Luxia Le

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When getting a new machine for gaming, many new users ask whether it’s better to buy pre-built or build their own computers. Building your own computer can be time consuming and requires a small amount of technical knowledge not taught by standard curriculum in schools. Users who are new to computer building often are flying by the seat of their pants. So, is it better to buy a pre-built computer and save yourself the headache? The answer isn’t so straightforward.

Cost Efficiency

Building a computer is the most cost efficient way to get the most powerful components. Powerful computer components are a premium item that not many manufacturers indulge in. Thus, pre-built computers containing high-power components typically come with an additional sticker tax for power. Since the manufacturer won’t sell as many units, they get a lower return on buying more powerful components. Manufacturers buy fewer high-powered components and mark them up more considerably to make up for the fact that most people in the world do not need them and won’t purchase them.

Even with gaming becoming more popular in the mainstream, it remains a relatively niche hobby. This nicheness is especially true for games that require a high-powered computer. While some popular low-power games can be made to require more processing power with mods, high-powered gaming computers are designed with people who want to play games that require a high base power for their computer. Thus, they are more likely to spend the extra money to get the best possible graphics in their games.

People who prefer to play games that work well at a low processing power or who do not care to have the best possible graphics in their game are unlikely to spend hundreds or thousands of extra dollars on a computer. Thus, fewer pre-built gaming PCs are going to be sold and the profit margin is much smaller because the components cost more.

Controlling the Components

Another reason building your own PC is a good idea is because you can control the components that go into the case. When you buy a pre-built computer, the manufacturer decides what components are up to the manufacturer. This can mean you end up with components that don’t suit your personal needs. It could go in either direction too. You might end up paying more for a component that is more powerful than what you need or you could end up buying a computer with less power than you need to be satisfied.

When you build your own PC every component is under your discretion. This can help you save money by choosing components that suit your needs without going overboard. You can choose to spend more money on certain parts while saving on ones that are less important to you.

Maintenance

Building your own computer also gives you a window into the maintenance process. You will not only be able to choose the components in the case, but you will also have a more intimate knowledge of your computer’s inner workings. This knowledge can let you perform your own maintenance instead of bringing your computer to an overpriced repair service. If you don’t have a small computer shop nearby this can be especially helpful. Large tech retailers that perform repairs, like Best Buy, have a poor track record of ripping their customers off. Last time I got a computer serviced at Best Buy they charged me $500 for a repair that I later learned how to do for $60–120.

Learning to do your own maintenance on your computer can save you loads of money and time. Additionally, these skills don’t just disappear. Computers are becoming a ubiquitous and necessary part of human society. You will need to be able to both operate and care for a computer to continue to contribute to your own well-being as we move further into the century.

Time

One way that buying a pre-built computer from a manufacturer can help is by saving you time. Some people don’t want to invest the time into assembling their computer and would rather wait for it to ship and be usable out of the box. This feeling is valid. No activity is suitable for every single person.

Mobility Issues

If you have mobility issues in your hands, you might want to consider buying a pre-built computer. Assembling computer parts requires a lot of fine motor skills and a steady hand. This is not to say that those with prominent mobility issues in their hands are incapable of performing the tasks, but doing so may be unhealthy for their long-term joint health, especially if they plan to upgrade their computer regularly. Every time you upgrade your computer you will have to utilize fine motor skills that may be impacted by or impact mobility issues.

Space Considerations

People who live in exceptionally small spaces may also want to consider spending the extra money on a pre-built computer. When building a computer you will need space to assemble the components. You also need to have a space with a non-carpet flooring. Some apartments are carpeted all the way through and this can result in electrical damage to the components if you build up static electricity from the carpet. You can manage this by grounding yourself or wearing static wristbands, but some users may not want to take the risk at all even if it can be mitigated.