Custom PC (usually abbreviated to 'CPC') is a UK based computer customization magazine published by Dennis Publishing Ltd. It contains information on top performance hardware and gaming as well as monthly news related to these topics. The first issue was released in October 2003 and it is published monthly. Audited circulation figures are just over 22,000[1] (ABC, Jan-Dec 2006). Gareth Ogden retired as editor of Custom PC at the end of Issue 52. Issue 53 was edited by Deputy Editor James Gorbold; from Issue 54 onwards the magazine is edited by Alex Watson.
The magazine includes several 'news and views' sections as well as tutorials and sections devoted to magazine readers. The most current regular sections includes:
Customised
Introduction by the editor Alex Watson
Download
Comments and news from the computing world, including editorial content from experts. Contributors include Ben Hardwidge, James Gorbold and Rahul Sood (Chief Technlogist of HP Gaming Worldwide). The section usually starts with news on the latest release (or pre-release) computer hardware (e.g. the latest graphics card or processor). Other sections are:
Competition
Each week a distorted closeup of a piece of hardware reviewed in the magazine is printed. The winning reader can win from a selection of prizes; as of Issue 033 Zalman headphones, Imon multimedia system or a Zalman PSU.
Katharine Fletcher, writer and presenter of the Channel Flip Games internet TV show pens a column which explores PC gaming.
Rumor Control
Any unsubstantiated computer news that the editorial team have heard.
Win... (Photo Competition)
Custom PC is intent on world domination! Readers submit photos of themselves sporting a copy of the magazine in various locations around the world, and the winner is the person who has their picture taken in the most exotic location, or has the most interesting photo. The prize is a piece of high-end computer hardware (currently a Cooler MasterPSU).
Custom PC encourages readers to use their idle computers for the purpose of scientific research - Folding@Home is a program created and run by Stanford University that can uses spare processor cycles to analyse how proteins 'fold'. Each month the magazine features a league table of their top folders, the CPC team is currently ranked number 5 worldwide (as of the 22nd October 2008). One random folder receives an item of PC hardware each month, while the top folder that month is noted in the 'Folder of the month' section.
Little gamers
PC gaming related comic strip involving 2 cartoon characters.
Game News
Round up of PC gaming news. Although Custom PC is mostly devoted to hardware and PC modding, there are normally 2 or more pages devoted to game news each month.
Game News also contains details of the CPC Game servers. CustomPC run a monthly Reader's Night, where they invite readers of the magazine to play online with magazine staff and other readers.
CPC Elite
A 4 page spread of CPC's latest recommendations for the best hardware in several categories (motherboards, processors, cases etc.).
Reviews
CPC Magazine review the latest hardware and software (including games), they rate the product with their own rating system, and CPC give their stamp of approval (including a recommended award for excellent products) to any product that they feel excels in its particular category
Custom Kit
4 pages of short reviews of computer gadgets and accessories.
Lab Test
Each month CPC tests related hardware from different manufacturers / different specifications (such as graphics cards or hard-drives) comparing them to discern the best choice. The tests include extensive benchmark comparison tables. Unlike most computer magazines, CPC doesn't do price point labs tests. Instead each item is awarded a value score that reflects whether the item is worth the asking price.
Games Test
Review of the latest games plus a Tune up section for each which gives tips on getting the best performance from the game.
Hands On
Step by step guides to computer modding or other computer related tasks. The difficulty of each is registered on a ladder of difficulty; escape from:
Colditz - (hardest)
The taxman
Broadmoor
Your other half
Responsibility - (easiest)
Analysis
Several in-depth articles on computer related topics (normally 3 per issue)
Extreme Customisation
Expert submitted article about their computer modding project. Featured mods are usually very good or different.
Letters/Q&A
Readers letters and questions, each letter normally gets a personal reply from the editor. Each month a star letter' prize is awarded to one, the prize is normally a 1GB stick of CorsairRAM.
Off-Line
A question and answer section taken from the CPC forums.
Reader's Drives
Readers of the magazine get the chance to show off their computer modification skills. Each month a different reader is photographed with his rig and answers questions on its specification and how it was constructed. Featured modders win a prize pack of assorted computer hardware.
Input/Output
Last page editorial comment from a regular contributor discussing his/ her own views on a PC related topic.
Subscriber Edition
In addition to the CustomPCcase badge, issue 045 (June 2007), introduced a second version of the magazine as a bonus for the loyal subscribers. Subscribers receive a Special Subscriber Edition which features exclusive artwork (usually the "flat-out coolest" photo from the cover shoot[2], according to Alex Watson).
Editorial team
List of the editorial staff as of Issue 055 (April 2008):
Associate Publisher:- Barry Cronin
Editor:- Alex Watson
Deputy Editor:- James Gorbold
Staff Writers:- Mark Mackay, Antony Leather, Orestis Bastounis
Art Editor:- Bill Bagnall
Deputy Reviews Editor:- Clive Webster
Production Editor:- Julie Birrell
Regular Contributors:- Ben Hardwidge, Stuart Andrews, Josh Blodwell, Daniel Emery, Matthew Fielder, Phil Hartup, Jeremy Laird, Katharine Fletcher, James Morris, Adam Piper, Rahul Sood.
Photography:- Danny Bird, Linda Duong and Chris Wood
Regular Art & Production Contributors:- Magic Torch, Mike Harding, Khoi Keiu, Helena Redmons
Advertising Manager:- John Pudney
Display Sales Executive:- Will Wootton
Classified Sales Executive:- Aaron Moore
Online Sales Executive:- Yash Puwar
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