The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing a Processor
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) of your computer is likely to be the most expensive single component, especially if you are trying to future-proof your build as much as possible. When it comes to choosing a processor, faster and newer is almost always better. However, does the average PC builder really need a 4GHz Core i7? Does having a faster CPU always mean having a faster computer overall? What is hyper-threading? Read on to find the answers to these questions and many more.
5 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Before You Build Precautions
Nothing will spoil the joy of building your own PC faster than damaging a critical component before you have even fitted it inside the case. Although there is no need to be scared of a first-time build, there are simple things you can do to prepare for it. Some of the main concerns include electrostatic discharge, dropped parts and damage caused by forcibly fitting together parts or scratched circuits.
3 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing A PC Case
Although they may not have seen the sort of massive changes that most other PC components have, the choice of case for your build is now much wider than it was just a few years ago. From simple black boxes, to LED-lit windowed showcases, there is a case style out there for everyone. However, choosing a case should be about more than just looks. Quality and features vary greatly and getting this key component right can mean the difference between a good and a great first build.
5 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
10 Reasons To Build Your Own PC
There are many reasons for building your own PC and if you took five different builders, all five might have a completely different reason for wanting to undertake this task. Here are our top ten reasons for choosing and enjoying to build PC after PC, in all shapes and sizes, for gaming, media and work.
4 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Mac mini
After a long wait, the Mac mini was updated in March 2020, although the changes to Apple’s smallest computer were minimal compared to October 2018’s total redesign.
1 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Apple TV
EXPECTED SEP 2020. UPDATED SEP 2018
1 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Luminar 4.3
Better search and enhanced sky replacement come to the app
2 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
iOS 14 SUPERGUIDE
How can you boost your iPhone’s powers? No need to buy an app, Apple’s latest upgrade will transform your handset
10+ min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
Synology DiskStation DS920+
Roomy, flexible NAS with almost limitless expansion possibilities
3 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
DEVONthink 3.5
A universal inbox for every kind of data
2 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
Urbanista London
A musical genius with control issues
3 min |
Autumn 2020
Linux Format
RaspController
Les Pounder needs an easy way to see what all of his Raspberry Pis are up to, but he’s too lazy to move from the sofa…
3 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
LiDAR
It’s in the iPad Pro and coming to iPhones too. But what is it?
5 min |
Autumn 2020
Linux Format
Seeed Odyssey X86J4105
Les Pounder tries an Intel-powered SBPC with the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO.
2 min |
October 2020
Linux Format
HISTORY OF THE PC
In a world of competing processors and operating systems, John Knight explores how the PC began, what powers it and how it’s still going.
10+ min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
WD My Passport Go 2TB SSD
Fast, portable, pocketable storage
1 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
Belkin Boost Charge 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
A simple way to banish cable clutter and keep devices charged
2 min |
Autumn 2020
Linux Format
LinuxFX 10.6
Cold-hearted Jonni Bidwell shows a rare hint of sympathy for users who want their Linux to look like Windows.
3 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
27-inch iMac (2020)
The last of the Intel Macs shows off some eye-watering specs (and prices)
7 min |
Autumn 2020
Linux Format
How to recreate the Doctor Who theme
Mike Bedford makes use an analogue synthesiser simulator to generate one of TV’s most iconic and recognisable themes.
10+ min |
October 2020
Linux Format
BUILD A SMART HOME OFFICE
Wiseguy Jonni Bidwell has some tips on making our homes and home offices smarter, with the latest FOSS offerings.
10+ min |
October 2020
Linux Format
FUNDING THE FREE
Jonni Bidwell delves into the thorny issues surrounding funding open-source projects and urges you to support your favourite free software.
10+ min |
October 2020
Linux Format
Easy OS 2.4.1
Puppy Linux has a younger sibling, and like Jonni Bidwell it’s completely container-mad and works well on a boat.
3 min |
October 2020
Linux Format
Beyond a Steel Sky
Management loves a totalitarian regime and it loves some nostalgia harking back to when magazines and Ian Evenden used to make a profit…
5 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Parallels Desktop 16
Run almost any operating system as a guest on an Intel Mac
3 min |
Autumn 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing a Processor
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) of your computer is likely to be the most expensive single component, especially if you are trying to future-proof your build as much as possible. When it comes to choosing a processor, faster and newer is almost always better. However, does the average PC builder really need a 4GHz Core i7? Does having a faster CPU always mean having a faster computer overall? What is hyper-threading? Read on to find the answers to these questions and many more.
6 min |
July 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Motherboards
It might seem that your choice of motherboard is fairly straightforward; Intel or AMD compatible, depending on the CPU you are going to use. However, if you want to get the best out of your new PC, you really need to choose a motherboard based on your main usage aims. A gaming motherboard will offer very different features to one designed for general use or office work. Over the next few pages we will look at the many different motherboard options available to you.
6 min |
July 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing Linux
There are lots of versions, known as “Distributions”, of Linux available. Each has a different ethos and approach and each will offer the user a different set of features and tools. If you are considering using Linux instead of Windows on your PC, here is a look at the five most popular, and probably the best supported, distributions available and where you can get them.
4 min |
July 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
HDD, SSD or Both?
The storage capacity of your PC will be dictated by what you will be doing with it but even if you don’t think you will need much storage, the cost of storage has come down so much in recent years that it makes sense to choose more than you might need right now. The bigger question with storage these days is whether to go for a HDD, an SSD or perhaps both. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of all these component choices.
4 min |
July 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Power Connections
Finally, you can now begin to connect the whole system up to the power supply and take an important step towards the first boot. If you followed our advice earlier in the guide for planning your build, you shouldn’t have any surprises when it comes time to connect everything up. If you do find that cables are too short, or missing completely, you can buy extensions and adaptors online easily.
2 min |