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Digissential

Custom PC Build Advice

Serving Stellenbosch & surrounds • Transparent pricing • POPIA-aligned

custom-pc-build-consultation — Digissential

What’s included

  • Tailored parts list (CPU/GPU/RAM/SSD/PSU/case/cooler)
  • Compatibility and airflow checks for your case
  • Targets set by your apps, games, and monitor
  • Upgrade path planning and quiet/noise goals

Details

TL;DR: We plan your PC the smart way, pick parts that work well together, and keep it on budget.
Local: Popular with SU students, families in Welgevonden/Die Boord, and Technopark teams who want speed without waste.

Problems we solve

  • Too many “best build” guides and you’re lost
  • Parts don’t fit the case, or the GPU is too long
  • Games stutter even on a “fast” chip
  • Loud fans, hot case, random restarts
  • Power supply is tiny or a sketchy brand
  • Money locked in the wrong part (big CPU, tiny GPU)

How we do it (at a glance)

  1. Quick chat: Budget, what you do, and what “fast” means to you
  2. Target: Your monitor resolution/refresh and key apps
  3. Shortlist: CPU/GPU/RAM/SSD/PSU/case/cooler that match the target
  4. Fit check: Size, airflow, cables, and power draw
  5. Tweak: Quiet vs flashy, future upgrades, and cable neatness
  6. Plan: Final parts list with links, prices, and reasons

You get a clear write-up you can shop from today.

Time & cost in Stellenbosch

  • Advice fee: R350 for one complete build plan (plus a budget or performance variant if helpful)
  • Turnaround: Often same day once we have your needs and model notes
  • Add-ons: We can assemble, install Windows, and load drivers — see /services/pc-assembly-full-build/

Do-nots (save cash and stress)

  • Don’t buy a huge CPU for 1080p gaming and then pair it with a tiny GPU
  • Don’t cheap out on the PSU — a bad unit can kill parts
  • Don’t assume any big GPU fits in any case
  • Don’t mix odd RAM kits and expect smooth high speeds
  • Don’t pick a DRAM-less SSD for heavy video or photo work

When to call us

  • Cart is ready but you want a second pair of eyes
  • You built it and it runs hot or loud
  • It won’t boot, or shuts off under load
  • You want small and quiet, but also cool and fast — we balance it

Real stories around town

  • SU first-year (Huis Marais): Wanted a “streaming PC.” We shifted spend from CPU to GPU, added 32 GB RAM, and a better cooler. Same budget, smooth 1440p.
  • Welgevonden family: Dad wanted quiet homework/gaming mix. Mesh case, silent fans, mid GPU. Kid plays Valorant, house stays calm.
  • Technopark dev team: Needed snappy compile times. We specced a strong CPU, 64 GB RAM, and two NVMe drives. Work got faster without server prices.

What you get

  • A curated parts plan with SA links and prices
  • Why each part: short notes in plain words
  • Upgrade map: drop-in CPU, more RAM, second NVMe, bigger GPU class
  • Noise/airflow plan: fan curve idea and cooler choice
  • Cable and build tips if you DIY

Simple tips for a happy build

  • Aim the budget at the part that matters for your goal (GPU for games, CPU/RAM/SSD for edits)
  • Keep the case off carpet and clear the front mesh
  • Label cables as you go; it pays off later
  • Use a small UPS for the router and PC to ride out load-shedding

POPIA-aware handling • CPA-aligned warranties • Lawful e-waste routing on request (with data-wipe certificate)