Start with workload and display target. An office PC can be excellent without a discrete GPU, while gaming, 3D and local-AI builds may put the largest share of budget into graphics and VRAM.
Build a PC
Choose a complete desktop around the work you actually do, from office and word processing to 4K gaming, digital art, video editing, CAD, coding and local AI.
Interactive planning tool
Plan a PC budget by workload
Choose what the PC is for and enter a parts budget. The tool gives a sensible starting allocation rather than pretending it can guarantee compatibility or current retailer pricing.
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Compatibility checklist before you order
- CPU socket and motherboard chipset/BIOS support match.
- RAM generation, capacity, DIMM count and motherboard support are suitable.
- Graphics-card length/thickness and cooler/radiator dimensions fit the case.
- Power supply capacity, quality and GPU/CPU connector standards match the build.
- M.2/SATA slots and PCIe lane-sharing do not disable storage or expansion you need.
- Front-panel USB, networking, display outputs and expansion slots match the real workflow.
Important: This is an editorial planning aid, not a compatibility checker, benchmark or live-price quote. Recheck the exact components, motherboard support list, dimensions, power requirements and UK prices before purchase.
Build your setup
Start with these areas
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A better way to buy
How to approach your build a pc
Treat compatibility as a system. CPU socket, motherboard firmware, memory kit, case clearances, cooler, GPU size, PSU capacity and storage lanes all interact.
Spend for the bottleneck you can explain. More cores, faster RAM or a flagship GPU only add value when the software, games or dataset can use them.
Plan what happens after assembly: operating system, drivers, firmware, backup, security, networking, displays and peripherals are part of a complete PC, not afterthoughts.
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Clear testing labelsWe identify hands-on experience instead of implying it.
Editorial independenceCommercial relationships do not buy a recommendation.
CURRENT PRODUCT RADAR
What changed this week
Checked 7 September 2026. These are research-based lifecycle notices from official sources, not hands-on reviews. Availability, specifications and prices can change.
Announced product family
ASUS previews ProArt P14, P16 and GR1X systems using NVIDIA RTX Spark
ASUS has shown two creator laptops and a compact always-on mini PC built around NVIDIA RTX Spark. The systems target local AI, creative and development workloads, but dependable UK configurations, prices and retail dates were not available when checked.
Buyer check: Keep these in the preview queue. Wait for shipping configurations and independent testing of sustained performance, acoustics, software compatibility, repairability and battery life before comparing them with established workstation builds.