Next-Level Gaming Starts Here: Our Top Tech Picks

Why it’s great for gaming: This prebuilt delivers excellent 1080p and 1440p performance out of the box. It pairs an Intel Core i5-12400F with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti (8GB), a combo that can push high frame rates in popular titles. With 32GB RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, you won’t face memory bottlenecks or long load times. The case has a mesh front and four fans for strong cooling, so the GPU and CPU stay at peak clocks without throttling. It even comes with Windows 11 pre-installed and a 3-year warranty, meaning you can start gaming immediately with peace of mind?.

Expert insights: Tech reviewers note the RTX 4060 Ti is a solid 1080p card that brings features like DLSS 3 for future-proofed performance. Gamers Nexus found the 4060 Ti offers “strong 1080p performance” with ray tracing and DLSS, although its 8GB VRAM can be a limit at higher resolutions?. The i5-12400F CPU is often praised as one of the best value gaming CPUs of its generation – it has the cores needed for high FPS gaming “at 1080p and beyond” when paired with a capable GPU?. In fact, a Eurogamer noted it was “reasonably priced, considering the cost of doing it yourself”, especially since you get a licenced Windows OS and assembly included?. That price-to-performance angle makes this PC stand out against big-brand competitors.

Customer feedback: Early buyers are impressed with the value. CCL’s own customers describe it as a “great PC at a reasonable price” that’s “great value for money”?. On tech forums, users highlight that the 12400F doesn’t bottleneck the RTX 4060 Ti, and the system “runs cool and quiet” thanks to the case design. Having 32GB of RAM is another real-world bonus – gamers report smooth multitasking (like streaming or Discord running while gaming) with no slowdowns, whereas many prebuilts at this price only have 16GB. Overall, this Horizon PC is frequently recommended for mid-range gamers who want high settings now and an easy upgrade path later. Performance and value: In games like Cyberpunk 2077 or GTA V, you can expect high settings at 1080p with 60–100+ FPS, and very solid 1440p performance with tweaks. Notably, the RTX 4060 Ti’s DLSS 3 can boost frame rates significantly in supported games, surpassing older GPUs like the RTX 3060 Ti. Compared to similarly priced rigs, this PC often comes out on top – for example, many big-name prebuilts under £900 include weaker GPUs or less RAM. At £899.99?, the Horizon Core i5 4060 Ti offers a better spec sheet than competitors that cost more. It’s a ready-to-go package that gives you high FPS and fast storage without the premium markup, making it a savvy pick for gamers looking to maximise their budget.

2. AMD Ryzen 5 7600 AM5 Processor

Why it’s great for gaming: The Ryzen 5 7600 is a modern 6-core CPU built on AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture, which means strong per-core performance and an efficient 65W TDP. It’s an ideal gaming processor for mid-range builds – with boost clocks over 5 GHz, it handles high refresh rate gaming with ease. In fact, this CPU can drive even high-end GPUs (yes, you could pair it with an RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT) without becoming a bottleneck in most titles?. Gamers also benefit from the AM5 platform: you get access to DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, plus a long upgrade path for future CPUs. The 7600 even includes built-in Radeon graphics (great for troubleshooting or light use when your GPU isn’t installed), and comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler – so it’s ready to drop into a build and go?.

Expert reviews: Hardware experts are impressed by the Ryzen 7600’s blend of performance and efficiency. Gamers Nexus highlighted that the 7600 competes “favourably vs the [Intel] 12400F/13400F” in gaming and multi-thread tasks?. Crucially, it does so while sipping far less power; one review noted it’s “one of the most efficient [CPUs] we’ve tested”. At launch, tech reviewers pointed out the only downside was AM5 motherboard pricing, but those costs have been coming down. With current pricing around £185.99?, GN calls the 7600 “a good price for a good CPU” that finally makes the AM5 platform accessible to budget-conscious gamers?.

