Expert PC Build Reviews: Wall Mounts to Tiny RC Car Rigs
▼ Summary
– Tom’s Hardware selected a dozen finalists from reader submissions for its inaugural Premium Rig Rundown contest, showcasing diverse PC builds.
– The winning build, “Manual Metal,” features extensive custom cooling with outdoor radiators, a custom control panel, and high-end components like a Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
– “The PC Cruiser” is a functional computer built inside a modified 1:6 scale RC PT Cruiser car, using budget components like an Intel Core i7-9700.
– “The Master Center” is a multi-system command center with numerous displays and PCs, including older hardware, designed for productivity and management.
– Other highlighted builds include a high-end, wall-mounted water-cooled system and a dedicated home arcade emulation machine with extensive peripherals and storage.
Our recent call for reader-submitted PC builds yielded an incredible response, showcasing the vibrant and enduring spirit of the enthusiast community. From ingenious wall-mounted systems to a functional computer inside a remote-control car, the creativity on display proves that custom PC building remains a thriving art form. After reviewing dozens of impressive entries, our panel has selected a shortlist of exceptional rigs, culminating in a single, standout winner.
One of the most charming entries came from a user known as MissMercedes, who merged automotive passion with computing. The PC Cruiser is exactly what it sounds like: a working PC built into a 1:6 scale model of a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Transforming the RC car chassis required removing the rear seats to create enough internal space. The builder selected an Antec H310N ITX case housing an Intel Core i5-9400 and 16GB of RAM, later upgrading to a Core i7-9700 for an authentic “V8” core count. A 90W power supply necessitated locking the CPU clock to 3GHz, making this a budget workhorse reliant on integrated graphics. Future plans include engine-themed coolers and even a battery, as the RC components remain fully operational.
Another submission, dubbed The Master Center by DronePilot, is less a single PC and more an entire command hub. This dizzying array integrates a 12th Gen desktop, a Lenovo Legion Go, multiple mini-PCs, and a laptop, all managed through an elaborate KVM switch. The setup features a premium speaker system, extensive wired networking routed under the house, and enough displays to monitor a small operation. It’s a testament to meticulous planning and a refusal to retire still-useful hardware, like a Haswell-based mini-PC running Windows 11.
For those prioritizing a permanent, high-performance installation, the wall-mounted build from SilenceIsGolden stands out. Based on a blacked-out Antec Core P3 Pro case, this system is a silent computing powerhouse built to last a decade. It packs a Ryzen 9 9950X3D, an RTX 4090, 96GB of RAM, and 8TB of NVMe storage, including an Intel Optane 900p drive. A fully custom water-cooling loop with AlphaCool blocks and a painted distro plate covers nearly every component. The goal of a whisper-quiet, aesthetic-focused build is achieved, with the only remaining challenge being minor power supply coil whine.
Nostalgia takes center stage with Destruk’s Home Arcade, a dedicated emulation machine. Driven by an Intel Core i7-14700K and an RTX 4060, its real magic lies in the peripherals. The setup boasts Sinden Lightguns, classic Atari joysticks, trackballs, spinners, and authentic arcade buttons, all organized around a cabinet wrapped in Gatchaman artwork. With 82TB of combined storage for a massive game library and a 65-inch display, this rig proves you can build a comprehensive retro gaming archive for a surprisingly reasonable cost.
The unanimous winner of our inaugural Rig Rundown is Edman565’s Manual Metal, a build of staggering complexity and craftsmanship. Designed to evoke the tactile feel of tuning a manual transmission car, it features a custom control panel with analog switches and knobs. The core specs are formidable, including a Ryzen 9 9950X3D and a Radeon RX 9070 XT, but the custom cooling solution is the true marvel. It utilizes two external radiators, stainless steel tubing, dual pump reservoirs, and a valve system allowing for multiple loop configurations. With eleven displays, enterprise networking, and countless handmade details, this build represents a monumental investment of skill and time, earning it the top spot.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware UK)