r/buildapc (about 8.5M members, directory rank #89) is for planning custom PC assembly and asking for parts advice. PC culture/support, sale links and hardware news each have separate rooms.
See also pcmasterrace vs buildapc and buildapc vs buildapcsales on SubMouse.
How to choose
Stay on buildapc while planning a parts list. Use pcmasterrace for broader PC culture and support, buildapcsales for deal links, and hardware for news/reviews (not troubleshooting).
Starting point: r/buildapc
r/buildapc
— /r/buildapc - Planning on building a computer but need some advice? This is the place to ask!
- Members: 8.5M
- Directory rank: #89
- 7-day growth: +1.9K
Planning on building a computer but need some advice? This is the place to ask! /r/buildapc is a community-driven subreddit dedicated to custom PC assembly. Anyone is welcome to seek the input of our helpful community as they piece together their desktop.
Curated alternatives
PC Master Race - PCMR: A place where all enthusiasts of PC, PC gaming and PC technology are welcome!
- Members: 16.4M
- Directory rank: #56
When to choose it: General PC ownership, culture and mixed support — not only a new build list.
Why it is here: Paired on pcmasterrace vs buildapc; shared PC Gaming topic. Public description: all PC-related content including build help and tech support (about 16.4M members, rank #56).
How it differs from r/buildapc: Culture/support hub versus build-planning helpdesk.
つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Low prices take my energy つ ◕_◕ ༽つ
- Members: 959.6K
- Directory rank: n/a (opens in info tool if no full page)
When to choose it: You have a deal link for PC parts or accessories.
Why it is here: Paired on buildapc vs buildapcsales; shared PC Gaming topic. Compare summary: link-focused PC-part sales community (about 0.96M members in that snapshot).
How it differs from r/buildapc: Sale links versus build advice (buildapc bans deals posts).
/r/hardware: a technology subreddit for computer hardware news, reviews and discussion.
- Members: 4.4M
- Directory rank: #212
When to choose it: Hardware news and reviews — not “will this boot?” support.
Why it is here: Listed as related to r/buildapc in our directory. Public description: quality computer hardware news and reviews; explicitly not a help desk (about 4.4M members, rank #212).
How it differs from r/buildapc: News/review focus; support questions redirected away.
Related comparisons
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Members and public descriptions come from SubMouse's safe-for-work directory (as of 2026-11-02 UTC); 7-day growth measured from 2026-10-26. Posts/day and culture claims appear only when we have them — missing fields stay n/a. Directory rank is listing order. Communities outside the published Top 100 open in the info tool instead of a full community page. Guide updated 2026-11-07.