Real-world gamer feedback: The gaming community largely agrees that 6 cores/12 threads at this performance level are more than enough for today’s games. One Reddit user noted the Ryzen 5 7600 performs on par with a Ryzen 7 5800X3D in games – which is high praise, considering the 5800X3D was a previous-gen gaming champion – and that it can “easily keep up even with an RTX 4090” without limiting its performance?. That means if you slot a Ryzen 7600 into your rig, you’re set not just for current titles but for GPU upgrades down the line. Builders also love the platform longevity: early adopters mention plans to upgrade to a future Ryzen 8000 or 9000-series CPU on the same motherboard, giving them great value. And unlike some past AMD CPUs, the 7600’s included cooler is actually decent – users report acceptable temperatures (often under 80°C in games) with the stock cooler?. Overall, if you want a next-gen ready, power-efficient CPU for a gaming PC, the R5 7600 is a superb choice, often beating Intel alternatives when you factor in its upgrade potential and lower power/heat.

Price-to-performance: At CCL the Ryzen 5 7600 is around £185–£190, which undercuts Intel’s Core i5-13400 in many cases. Considering you’re getting similar or better gaming performance to the i5 plus the AM5 perks, it’s a price-to-performance win. As one customer put it, “I wasn’t after the fastest processor, but this is far better than my old system… The performance is really good. Pleased with the purchase”.? That pretty much sums it up – the 7600 brings high-end performance into the mainstream price bracket.

3. CCL Home/Business AM4 Motherboard Bundle

Why it’s great for gamers on a budget: This CCL motherboard bundle is an entry-level gaming platform that’s perfect for newbies or those upgrading an old PC on the cheap. It includes an AMD Ryzen 3 4300G APU, 16GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, and a Gigabyte A520M motherboard – all pre-assembled and tested. The Ryzen 4300G is a 4-core/8-thread CPU with integrated Radeon Vega 6 graphics, meaning you can actually game without needing a separate GPU. For games like CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2, or Fortnite (at low/medium settings), this APU can hit playable framerates at 720p or 1080p. One enthusiast noted the 4300G “pulls some good results for 1080p medium in many titles,” making it viable for casual gaming?. The bundle’s 16GB RAM is dual-channel to maximise that integrated GPU performance, and with 3-year warranty coverage, it’s a safe foundation for a budget build.

Key benefits: This bundle shines for its simplicity and value. You get all the core parts in one package, which saves the headache of compatibility checks – ideal for first-time builders. The included AMD Ryzen 3 4300G has a capable Vega 6 iGPU that outclasses Intel’s onboard graphics (it’s roughly comparable to a low-end discrete GPU). In fact, even older AAA games or popular eSports titles will run decently on Vega 6 graphics – over 60 FPS at 720p or low settings 1080p in many cases?. Another plus is upgradability: the A520 motherboard can accept higher-end AM4 CPUs (like a Ryzen 5 5600 or Ryzen 7 5700X) if you choose to upgrade the CPU later, and you already have the RAM to support them. Essentially, this bundle can be the heart of a starter gaming PC or a home office machine that moonlights for light gaming.

Expert and user insights: While high-end reviewers don’t typically cover entry-level bundles, the value here speaks for itself. Seasoned PC builders on forums often recommend AMD’s APUs for budget gaming builds – as one commenter put it, “APUs really are the future of budget computing…even first-gen were pretty good”?. The Ryzen 4300G, being a 4-core Zen 2 chip, also means you have solid CPU muscle for everyday tasks and multitasking, far beyond older 4-thread CPUs. Users who have built with this or similar APUs report being surprised at how much they can play; older games and indie titles run well, and even newer games can be played by dialling down settings. It’s perfect for an introduction to PC gaming – for example, a younger gamer’s first rig, where they can play Minecraft, Roblox, esports titles and learn about PCs, all without a pricey graphics card. And because CCL has assembled and tested the bundle, one Reddit user mentioned “it booted up first try with zero issues – BIOS was up to date and RAM at the correct speed,” which is a relief for beginners. Value comparison: At £209.99 for the whole bundle?, this is significantly cheaper than buying a CPU, motherboard, and 16GB RAM separately. When stacked against an equivalently priced Intel bundle, the AMD APU wins for gaming thanks to much stronger integrated graphics. Sure, this won’t max out new AAA games, but as a stepping stone into PC gaming, it’s hard to beat. You can start playing lighter games now and drop in a graphics card (say, a used GTX 1660 or an RX 6600 in the future) to transform this into a capable 1080p gaming rig. Bottom line: this CCL AM4 bundle is all about accessible gaming – it’s the most affordable path to join the PC master race and offers a clear upgrade roadmap when you’re ready.

