Building vs Buying a PC: Which is Better

Is it better to build or buy a pc? There really isn't a wrong answer. Whether building a custom pc or buying a prebuilt pc, both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we will discuss this in some aspects.

Building a custom pc

Advantages:

1. Free combination

Undoubtedly, the best part of building a custom pc is the possibility to choose every component as you like. It allows you to customize it to fit your exact budget and performance requirements. You can build a pc that stands out in a certain aspect to meet your requirements. Such as you can build a personalized computer with a large monitor or a professional sound card (listening to music or recording and editing music).

2. Cheap price

Is it cheaper to build your own computer? Generally speaking, below the circumstance of same performance, the price of custom pc is cheaper 5% to 10% than that of prebuilt pc. Of course, the price of prebuilt pc can be cheaper when it has a discount. The brands of computer components are numerous, which have variable prices. As a result, choosing components of different brands will also affect the total price of custom pc.

3. Easy to upgrade and expand

It is another distinguishing advantage of building a pc. You can replace or upgrade any component of custom pc to meet your various needs. Each component of custom pc has its own warranty so when you disassemble the computer to replace or upgrade the components, it will not affect the warranty of each component.

4. Full of fun

Firstly, we can enjoy the fun of shopping when we are picking and purchasing the components. What's more, most people are curious about what the computer itself is indeed and how its components combine. Figuring it out can make us fulfilling. Finally, it is full of fun to build a pc by yourself. From assembling the components into a complete computer, installing operating system and software to optimizing computer for best performance, all of which I can play all the day.

Disadvantages:

1. Time spent building a pc

Firstly, it is inevitable that you have to spend much time and efforts on learning about every component of computer and considering in every aspect to select the most suitable one. Moreover, assembling the components is also a time-consuming process. What's worse, if you don't know much about computers, it might cause assembling by mistake, which will take much more time.

2. The compatibility and assembly errors

Buying components that are incompatible with each other is a risk of building a pc. To prevent this, you must do lots of research to ensure the compatibility of components. Additionally, even if all the components are compatible, there is still a risk of improper assembly, which might cause the computer to work improperly.

Buying a prebuilt pc

Advantages:

1. Easier, quicker and more convenient

Relative to building a pc, buying a prebuilt pc is much more convenient and quicker. What you get is a complete computer with installed operating system and some software. It is so convenient that you can use it directly as long as the prebuilt computer is powered on. It can not only avoid the issues of choosing compatible components, but also save time of assembling the components and installing the operating system.

2. Reliable quality

Every prebuilt pc is exposed to various strict tests before leaving the factory. Besides, the compatibility among each component has a high quality with few issues in general. It is equally reliable for custom pc if it has components of high quality.

3. Better warranty and after-sales service

It is an outstanding feature of prebuilt pc. During the warranty period, once there is any problem in computer, the technicians will repair it door to door after a calling. However, if there are some issues in custom pc, you have to check the broken component by yourself and then contact the corresponding manufacturers for after-sales service. Relatively speaking, buying a pc is much more convenient and safer.

Disadvantages:

1. Lack of flexibility

It's hardly possible to tailor the components to meet your exact requirements. To some extent, the fixed structure makes it impossible for you to upgrade some aspects of your computer. Unlike to custom pc, it is not allowed for prebuilt pc to replace or upgrade components privately. There are seals sealing the case of prebuilt pc, once the seals are torn, it won't enjoy the benefits of warranty policy.

2. Low cost performance ratio

As mentioned above, the price of prebuilt pc is higher than that of custom pc below the circumstance of same performance. It is because that when you buy a prebuilt pc, you are paying for more than just the hardware. You are paying for assembly, warranty service as well as high profit margin. So, it is not so cost-effective compared with the custom pc.

Bottom Line: Which is recommended?

Ultimately, there is no hard and fast rule and the choice of buying or building a pc depends on your preference and budget.

On one hand, if you are enthusiastic about computer and DIY, building a pc for yourself is full of fun. But you need to pour much time and energy into choosing and assembling components. It is not recommended for computer newbies.

On the other hand, if you have enough budget and want to avoid dealing with the issues of choosing compatible components and assembling your own system, then a prebuilt pc would be the better option for you. Meanwhile, you will get better warranty and after-sales service and save so much time.