Custom PC

For the type of personal computer, see Homebuilt computer.

Custom PC
Custom PC No. 091, April 2011
EditorBen Hardwidge
CategoriesComputing
FrequencyMonthly
Circulation8,094 (Jan–Dec 2018)
First issue2003
CompanyRaspberry Pi Trading Ltd
CountryUnited Kingdom
Websitewww.custompc.com
ISSN1740-7443

Custom PC (usually abbreviated to 'CPC') was a UK-based computer magazine originally published by Dennis Publishing Ltd and subsequently sold to Raspberry Pi Trading Ltd. It was aimed at PC hardware enthusiasts, covering topics such as modding, overclocking, and PC gaming. The first issue was released in October 2003 and it was published monthly until the final issue, number 235, was released in February 2023.

In February 2023 the magazine ceased printed production and the brand name and content rights were sold to Network N Media who relaunched the brand as an online-only entity CustomPC.com. [1]

Audited circulation figures for the magazine were 9,428[2] (ABC, Jan–Dec 2014). 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 was edited by Alex Watson. From Issue 87 to Issue 102 the magazine was edited by James Gorbold. From Issue 103 onward, the magazine has been edited by Ben Hardwidge.

Between 2009 and January 2012, the magazine was partnered with enthusiast site bit-tech.net, with the two editorial teams merging and sharing resources across both the site and the magazine.[3] Custom PC's James Gorbold took over as Group Editor of the two teams. However, since February 2012, the two brands have separated and content is no longer shared between the two publications, although many of the magazine's writers continue to write for bit-tech.

In February 2019 the magazine, along with Digital SLR Photography Magazine, was sold to Raspberry Pi Trading, a subsidiary of the Raspberry Pi Foundation.[4]

Issue 235 in February 2023 became the final issue available in printed format. The brand was acquired by Network N[5] in April 2023 with plans to continue coverage online. However, the existing editorial members have since been migrated to PCGamesN following cost cutting measures and company wide redundancies.

  1. ^ "Network N acquires Custom PC, launches new website". 3 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Custom PC ABC" (PDF). abc.org.uk. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  3. ^ Dennis Publishing acquires bit-tech.net
  4. ^ "Dennis Publishing sells off two magazines to computer manufacturer Raspberry Pi and looks to shift third title". pressgazette.co.uk. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  5. ^ Editor-in-chief, James Batchelor (3 April 2023). "Network N acquires Custom PC, launches new website". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 15 December 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)