4. iiyama G-Master GCB3480WQSU Red Eagle 34" UltraWide Curved Gaming Monitor (VA Panel)

Key gaming features: This 34-inch ultrawide curved monitor immerses you in games with its 21:9 aspect ratio and 1500R curve. The 3440×1440 resolution @ 180Hz refresh rate provides a huge field of view and ultra-smooth motion – a fantastic combo for both expansive open-world games and competitive shooters. With a VA panel, it boasts a high 3000–4000:1 contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colours that make game worlds look stunning?. It supports Adaptive Sync (FreeSync Premium), so you get tear-free gaming even when the frame rate varies. Importantly for gamers, the Red Eagle has a fast response time (iiyama quotes 0.4ms MPRT; in practice ~1ms GtG), meaning minimal ghosting. In fast-paced games like racing or FPS titles, you’ll notice crisp images with little blur. HDR400 support is included as well, adding some punch in compatible games. Additionally, this monitor comes with useful extras: a height-adjustable stand, multiple inputs (2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.4), and even a built-in KVM switch for those who use one monitor with two PCs.

Why gamers love it: The ultrawide format gives a competitive edge and cinematic experience in one. In supported games, you see more of the environment (wider FOV) which can be an advantage – for instance, spotting enemies in your periphery in FPS games or enjoying a more encompassing view in racing and flight sims. Reviewers at KitGuru noted that ultrawides are “getting more and more affordable,” and this model in particular offers high-end specs for the price. They highlighted the jump to 180Hz as a major plus for gamers coming from 60Hz or 144Hz, saying the GCB3480WQSU “promises…crucially for gamers – increased refresh rate and faster response times” compared to older 34″ models?. Another review praised the immersive curve and the fact that despite the width, the monitor is sturdy and well-built (it has a stable, wide base and VESA mount support)?. In short, you’re getting a truly next-level gaming experience – many users report that once you go 34″ ultrawide, it’s hard to go back to a regular 16:9 screen.

Performance comparisons: Going up against its competitors, the Red Eagle often comes out as the value pick. Similar spec ultrawides from more famous brands (like Alienware or Asus) can cost considerably more, sometimes £500+. The iiyama offers the same 3440x1440@165–180Hz experience at a lower cost, without compromising core features. The VA panel trade-off versus IPS is actually a win for a lot of gamers: you get much better contrast (darker darks), which is great for moodier games, and iiyama seems to have mitigated the usual VA issue of slow dark-level response. With HDR400, you get entry-level HDR capability which some monitors in this class lack. Also, this monitor’s input lag is low, making it suitable for competitive play. One CreativeBloq review even put it through its paces for photo editing and found it held up for creative work, meaning it has decent colour accuracy for day-to-day use besides gaming. All considered, the GCB3480WQSU provides “a good enough experience for the money” at its price point? it’s a dream display for someone looking to upgrade their gaming setup’s visuals without paying a premium tax for the brand name.

Real-world feedback: Gamers who have switched to this monitor rave about the sense of immersion – playing RPGs or simulators on a 34" curved screen is often described as a “game changer.” The high refresh rate also wins approval; one owner mentioned that hitting 180Hz on this ultrawide made even Windows desktop feel smoother, and games like Rocket League and Valorant were incredibly fluid (if your GPU can push ~180 FPS). They also love the versatility: you can comfortably fit three windows side by side for productivity, or enjoy ultrawide movies without black bars. A few users did tweak settings to get the best image (common for any monitor) – e.g. adjusting the overdrive to eliminate any minor ghosting and calibrating the colours – but out of the box it’s already quite good. In summary, the iiyama Red Eagle GCB3480WQSU is pure eye-candy for gamers: big, bold, and fast, offering real gaming advantages like a wider view and silky-smooth motion at a price that undercuts the competition?

