Wondering if you should buy a Prebuilt or a Custom PC? Which is the best option for you? Choosing between a prebuilt gaming PC and a custom gaming PC depends on your personal preferences, technical expertise, and specific requirements. Here’s a guide to help you:
What are Custom and Prebuilt PCs?
You buy a prebuilt PC when the computer system is assembled and sold to you as a complete package. A manufacturer or retailer assembled the PC and it is already built and ready to use out of the box, with all the necessary components installed and configured. Once you purchase a prebuilt computer, you can simply plug it in and enjoy it.
A custom PC refers to a computer system that is built by selecting and assembling individual components according to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. You have the flexibility to hand-pick each component and personalize the configuration to your liking. In either case, you have the maximum control over your PC’s specifications with this approach, at the cost of more effort on your part. You can either build a PC yourself or have a retailer that specializes in building PCs do it for you.
Prebuilt gaming PC is the easier option.
Volta PC — Model A. Power in a compact chassis
Prebuilt gaming PCs are ready to use out of the box. You save time and effort as the components are already assembled and optimized for performance. You don’t have to research and assemble individual components. The components, such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, and motherboard, are chosen to work well together. You will be able to plug in and use it instantly. This is especially beneficial if you are not familiar with computer parts or if you prefer a hassle-free experience.
Prebuilt PCs are typically designed and tested by professionals to deliver an optimal gaming experience for certain games or settings. Some are designed and optimized for specific gaming scenarios or target resolutions.
They can be cost-effective if you are on a tight budget. It is more affordable than building a Custom PC as you are buying a Prebuilt PC for a lump sum instead of pricing out individual components. Some prebuilt PCs may use lower-quality components to keep costs down. It’s essential for you to research the specific model and its components. This will help you determine if the prebuilt PC you are interested in uses high-quality parts or if compromises have been made to keep costs.
It’s important to note that Prebuilt PCs may not offer the same level of customization, upgradability and personalization as a Custom PC. For example, most pre-built rigs don’t have components like liquid cooling. If you have someone custom-build you a PC, you can ask for things like this. However, if your main priorities are convenience and a reliable gaming experience without the need for extensive technical knowledge, it can be a viable choice.
Where should you buy a Prebuilt PC from?
Branded prebuilt PCs are computers produced by well-known manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, and others. These companies have established themselves in the market and have a reputation for producing reliable and quality systems.
Branded prebuilt PCs often come with better customer support, warranties, and after-sales service. The established manufacturers have dedicated support teams and networks to handle customer inquiries and provide assistance if any issues arise. They typically use components from reputable manufacturers, ensuring compatibility and reliable performance. These companies often have partnerships with component manufacturers and can negotiate better pricing for quality parts.
Unlike OEM PCs, independent builders or smaller computer shops assembles systems are called Non-branded or Custom prebuilt PCs are systems assembled by independent builders or smaller computer shops. These PCs are typically built based on customer specifications, and the components can vary depending on the builder’s offerings or customer preferences. They offer more flexibility in terms of component selection, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs and budget. This can be advantageous if you have specific requirements or preferences for certain components.
Custom gaming PC is the best value for money.
Custom white gaming PC. Image credit: GeekaWhat
Building a custom PC requires you to have some technical knowledge, as well as time for research and assembly. However, the advantages of customization, performance and personalization may make it an appealing option for you.
You have the liberty to choose each component according to your specific needs and preferences when building a Custom PC. You can select high-quality components based on your desired performance, budget, and future upgrade plans. This level of customization allows you to optimize your PC for gaming or other demanding tasks.
This enables you to hand-pick high quality components that deliver superior performance compared to prebuilt systems. You can choose reputable brands known for their reliability and performance. Or you can also choose the latest and most powerful hardware available. This ensures that your PC meets or exceeds the requirements of the games or applications you intend to use. Your PC would be built with high-quality components that are less likely to fail or cause issues. This flexibility allows you to prioritize performance in the areas that matter most to you. The usual factors for consideration are graphics, processing power or storage speed.
Custom PCs are typically more upgradable compared to prebuilt systems. Technology advances by leaps and bounds. With a custom PC, you can easily replace or upgrade individual component to keep up with the latest advancements. This allows you to extend the lifespan of your PC without having to replace the entire system. Which in turn allows more flexibility and cost effectiveness in the long run.
There are two main obstacles if you are considering getting a new custom built PC. The first is the need for the necessary knowledge of how components work and whether they are compatible. The second is the process of putting it all together. There are two ways you can go about this. You can either build it yourself, or have a professional build it for you.
Getting someone to build a Custom PC for you.
Volta PC – Custom PC Builder
Thankfully, there is help at hand if assembling a PC by yourself seems too daunting of a task. Getting a custom PC doesn’t require assembling it yourself. There are shops that specializes in building PCs. You can choose each component yourself and they will advise you along the way. Getting an experienced professional to build it for you is a viable option. Especially if you don’t know what to do when building one and don’t want to risk damaging the parts,
Contact the professionals and discuss what you want, including the components, budget, and any customization options you want. If you are not sure about the specific components you want in your PC then contact a professional. They can also advise you on what to get based on your needs and budget.
Building a Custom PC yourself.
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. Image credit: Toms Hardware
Now this is the tricky part: you want to build a PC.
If you have limited technical knowledge or experience, building a PC can be a challenging task. However, with research and preparation it is definitely achievable.
Determine your specific requirements for the PC, such as its intended use as well as the budget . Common uses are gaming, content creation or general productivity. This will help you prioritize components and make informed decisions during the selection process.
You have to research different components and their compatibility with each other. The key components you should consider include the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, power supply, cooling solution and peripherals. You should read reviews, compare specifications, and consider factors such as performance, reliability and value for money. The components you choose are compatible with each other and fit within your budget. You can purchase these components individually after comparing prices from different retailers. If you purchase the components separately from different retailers, the warranty is for each of these components individually.
Additionally, you can find detailed step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and forums online. These information can you find will provide a lot of assistance during the build process.
If you are unsure about building a PC yourself, you can consider alternatives. You can seek help from a friend with experience, or hire a professional to assist you. Finally you can always opt for a custom prebuilt PC.
So should you get a Custom or Prebuilt gaming PC?
Prebuilt vs Custom Gaming PC. Image credit: HMT Computers
The decision to buy a custom or prebuilt PC ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and level of technical expertise.
If you have the technical knowledge, time, and desire for customization, building a custom PC can provide the best flexibility and performance optimization. However, if you value convenience and a streamlined purchasing process, a prebuilt PC may be the better choice. Consider your priorities, budget, and willingness to engage in the building process to make the decision that suits your specific needs.