This Week’s PC Hardware Winners – Hot Picks & Exclusive Deals

The G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB is a premium 64GB DDR5 memory kit engineered for high-performance gaming and content creation. With two 32GB modules running at a blistering 6000MT/s and tight CL30 timings, this kit delivers blazing-fast memory bandwidth ideal for the latest AMD Ryzen systems. It features AMD EXPO profiles for easy overclocking, ensuring you can hit top speed with a simple BIOS tweak. The dual-tone design – a sleek black brushed aluminum with a white accent and a diffused RGB light bar – doesn’t just perform great, it looks stunning in any build. If you demand extreme multitasking capability or heavy-duty workloads like 4K video editing, this 64GB kit is a must-have upgrade that will improve system responsiveness and eliminate memory bottlenecks.

What reviewers are saying: Enthusiasts praise the Trident Z5 Neo for combining speed, capacity, and stability. One Reddit user shared, “I have this with my 7600X and it’s been perfect”, highlighting the plug-and-play reliability on AMD platforms. 

How it compares: The Trident Z5 Neo RGB 6000MT/s goes head-to-head with other flagship DDR5 kits like Corsair Dominator and Kingston Fury, often at a lower price for similar or better performance. In fact, Tom’s Hardware found it “less expensive than the opposition” while being an “excellent fit for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 processors”. With its aggressive speed and tight latency, it has an edge in bandwidth over competing 5600MT/s or CL36 kits. Plus, G.Skill’s renowned build quality and a limited lifetime warranty provide peace of mind. This kit is currently in stock at CCL available with free next-day delivery – but hurry, quantities are limited! If you’re assembling a top-tier rig, the Trident Z5 Neo RGB is a memory upgrade you won’t regret.

2. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16 Core/32 Thread AM4 CPU

The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is a monster 16-core, 32-thread processor that once sat at the pinnacle of AMD’s consumer CPU lineup. Even today, this Zen 3 powerhouse is a brilliant choice for users who demand top-tier multi-core performance. With boost clocks up to 4.9GHz, it effortlessly tackles heavy workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, and streaming – all while also delivering high-end gaming performance. This chip essentially combines the capabilities of a gaming CPU and a workstation CPU in one, making it a must-have for enthusiasts, content creators, and professionals who want an all-in-one solution on the AM4 platform. Despite the arrival of newer generations, the 5950X remains one of the fastest AM4 CPUs ever, offering incredible longevity for those who invested in the previous generation. If you’re upgrading an AM4 system to its ultimate form, the 5950X is the crown jewel that can extend your PC’s relevance for years.

What reviewers are saying: The tech community has heaped praise on the 5950X for its blend of gaming and productivity prowess. Tom’s Hardware noted that “AMD’s Zen 3-based Ryzen 9 5950X was a fantastic mix of gaming performance combined with the ability to smash through productivity tasks”. In real-world terms, that means it excels in everything from intense simulation games to compiling code or running VMs for work. Enthusiast users agree – one Reddit user exclaimed, “I’ve just received my new computer based on Ryzen 5950X, it’s a real Beast!”?. Many owners report being blown away by how smoothly this chip handles just about anything you throw at it, often mentioning that their GPU becomes the limiting factor in games before this CPU even breaks a sweat.

How it compares: The Ryzen 9 5950X still holds its own against many competitors. It outperformed Intel’s 11th-gen and rival 10-core CPUs by a large margin when it launched, and even now it trades blows with newer chips in multi-threaded tasks. In fact, upon release it shattered benchmarks, posting up to 87.8% higher multi-thread performance than Intel’s Core i9-10900K in certain tests. While AMD’s latest Ryzen 7950X offers a generational jump (on a new AM5 socket), if you’re on AM4 this is the ultimate upgrade without needing a whole new motherboard or DDR5 RAM. It also compares favorably to the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in that it has double the cores (better for creation workloads), although the 5800X3D might edge it in pure gaming due to the extra cache. For those who multitask or do creative work, the 5950X is the clear winner with more cores. Best of all, it’s now more affordable than ever.

3. ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi ITX Motherboard (AMD AM5)

The ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi is a feature-packed Mini-ITX motherboard that proves you can have big performance in a small form factor. Designed for AMD’s latest AM5 socket, it supports Ryzen 7000, 8000, and even future 9000 series processors, meaning it’s ready for current and next-gen CPUs?. This board is part of ASRock’s Phantom Gaming series, and it lives up to the name with a robust 10+1+1 power phase design (using 110A Smart Power Stages) to handle high-core-count CPUs in the mini-ITX format. It comes with dual DDR5 slots (up to 128GB) for the fastest RAM, plus dual M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0 x4) for blazing NVMe SSD speeds. Integrated WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet ensure top-notch connectivity, and the rear I/O is loaded with USB ports for a board this size. In short, the B850I Lightning WiFi delivers high-end desktop features in a compact package, making it a must-have for small form factor PC enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on performance.

What reviewers are saying: Early reviews point out that ASRock has hit a sweet spot with this ITX board’s value and capabilities. TechPowerUp praises it as “well-priced for a current generation chipset board that supports overclocking”?, noting that mini-ITX boards with this level of features often cost much more. Builders on forums have also reported positive experiences. One Reddit user who got it up and running with a new Ryzen 9 said, “So far I’m pleased. ... All works perfectly.”? – no BIOS hassles or compatibility issues, which can sometimes plague new-platform motherboards. Another commenter highlighted that based on reviews, “it’s gonna be one of the best price-performance [boards] in the AM5 ITX family”. This feedback reinforces that the B850I Lightning isn’t just theoretically good; it’s delivering a smooth experience in practice, even with top-end CPUs like the 7800X3D or 7950X.

How it compares: In the Mini-ITX AM5 arena, competition is slim and often pricier. ASUS and Gigabyte offer B850 ITX boards but, as TechPowerUp notes, they are “considerably more expensive” for similar or only marginally higher specs?. You could opt for a B650I board to save a bit, but those (like Gigabyte’s B650I AX) might have only basic 5-phase VRMs and even omit luxuries like an M.2 heatsink? – not ideal if you’re running a high-end CPU or Gen5 SSD. In contrast, the ASRock B850I gives you a stronger VRM, more features (like that second M.2 slot), and WiFi 6E right out of the box. It effectively has this price bracket mostly to itself?, delivering premium performance around the £199.99 inc VAT mark (its current price at CCL). For anyone building a compact powerhouse or a living-room gaming PC with an AM5 chip, the B850I Lightning WiFi stands out as one of the best ITX options for the money – you get cutting-edge tech and reliability without the usual ITX tax.

4. ViewSonic VA2406-H 24" Full HD 100Hz 1ms Monitor (VA Panel)

The ViewSonic VA2406-H is a 24-inch Full HD monitor that delivers an amazing balance of features for an incredibly low price. This display is all about value without compromise. It sports a 1920×1080 resolution VA panel that offers rich colors and deep contrast, along with wide viewing angles for comfortable work or play. What sets it apart from generic office monitors is the 100Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (MPRT), meaning motion on this screen is noticeably smoother – great for fast-paced gaming or even just scrolling through content. It even supports AMD FreeSync, which helps eliminate tearing in games. Essentially, the VA2406-H transforms the usual “budget monitor” into a surprisingly capable gaming monitor for beginners or thrifty gamers. It’s the kind of must-have upgrade for anyone stuck at 60Hz – once you experience the extra fluidity and responsiveness, you’ll wonder how you managed without it!

What reviewers are saying: Don’t let the low price fool you – ViewSonic is a reputable brand and users recognize that. Many buyers highlight how uncommon it is to find a 100Hz, 24-inch monitor at this price point with an established brand name. It’s often recommended in forums for those building a gaming PC on a tight budget or needing a second screen. The eye-care features (like flicker-free backlighting and blue light filter) also get nods in reviews – office workers appreciate that it’s easy on the eyes during long hours of use, making it a versatile pick for both work and casual gaming.