5. MSI FORGE GK310 Gaming Keyboard (Red Switches)

Why gamers should pick this keyboard: The MSI Forge GK310 is a full-size mechanical keyboard loaded with features at a budget price. It uses mechanical Red switches (linear, quiet, fast), which are beloved by gamers for their quick actuation and smooth keypress – perfect for double-taps in FPS games or rapid skill combos in MOBAs. What sets the GK310 apart is that it’s hot-swappable: you can replace its switches without soldering?. This means you can customise the feel (try different switch types) or easily replace a switch if one ever fails – a rarity in this price range. The keyboard has N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, so no matter how many keys you mash in the heat of battle, every input registers accurately?. It also sports per-key RGB with 20 lighting modes, so you can create a cool gaming ambience or match your setup’s theme?. Media controls are built in (including a volume/brightness knob that toggles Office and Game modes) for convenience?. In short, the GK310 provides the responsive feel and customisation of a premium mechanical keyboard at a fraction of the cost – an obvious upgrade over any membrane or older keyboard for gaming.

Expert and user impressions: The GK310 has been well received in the gaming community for delivering premium features economically. Early reviews highlight the “delightful typing sensation” due to the quality of the switches and keycaps?. Gamers transitioning from non-mechanical keyboards immediately notice improved input speed and feedback – which can genuinely enhance gaming performance in genres that require quick reactions. The hot-swap capability also gets nods; even enthusiasts who typically custom-build keyboards appreciate having this on a mainstream board, as it invites newcomers to experiment with switch types. The build is solid too, with a matte metal top case and a removable magnetic cover for a sleek look or to swap aesthetics?. One expert review mentioned that “the Forge series...enhances gameplay” by enabling users to tailor their experience? meaning MSI’s design philosophy here was to blend creativity (customisation) with gaming, and it shows.

Gaming in practice: With Red linear switches, the GK310 excels in scenarios where fast, repeated keystrokes matter. For example, in an FPS, strafing and quick trigger pulls feel more responsive, and there’s no tactile bump to slow you down. In MMOs or RTS games, the silent keys let you spam skills or commands without an audible racket, which your teammates or stream audience might appreciate. The ergonomic keycap shape and adjustable feet help reduce fatigue in long gaming sessions? a small but important detail for comfort. Users on Newegg have given this keyboard an average of 4-5 stars, praising its value; many were surprised that a ~$40 (£30) keyboard could have features like hot-swap and vibrant RGB. In fact, this board holds up even against more expensive ones: it might not have fancy software or a premium name, but in actual gameplay, your keypresses are just as quick and the experience just as enjoyable. Some user comments include appreciation for the included extra switches and puller tool (so you’re ready to customise out of the box)?, and the stable USB connection (no input lag).

Price & comparison: At CCL you can snag the GK310 for about £31.99 on sale?, which is significantly cheaper than most brand-name mechanical keyboards. For context, many competitors in this range use either inferior switch designs or omit features like RGB or hot-swap. The GK310 undercuts popular models from Corsair, Razer, etc., while offering the same core benefits: genuine mechanical switches and full-key rollover. It’s truly a “bang for buck” winner. As one tech reviewer succinctly put it after testing: “This keyboard has an AMAZING feature set for its price.” Many gamers on a budget or those building a new rig choose the Forge GK310 because it doesn’t force compromises – you get the tactile advantage in games that mechanical keyboards provide, and you keep your wallet happy. In summary, MSI’s Forge GK310 is a feature-packed gaming keyboard that gives you everything you need for responsive, personalised play at a price that’s hard to beat. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-performance keyboard for your battle station.

Final Thoughts

That wraps up this week’s CCL Staff Picks! From powerful gaming PCs to cutting-edge components and peripherals, these handpicked selections offer top-tier performance and unbeatable value. Whether you're upgrading your rig or looking for the perfect addition to your setup, these picks are sure to enhance your gaming experience.

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Check back next week for more top tech recommendations—your next upgrade could be just around the corner!