Building a custom PC is often seen as the most cost-effective way of getting the best performance, but is it cheaper to build a gaming pc than buying off-the-cart?
From the latest graphics cards to CPU and RAM specifications, building a gaming machine requires you to make the right hardware choices – which may or may not let you save money.
I’ll explore if it’s really worth investing in components and assembling them into a computer on your own rather than opting for prebuilt models. So read on if you’re looking for help making an informed decision!
Is it cheaper to build your gaming PC?
In most cases, building your gaming PC is not only satisfying, but it can also save you money. By selecting the parts and components to create your PC that fits your budget, you can assemble a PC for less than what pre-built options charge, such as assembly and labor costs.
Here, you have more control over your PC parts. Depending on how cleverly you select and customize each part, building a rig based on your specific needs could give you better specs at a lesser cost.
Moreover, you can choose easily upgradable components. This means you can upgrade individual parts as needed rather than replace the entire system.
Advantages of building a gaming PC
1. Customization options
One of the main advantages of building your gaming PC is that you can customize it according to your exact preferences & aesthetics. You can select and combine components to exactly meet your budget and specifications, giving you flexibility over how powerful or affordable you want your rig to be.
2. Better performance for the price:
It is possible to assemble a gaming PC with more power than one you would buy pre-built for the same price. Because here, you have a wider variety of alternate components with the best price-to-performance ratio to choose from based on your gaming needs.
This makes getting the best performance out of your budget easier, making it well worth the effort if you want to save money while still achieving great results.
Pre-built PCs often come with additional markup costs from the manufacturer or retailer. By buying individual parts and assembling them, you avoid these extra costs and can put those savings toward higher-quality components.
3. More knowledge and understanding:
Building your PC will give you greater insight into how computers work, as well as improve your technical knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
4. Cost savings in the long run:
Building a DIY PC often involves more time-consuming than buying pre-built PCs; however, you may save money in the long run by upgrading individual components at any time instead of replacing the whole system.
Disadvantages of building a gaming PC
1. Requires knowledge and research:
Building a gaming PC requires knowledge, research, and technical skills, including the ability to understand parts compatibility and the steps needed for assembly.
It would be best if you also were confident in your ability to research the best hardware selection parts for your build and troubleshoot any issues that arise along the way.
2. Time-consuming process:
Building a gaming PC is time intensive, especially if you are new to it, as it requires research and preparation before you even begin to purchase components.
It is vital to know how to assemble them correctly, which takes several hours to assemble the parts and configure the computer appropriately. In addition, each component needs to be tested individually.
3. Potential for compatibility issues
Choosing components that are not compatible with each other can result in problems during assembly or even after you’ve assembled your PC. The manufacturer does not provide any warranty in the event of such an occurrence.
Of course, there is no problem with the parts themselves, so in this case, you can’t even return them but exchange them most of the time. This can lead to additional costs and time spent troubleshooting or exchanging parts. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly research parts compatibility before you begin the actual build process.
4. No customer support
When you build your gaming PC, there is no customer support to help with any issues or technical difficulties. You will be entirely responsible for troubleshooting any problems that arise and are not covered by a warranty from the manufacturer.
Guidelines to consider when building a cheaper PC:
Set a budget:
The first and most important step is to set a budget. Decide how much you want to spend on the PC system, from the CPU all the way down to the power supply, and then stick to it. This will help guide your decision-making process when selecting components.
Prioritize components
When it comes to the components themselves, you’ll want to prioritize spending on important parts over others. For example, if you plan to use your PC for gaming, you should invest in a CPU and graphics card first, as these are usually the most expensive parts of a gaming PC. Afterward, you want to select SSD storage you need, power supply capacity, case, and other peripherals.
For CPU – look for a compatible motherboard with processor that offers good performance with multiple cores and threads for the price. AMD Ryzen processors often provide better value for money compared to Intel processors.
For GPU – Consider a mid-range graphics card: Graphics cards can be one of the most expensive components in a PC build. Look for a mid-range card that provides good performance and GPU RAM at a reasonable cost. Nvidia’s GTX 1660 Super or AMD’s RX 580 are solid choices.
Don’t overspend on RAM
While having enough RAM is important, you don’t need to overspend. Aim for at least 8GB to 12GB of memory, but 16GB is even better if you can fit it into your budget. Moreover, DDR5 RAM isn’t required if you can get DDR4 RAM in budget.
Avoid unnecessary features
Components such as motherboards can come with many extra features that are not needed at times, such as Multiple Graphics Card Slots type, RGB Lighting, and Wi-Fi Connectivity. Look for models with only the parts you need to save money.
Look for ways to compromise without sacrificing performance. For example, you can save money by choosing a slightly older CPU model or a smaller and SATA SSD rather costly NVMe PCIe..
Don’t overspend on aesthetics
While flashy cases and RGB lighting may look cool, they can add unnecessary costs. Focus on function over form. You should also purchase from reputable manufacturers and retailers and consider investing in a quality power supply and to avoid CPU thermal throttling a good case fans size like 120 or 140mm needed to ensure the longevity and stability of your build.
Research,
Before buying any components, must research and compare the prices of different brands or vendors and look for deals or sales. This will ensure you get a good deal on the parts you choose and maximum savings.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to make or buy a gaming PC?
It can vary on some factors, such as your budget, the components you want in your gaming PC, and your level of technical expertise. Building your gaming PC from individual components can be less expensive than buying a pre-built gaming PC, especially if you already have some components or can reuse parts from an older computer.
Is building a PC cheaper than a gaming laptop?
Building a gaming desktop PC is often less expensive than purchasing a laptop with similar specifications. This is because desktop components are less costly and more easily upgradeable than laptop components, which are often smaller and more specialized.
Is it worth buying Pre-built PCs for gaming?
Pre-built gaming PCs are a worthful option for gamers who don’t have the time or technical expertise to build their systems and need warranty and support. Since all the components are already selected and tested by the manufacturer, you can be sure that they will work together and that your PC will be ready to use right out of the box for ease and convenience. However, pre-built gaming PCs are often more expensive than custom-built PCs.
Which components should you focus on when building a gaming PC?
When building a gaming PC, focusing on the components that will most affect performance is essential. This includes the CPU, graphics card, motherboard, and PSU. After selecting and accounting for those in the budget, you can look at other components such as RAM, storage, cabinet type, and cooling options like DC or PWM fans.
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