How it compares: The VA2406-H pretty much blows away other monitors in the sub-£60 category. Most competitors in this price range are 21–22-inch panels or max out at 75Hz refresh rates. By offering 100Hz, ViewSonic gives you a noticeable edge in smoothness over similarly priced models from AOC, ASUS, or Acer. While it’s “only” a VA panel (as opposed to IPS), it actually benefits from an ultra-high contrast ratio, meaning movies and games have punchier blacks and better overall depth – a trade-off many will gladly take. It might not have fancy extras like height adjustment or a DisplayPort input (it comes with HDMI and VGA), but at £59.99 on CCL right now, it’s an absolute steal. It’s ideal for entry-level gaming?, as CCL’s own description notes, and perfect for students, home offices, or anyone who wants a dual-purpose monitor (work by day, game by night) on a budget. Stock tends to move quickly due to high demand, so if you need a capable monitor that won’t empty your wallet, the VA2406-H comes highly recommended.

5. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler

The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a dual-tower CPU cooler that has completely upended the budget cooling market by offering high-end performance at a bargain price. It features two hefty aluminum fin stacks and six copper heatpipes, cooled by a pair of 120mm PWM fans – essentially a design similar to premium coolers that usually cost twice as much. The result is exceptional heat dissipation capability (rated up to ~265W TDP) while keeping noise levels impressively low. For anyone running a powerful CPU (Intel or AMD) and looking for an air cooler that can handle it without breaking the bank, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a must-have. It’s often dubbed the “price-to-performance king” of air coolers because it lets you achieve overclocking-friendly temperatures and quiet operation for around the £30 mark. If you’re using the stock cooler or a smaller heatsink, upgrading to this will drastically improve your thermals and reduce noise – an upgrade you’ll feel immediately in both temperatures and system acoustics.

What reviewers are saying: This cooler has attained near-legendary status in the PC community over the past year. Tom’s Hardware awarded it Editor’s Choice, raving “Wow. Not only is Thermalright’s Peerless Assassin 120 SE the best-performing air cooler I’ve tested, it runs whisper silent. You can’t beat the value and performance offered by this cooler.”? Such high praise is virtually unheard of for a cooler in this price bracket. Gamers Nexus’ testing similarly found it exceptional – it “ranks... tied for the top-performing air coolers we’ve tested” while running “3.5°C cooler than the Scythe FUMA 2” (another elite cooler)?. And general users echo these findings: in one Reddit thread a user exclaimed “The only air cooler worth buying right now... this gives you so much more for so little extra cash”.

How it compares: The Peerless Assassin 120 SE frequently goes head-to-head with far more expensive cooling solutions. In terms of raw thermal performance, it’s on par with the best air coolers out there – trading blows with the Noctua NH-D15, DeepCool AK620, be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4, etc., but at a fraction of their price. It even holds its own against 240mm or some 280mm AIO liquid coolers in many scenarios?. The only caveats to note are its size (like other dual-towers, it’s tall and can overhang RAM slots – though its design is optimized for clearance in most cases) and the fact that its fans, while good, are not the absolute top-tier in acoustics (a few users swapped the fans for even quieter ones, but most find the included fans perfectly fine, especially given how quiet it already is). With Thermalright’s build quality (nickel-plated heatpipes, sturdy mounting kit for both AM4/AM5 and LGA1700) you’re not skimping on anything. Simply put, nothing can beat the Peerless Assassin at its price – it’s available for around £27.99 inc VAT at CCL? right now, an incredible deal. If you need serious cooling on a budget or are just looking to get the most bang for your buck, the Peerless Assassin 120 SE lives up to its name, taking down pricier rivals and earning its champion status.

