Whatare the best websites for custom PC builds? The answer to that question will vary depending on where you are in the world. To help make things easier for you, we’ve broken our recommendations into US, UK, and European regions.
When it comes to which PC you use for gaming and leisure, there’s no definitive ‘best’ option, but we can certainly recommend the best websites for custom PC builds (like Chillblast, and Newegg). Every PC owner has their own unique needs for their computer, and by opting to build a gaming PC, you can ensure that you get one that’s specifically optimized for the things you want to use it for.
We’ve used all of the following websites for PC parts and have shared our findings on their stock availability, shipping options, customer service, and more.
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- NZXT (US)
- Newegg (US)
- Scan computers (UK)
- Chillblast (UK)
- Stormforce gaming (UK)
- CCL Computers (UK/EU)
- Origin PC (EU)
- Cybertek (EU)
Best custom PC builder sites in the US:
1. NZXT (US)
Best custom PC builder for beginners.
Building a custom PC can seem daunting if you haven’t done it before. NZXT has tasked itself to make the PC-building process as simple and accessible as possible. It breaks it down into simple steps, where you choose which type of game you might be using it to play (with an indicator of what kind of fps performance you can expect) and set your budget.
The next step sees you virtually ‘building’ the PC. To the left of the screen, you get a visual representation of what your custom PCwilllook like, and to your right, a list of components you might want to add, remove, or change. You don’t need to be a PC expert to build with NZXT, and seeing what the finished computer will look like is a nice touch.
If you’re already happy with your PC but want toensure you get the best gaming keyboardNZXTalso has a convenient system for customizing keyboards. It’s the same interface as the custom PC builder but focuses on keyboard components (key switches, cables, etc) instead.
2. Newegg (US)
Best retailer with custom PC reviews.
With Newegg, you start by choosing from an entry-level custom PC, a mid-level one, or one at an enthusiast level. Once you’ve chosen your level andchipset, you cancompare different processors, optical drives, cooling devices, and more.
What’s handy about Newegg is that it makes it easy to compare different components. Are you looking at a handful of different processors? In that case, you can select them all and press ‘compare’ – next thing you know, you’ve got all the specs of each component laid out side by side, from price to operating frequency and everything in between.
There are also tons of user reviews and ratings on Newegg, so if there’s ever something you’re a bit wary of, you can go ahead and read about other users’ experiences with that particular component. It brings clarity to the decision-making process, making things less stressful for you.
Best custom PC builder sites in the UK:
1. ScanComputers (UK)
ScanComputers do the best custom PCs for gamers.
As soon as you arrive on the Scan UK homepage, you’ll find yourself with several easy starting points for building your new custom PC. There are options for making the best gaming PC, building PCs that will give you the highest quality, or even ones best suited for deep learning and AI if you want something advanced.
Once you’ve chosen the type of PC you want to build, it’ll guide you to another page, where it gives you a list of the best components for your needs. For example, if you click on ‘Pro Gaming’, it’ll then bring you through to a long list of different PCs and components that are all best suited for gaming use.
It’s comprehensive, including everything from VR kits and gaming chairs, through to PC cases, and even breaking down the best components for different games – so if you’re after something that’ll run all your WoW addons or wacky Minecraft mods, you can be sure you’re getting one that specifically plays those games well.
2. Chillblast (UK)
Chillblast is the best retailer for custom PC next-day deliveries.
If you want a custom-built PC sent fast, Chillblast offers customers next-day delivery, perfect if you want to play a new game the next day.
On the home page, you’ll see an option that says “Build Your PC Now” and if you click it, you’ll find yourself starting a simple step-by-step PC builder process. First, you decide if you want to have an Intel Core or AMD Ryzen-based PC (with information describing the best options for each), then you’re given an overview of several options and asked to choose which PC you want to configure.
At the next step, the world is your oyster (or whatever the PC-building equivalent of that expression should be), you get to choose the case, processor, graphics card, SSDs, and everything else that’ll make up your future PC. Heck, you can even choose the best VPN and VR headset for your setup, making sure you’ve got a truly comprehensive option.
3. Stormforce Gaming (UK)
Stormforce is the best retailer for PC bundles.
Much as with the others, when you arrive on the homepage of Stormforce Gaming, you click on ‘Custom Gaming PC’ and then start the process of designing your new gaming PC. You choose whether you’re after an entry, mid, or high-level gaming PC and whether or not you want an Intel or AMD model, and then you’re given a questionnaire of sorts.
On the next screen, you’ll choose various system components, such as RAM, GPU, and primary storage options. After that, you need to decide on all the little optional extras that will make your custom PC great, allowing you to choose from the best gaming monitors, sound cards, keyboard, and more – anything you don’t want, you just select No, thanks. I don’t need this.
Also, anyone in the market for a new gaming PC might want to check out the bundles available via Stormforce Gaming, as they provide a slightly more affordable route for anybody creating a comprehensive gaming setup.
Best custom PC builder sites in the EU:
1. CCL Computers (EU)
Bestretailer for cheap custom PC builds.
Although CCL Computers is a UK-based business,it’s fantastic for building custom PCs and will deliver to Europe. Once you arrive on the home page, click on the custom PC builder to start your journey.
As with others, CCL Computers takes things one step at a time, asking customers to answer questions and recommend the most appropriate options. For example, if you click on ‘Gaming’, you’ll then be asked to choose between Intel and AMD, then asked to consider what level of performance you’re after before being given a list of components to choose from, along with a drop-down to help yousee all of your options.
There’s a running total to the right of the screen, so you can seehow much the cost changes when you add components.This makes it easier to get a custom PC build that suits your needs and budget.
2. Origin PC (EU)
Best custom PC retailer with international delivery.
Origin PC isanother website that ships internationally, making it a potential choice for any customers in Europe. While it doesn’t have a simple ‘builder’ in the same way as other websites on this list, Origin PCletsyou choose an option that feels right for you, allowing you to configure different components.
What makes Origin PC stand out is that it gives you a chance to customize your PC’s aesthetics in cool and satisfying ways. Not only can you choose many different print designs for the outside of your computer, but also lighting options, and even customized laser etchings. If you want to go all in and make something that’s truly your own, this could be quite an appealing option.
This option is best for people who already have a fairly solid idea of the custom PC they want to build, withthe specs they require. It doesn’t feature many comparison tools, but does allow for a great deal of customization.
3. Cybertek (EU)
Best EU-based custom PC retailer.
This French website will give you a selection of pre-built high-performance gaming PCs, and if you click on one of them, you’ll be given an overview of all of the specs and components.
Whether it’s the SSD, the processor, the case, or anything else, all you need to do is click the button next to each part to change it. Cybertek will then show you what you can swap each bit for and will tell you how much the changes will cost, while also giving you all the information you need on each new part.
It may not be quite as comprehensive as some of the other custom PC builders we’ve talked about today, but if you only want a few minor customizations and want to go with a retailer based in the EU, then you may not find a better option than Cybertek.
How we picked the best websites for custom PC builds
Several members of our hardware teamcame from the long-standing magazine Custom PC,and that means we’ve got lots of experience with using websites for custom builds and part pickers. The sites on this list are ones we’ve used ourselves over the years, and they all have a wide range of components for you to choose from.
Check out our guide for advice onhow to build a gaming PC. If you’re looking for a prebuilt option that works out of the box, thenthe best gaming PC should help you find something that fits your needs.Our sister sitePCGamesBenchmarkoffers a handy database of PC components that will help give some insight into what you might want to include in your custom PC. If you’re seeking inspiration, check out our massive guide on thetop PC builds.
