Build Redux Review: Beautiful Power

The beauty of PC gaming is the ability to build your own rig according to your specifications. While I did not pick the components for my machine, last year I used NZXT streaming PC packages to build it. This package includes all you need, as well as a guide that will help you navigate the process. With only minor issues, the build took just three hours.

There are many pre-built options available if you do not want to spend the time building it yourself and prefer to have it done by someone else. Build Redux, the sister company to Digital Storm (a long-standing boutique PC manufacturer), is one of the most recent companies in the space.

You will see Build Redux’s option to build your computer, but it is not the way that you might expect. Choose your three favorite games from the fifteen available titles. You have many choices, such as reflex-based shooters, like Overwatch or Call of Duty Warzone. A framerate is displayed over box art when you click on a game. Apex Legends can be clicked to reveal a framerate of 70 frames per seconds for Build Redux’s “good” PC model. The framerate for the “better model” was 110 while that of “best” was 145.

This point has a good price differential at $1.415. It is better at $1.879. And it’s best at $2.259. Once you select the option that interest you, the screen displays all of the parts in the tower. The “best” option is the NVIDIA GeForceRTX3080 10GB graphics card. It’s an excellent card. However, I can upgrade to a better model like the 3090T 24GB. This would increase my price by $888. Most options can be adjusted, including the cooler and memory as well as storage and power supplies.

When my build is done, I pay a $99 building fee. All machines have a 2-year parts and labor warranty that covers any failures in hardware.

Build Redux provided a “best” default model to review. The cardboard shipping container is sizable, consisting of thick padding for the formidable foot-and-a-half tall tower. A long, dark-colored container with the words “Welcome PC gaming” is located at the top. The inside contains a short guide with a few steps. It includes removing the padding from the top of the box, checking that the cables are clean, as well as learning how to connect the peripherals.

In a matter of minutes, the machine is purged and I am greeted by a rainbow display. Three circular LED lights illuminate the face of the machine and create rainbow hues. I can see the hardware by turning the unit to the right. This is a stunning sight. I have the ability to change which colors and how intense I see them using the remote.

Seconds later I can see my machine’s desktop. A few moments later I am downloading Steam. Then I will start playing several games that I have downloaded to get a feel for the hardware. At this moment, the only sound that I can hear is my keyboard clanking. The machine remains silent when browsing the web and using apps. Build Redux is a simple-to-use pug-and play experience that can be set up in a matter of minutes.

These are the specifications for review units:

CPU: Intel Core I7 – 12700K? – 12 Core
GPU:NVIDIA GeForce Ti 3080 Ti: Founder’s edition
Memory:Patriot Viper Elite II 16GB 3200mhz BULLK (32BG Kit 2x16GB).
SSD: Kingston NV1 NVMe M.2
Cooling: Cooler Master CN REDUX 240mm
Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z690-P WIFI D4
PSU: HighPower HP1H-850W Gold Fully Modular
Case: Redux TD500

A Build Redux representative told me my hardware configuration was a little old. He has since updated it slightly using different tech. However, she assures that the product is still comparable to what is available today. As they frequently change depending on availability, Build Redux doesn’t publish the brand names for every component. The latter is quite concerning as consumers should be able to see what’s inside. While there’s some blind faith here, Build Redux helps ensure compatibility.

Elden Ring is the first game that I will test, since I recently saw it running on a high-end machine at maxed settings. It handles the task well, with a smooth framerate of 2560×1440 resolution at all settings. Only one thing has changed is the fan noise. It is quite quiet, but it can be heard from under my desk just a few meters away. Stray also looked great with an uncapped framerate.

Then, I spent time playing with some of the more graphically challenging titles in this generation. Cyberpunk 2077 was flawless on ultra-ray tracing settings. All other fields were set at the highest level. Horizon Zero Dawn was also stunning with maximum-output settings. It has enough horsepower to produce the very best of the current game generation and is fairly future-proofed for any new releases in the years ahead.

Although the high-end model costs a little more, it delivers on performance and beauty. The machine looks great and would be very useful for streaming, thanks to its adjustable lighting. Built Redux is an impressive starter unit that puts Build Redux on the front foot. It’s a powerful, affordable machine for anyone starting to get into PC gaming.