6. Montech AIR 903 MAX Mid Tower Gaming Case – Black

The Montech AIR 903 MAX is a mid-tower case that truly delivers maximum airflow and value for money in equal measure. Montech might not yet be a household name for cases, but with the AIR 903 series they’ve proven they can compete with the big brands. This case comes with a full mesh front panel and four pre-installed 140mm fans (three addressable RGB fans flooding the front with color, plus a rear exhaust) – an almost unheard-of feature set at its price. It supports up to E-ATX motherboards, large GPUs (up to 400mm), and even oversized CPU coolers (up to 180mm tall), so you can fit all your high-end components without a squeeze. Building in the AIR 903 MAX is a breeze thanks to its spacious interior, ample cable management channels, and a modern layout that includes a PSU shroud and plenty of drive mounts. The left side is a tempered glass panel to show off your build, and there’s even a built-in ARGB fan hub + controller for easy lighting customization. For those who want a high-airflow, feature-rich chassis without spending over £100, the Montech AIR 903 MAX is an absolute gem – it keeps your rig running cool and looking cool.

What reviewers are saying: This case has generated a lot of buzz for its unmatched value. One Amazon reviewer couldn’t contain their excitement, saying “Fits everything, keeps everything nice and chill, looks amazing, and soooooo easy to build in. This is by far the best PC case for under £80.”? Such glowing praise is common once people see what they’re getting for the price. Across forums and YouTube, the consensus is that Montech nailed it – you’d typically have to pay significantly more for a case with similar cooling performance and included accessories. As one video review put it, “budget price but with premium features, you can’t beat what the Air 903 Max offers.” In a Reddit discussion summarizing various cases, users highlighted that “this case is highly rated for its value”, coming with those four 140mm fans and a layout that many £120 cases don’t even match?.

How it compares: When stacked against other mid-towers, the AIR 903 MAX often comes out on top for builders prioritizing airflow. Versus popular airflow cases like the Cooler Master TD500, Lian Li Lancool 216, or Corsair 4000D Airflow, Montech’s offering gives you more fans out of the box (saving you money and setup time) and equal or better cooling right away. Many cases around £60–£70 include only one or two fans, whereas Montech throws in four big 140mm spinners – that’s a huge advantage. The mesh front is very open, meaning it can move more air than designs that mix in solid panels or smaller intakes. In fact, one user review pointed out it’s “less expensive than similar £100-£120 cases. Fits a 360mm AIO on top that others in the same price range do not.” High-end cases like those from Fractal or Phanteks might have a few more luxury touches (slightly thicker steel or modular interiors), but the AIR 903 MAX matches them in the fundamentals: cooling, space, and ease of build. At £59.99 inc VAT? on CCL, it undercuts many rivals and delivers an incredible bang for your buck. This case is perfect for gamers who want to keep temperatures low (especially important for powerful GPUs and overclocked CPUs) while also enjoying the aesthetics of RGB lighting and a clear view of their components. In summary, the Montech AIR 903 MAX offers max airflow, minimum fuss, at a fantastic price – making it one of the best mid-tower case choices in its class.

Final Thoughts

These six products showcase the kind of quality and value that make it to our Staff Picks list. From insanely fast RAM and a beastly 16-core CPU, to a feature-rich ITX motherboard, an ultra-affordable high-refresh monitor, a record-breaking CPU cooler, and a case that redefines what you get for the money – CCL’s weekly picks bring you the top performers that our team wholeheartedly recommends. We hope this roundup helped you discover something new for your next build or upgrade. Be sure to check back every week for more hand-picked favorites across all categories. Our goal is to save you time by curating proven winners that offer the best bang for your buck. Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow CCL for exclusive deals and early-bird recommendations. By subscribing, you’ll get insider access to special discounts and updates on the latest and greatest products before everyone else. Keep an eye on our blog for the next Staff Picks – we love sharing the gear that excites us, and we’re always here to help you make informed choices. Happy building, and see you next week with more awesome picks!