've made will be swallowed up by the shipping costs and then some.

 5     Bundle for even bigger savings

The thing to do is to pick your list of components from several resellers and see which one works out cheapest overall. If there are one or two real bargains (even after including the shipping costs), then it may be worth buying those on their own, but the general rule is to buy everything from one, or maybe two, shops.