Methodology

This page explains how our recommendations and calculators work, and — just as importantly — where the numbers are estimates. We would rather be transparent than imply a precision that does not exist in PC hardware.

Build recommendations

Our five budget-tier builds reflect the 2026 consensus 'meta' from reputable build guides and community discussion, balanced so no single part bottlenecks the others. They are starting points, not the only correct answer; prices and availability shift constantly.

Performance index

Each CPU and GPU has a relative performance index from 0 to 100, used to estimate balance and resolution suitability. It is a curated estimate of typical gaming performance based on architecture, tier and known relative standing — not a measured benchmark. Real-world differences vary by game, resolution, settings and drivers, so treat the index as a guide, not a guarantee.

PSU wattage

Power recommendations sum realistic component peak draw and add roughly a 25% buffer for transient spikes and efficiency, then align to standard sizes and mainstream manufacturer guidance. Always confirm against your specific GPU's official requirement.

SFF clearance

Case clearance figures are manufacturer-stated. Graphics-card dimensions vary by AIB model, so our 'does it fit' pages use a representative compact version of each card; the interactive checker lets you enter your exact card. Always verify your specific model's length, height and slot width before buying.

Bottleneck verdicts

A bottleneck is dynamic, not a fixed percentage. Our estimator weights CPU and GPU by resolution and game type and reports honest balance bands — balanced, slightly limited, or severely mismatched — rather than a fake single number.

Cost, VRAM and latency tools

The cost calculator uses 2026 price estimates that vary by brand and region. The VRAM and RAM-latency tools use published formulas; results are close estimates intended to guide buying decisions, not exact guarantees.

Updates and corrections

We update data as new hardware launches and as the market shifts. Spotted something wrong? Tell us via the contact page and we will fix it.