When it comes to getting a new gaming PC, you have two options: Build your own or buy a Prebuilt Gaming PC that’s already been put together. Both options have their pros and cons, so we’re going to take a look at both approaches to getting a gaming PC, and see which one is best for you, if there even is a “best” here.
To do this as evenly as possible, we’re going to break it down into a few categories and see how each option compares. As it’s 2024, we’ll start with the most pressing of concerns: Price.
PREBUILT PC VS BUILDING YOUR OWN: PRICE
On the surface, this seems like an easy win for building your own PC, and yes, it’s technically cheaper to build your own PC. Just buy all the bits individually, wait for it all to get delivered and then build it.
This way, the only money you spend is for the actual parts, however, for the uninitiated, this is far easier said than done. There are options like our PC Builder and PCPartPicker that make it a lot easier, but these still require some pre-existing knowledge that not everyone is going to have.
If you’re a tech-head, avid DIY enthusiast, or Redditor, perhaps the time it takes to learn about it all is worth it, but some people just want to get a great PC and play games. This means that the time needed to research the process can be worth less than the additional cost of buying a pre-built.
That additional cost, though, where does that come from? Well, you’re paying for the components, the shipping, and of course someone to assemble it for you. Also, there’s going to be an additional premium to make it worthwhile for the company that’s selling it.
However, it’s not all added costs just to get something you could make yourself. The price almost always includes extended tech support and a warranty, which is valuable in our next section, Support:
PREBUILT PC VS BUILDING YOUR OWN: SUPPORT
The importance of support is directly proportional to your personal confidence, and indeed competence when it comes to building and maintaining a PC. Professionals with multiple builds under their belt will be able to draw on their years of experience to fix most problems and have the knowledge to know where help can be found.
If you build the computer yourself, and the components themselves aren’t defective, then it’s your own responsibility to fix the issues. Again, less of a problem for those of us who have been doing it for years, but potentially problematic for first-timers, which is why a pre-built is a more reassuring option.
Depending on where you buy the prebuilt PC, there’s usually a warranty and long-lasting tech support. This means that you have an easy and reliable point of contact and if they can’t fix the issue, they will often swap out the problem components or might even replace the system entirely.
PREBUILT PC VS BUILDING YOUR OWN: FUN
Yes, it sounds like a silly subject for a section, but it’s well worth considering, as it’s probably the main reason lots of people get into the hobby. Building a PC is fun. It's reminiscent of the childhood experiences of completing Lego, Meccano, and Airfix sets. Aside from the fun, fiddly, and admittedly often infuriating process itself, there’s something else you get, too.
By the end of the build, not only do you get a shiny new gaming PC, you also get the knowledge and satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself. You can look through the side panel and see your very own handiwork. We can also confirm that people unfamiliar with computers will literally consider you some kind of technological god when you tell them that you can build a PC. Whether you choose to humble yourself by explaining the relative simplicity of building a PC to them, is up to you.
SO, SHOULD YOU BUY A PREBUILT PC, OR BUILD YOUR OWN?
Unsurprisingly, we strongly recommend building your own PC. Of course, this is preaching to the choir for those of you who have built a PC before. However, for the people out there who are looking into getting a new gaming PC, but unsure if building it is a good idea, we say with absolute conviction that it is.
It’s cheaper, it’s fun, and you get to learn about technology as you build, and the satisfaction/bragging rights we mentioned earlier really do taste sweet.
When it comes to part selection, that’s up to you, but once you’ve chosen a GPU, CPU, and Motherboard, why not hop over our main website, as we make everything else you need to complete your PC build.
We also offer a range of DIY PC Built Kits(note: only available in the USA) to take the stress out of building your own PC with hand-picked parts and detailed instructions. Get everything you need to build your own PC in one convenient kit!
Alternatively, if you simply want a powerful machine built by professionals, check out our range of pre-built gaming PCs.
PRODUCTS IN ARTICLE
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DIY and custom-built PCs allow far more hardware configuration options than a pre-built PC
pre-built PC
A custom built or home-built computer is a computer assembled by its user and made of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, rather than purchased as a complete and ready to use machine, also known as a "pre-built" or out-of-the-box system.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Homebuilt_computer
. Some custom PC builders provide the option for a professional to customize the look of your build. While there is no “cheapest” option, cost-cutting strategies can save you money on pre-built, custom-built, and DIY PCs.
Also, for people with busy schedules, you save yourself a lot of time by buying a pre-built system. Warranty: The cost of buying a PC is for more than just parts. Spending that extra money also means that you get the added benefit of a warranty on the entire build.
Building a PC requires a certain level of technical knowledge. If you are new to the process, it can be challenging and time-consuming. Understanding compatibility, cable management, and troubleshooting can be overwhelming for beginners.
In 2024, despite there being plenty more pre-built options available for the everyday gamer, there isn't anything quite like building your own machine. Choosing to build a gaming PC is the best solution for individuals who want full control over every step of their build.
The price of building a PC depends on the specification of the components you're buying. Generally speaking, building a PC will initially be more expensive. In the long run, however, you'll save money because it's less likely you'll need to replace components, and, if you do need to, they're easier to fix.
DIY and custom-built PCs allow far more hardware configuration options than a pre-built PC. Some custom PC builders provide the option for a professional to customize the look of your build. While there is no “cheapest” option, cost-cutting strategies can save you money on pre-built, custom-built, and DIY PCs.
Lastly, prebuilts are notorious for being difficult to upgrade, although that depends on the manufacturer. Some companies use proprietary components that can't be replaced with standard parts, which means you can't really swap things out if something fails down the line, and you also can't upgrade.
One of the main drawbacks of prebuilt gaming PCs is the limited customisation options. Users are restricted to the components and configurations offered by the manufacturer, which may not always align with their specific needs or preferences.
Unsurprisingly, we strongly recommend building your own PC. Of course, this is preaching to the choir for those of you who have built a PC before. However, for the people out there who are looking into getting a new gaming PC, but unsure if building it is a good idea, we say with absolute conviction that it is.
Cost: If you're on a budget and looking to save some money, building your own PC can be a huge advantage. By choosing your own parts, you can shop around to find the best prices and avoid the added cost of paying for expensive parts that you don't need.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to how long a gaming PC will last, as it depends on a myriad of factors. However, with proper care, maintenance, and occasional upgrades, a well-built gaming PC can easily last five to seven years or even longer before requiring a significant overhaul.
While PC gaming often entails a broad spectrum of costs, primarily your investment would fall within the $1,000 to $4,000 mark for a commendable setup. Most gamers find a comfortable middle ground with a budget spanning $1,000 to $2,500.
While prebuilt PCs may not always offer the same level of customization as building a PC from scratch, they still provide ample opportunities for upgrades to enhance performance and extend the lifespan of your system.
According to Braethorn, little details can ruin a pre-built, and you should take a look under the hood when you get it. Things like packaging crammed into RAM slots and motherboards with failing XMP show that you want to give that new computer a thorough shake-down before the warranty expires.
Low-end lasts 2-3 years, mid-end 3-5 years, high-end 7-10 years, and pre-built around 4-5 years. Key factors impacting lifespan include dust, moisture, laptop batteries, and overheating.
Building a computer at home is generally considered a cost-effective alternative to buying a pre-built one because it excludes the assembly labor cost.
On the surface, this seems like an easy win for building your own PC, and yes, it's technically cheaper to build your own PC. Just buy all the bits individually, wait for it all to get delivered and then build it.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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