CUSTOM PC COMPONENTS
Is It Cheaper to Build a Gaming PC in 2024? Expert Advice Inside!
Written By: David Matthews
CUSTOM PC COMPONENTS
Throughout my years of building and repairing PCs for customers, one question consistently arises: Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC, or is it better to purchase a pre-assembled one from a store like Best Buy or online from Amazon? In this post, I will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you determine which choice is best for you.
Understanding the Costs:
Building vs. Buying
Building your own gaming PC or buying a prebuilt PC often boils down to budget and preferences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to consider:
Component Costs
Custom Built PC:
When building a PC, you have the freedom to choose each component that will be included in your system. For instance, you may opt for a high-quality motherboard instead of an extremely powerful CPU, allowing you to customize your build according to your preferences.
One of the biggest advantages of building your own PC is the opportunity to select high-quality components, each typically backed by warranties. These warranties usually last between 1 to 5 years, although certain components, like power supplies, can offer warranties of up to 10 years. Additionally, RAM often comes with lifetime warranties.
Furthermore, is it cheaper to build a gaming PC in terms of long-term value? Custom-built PCs make upgrading easier. In contrast, pre-built systems are often specifically designed for their intended uses and may include power supply cables customized to the size of the motherboard and other components, which can restrict upgrade potential in the future.
Pre-Built PC:
Prebuilt gaming PCs usually come with a markup to cover assembly, testing, and warranty costs. While this adds some value, the components used in these systems are often cheaper and less powerful than those found in custom-built PCs. Although key specifications such as the CPU, GPU, and RAM are usually revealed, important details often remain undisclosed. These can include the type of memory used, the manufacturer of the power supply, the motherboard, and the type and brand of the storage drive.
Labor and Assembly
Custom Built PC:
Building a PC yourself eliminates labor costs unless you choose to hire a professional to do it for you. However, a significant challenge for first-time builders is ensuring that the PC functions correctly after assembly. In my 14 years in the computer repair business, one of our most common repairs involves new custom-built PCs that won’t power on after being assembled. While YouTube and online guides can be excellent resources, issues may arise if a component is dead on arrival (DOA) or if something isn’t connected properly. This can lead to frustration, the need to return parts, and sometimes even damage during the process.
Although this may sound daunting, is it cheaper to build a gaming PC despite the challenges? By taking your time, following the necessary steps, and selecting the right components, the process should be straightforward and lead to a successful build.
Pre-Built PC:
Buying a prebuilt PC is quite different from a custom build. With a prebuilt, you don’t have to build, troubleshoot, or worry about compatibility issues—your computer is ready to plug in and use right away. While you may not get a system tailored perfectly to your specific needs, this hassle-free option comes with significant benefits, especially when you purchase from a local shop like ours.
Retail Costs vs. Manufacturer Savings
Bulk Discounts for Manufacturers
Bulk Discounts for Manufacturers:
Companies that mass-produce PCs can sell them at lower prices than smaller companies like ours, which must buy all their parts individually from retailers. Large companies either manufacture the parts themselves, buy them in bulk from manufacturers or have these manufacturers build the parts for them. This allows them to reduce the cost of each prebuilt PC, making it a really good option for consumers. However, as mentioned earlier, these parts are not the highest performing. From experience, they often fail after a few years of use, which typically happens right after their one-year warranty expires.
Individual Purchases:
Building your own PC often means paying retail prices for parts, which can be higher than what manufacturers pay. However, there are certain times when you can find parts at much lower prices, such as during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas sales. Stores like Micro Center are extremely competitive and offer CPUs at some of the lowest prices, oftentimes close to manufacturer pricing. As a result, building your own PC can be comparable to buying a prebuilt one, but with much better components and warranties.
Hidden Costs
Custom Built PC:
When building your custom PC, it’s important to consider the potential tools and accessories you might need, such as thermal paste, screwdrivers, and cable ties, which you may not already have. Additionally, is it cheaper to build a gaming PC when accounting for these small but necessary expenses? The costs are often minor but should be considered before building your own PC. You might also need to take your new custom-built PC to a repair shop if it doesn’t turn on after you’ve followed the assembly instructions correctly. The costs are often minor but should be considered before building your own PC.
Pre-Built PC:
Prebuilt systems often come with bundled software or warranties, which can add value but may not always be necessary. Another hidden cost to consider is that some discounted prebuilt systems might use parts that are several years old. It can be difficult to determine this because the specifications of most components are not disclosed. While this can lead to attractive pricing, it may also mean that the performance suffers, as you’ll likely be missing out on the latest components in your prebuilt system. This explains why the prices on some prebuilt systems, especially around the holidays, can seem very appealing. However, these discounts may be a result of liquidating old components from models that are no longer manufactured and have been on the market for over a year.
Market Trends
Component Availability
During periods of shortages, like the recent graphics card drought during the COVID-19 pandemic, building your own PC can become more expensive and challenging due to inflated prices. For instance, AMD’s new Ryzen 7 9800X3D was sold out everywhere upon its launch, and prices on platforms like eBay and Amazon nearly tripled. This CPU remains difficult to obtain. Such situations often occur whenever new flagship components are released; stores typically receive limited supplies while demand remains high, making it nearly impossible to acquire one unless you are willing to pay an inflated price.
Manufacturers often secure components during shortages, which can make prebuilt PCs a better deal in high-demand markets. This is one way to acquire an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphic card. While savvy shoppers can hunt around for one, many people have opted for prebuilt systems due to the difficulty of obtaining this card. This trend is currently happening with the new AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and will likely occur again when Nvidia launches its new 5000 series GPUs in 2025. Therefore, prebuilt PCs can have a major advantage if you’re looking to build a computer around a hard-to-find, highly sought-after part.
Time Investment and Technical Expertise
Learning Curve
Building a PC can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s not as simple as assembling a LEGO set. Some components can be pretty expensive and require delicate installation, such as properly inserting a CPU over the socket pins and applying thermal paste correctly. Additionally, PSU cables must be plugged in correctly, and fan cables, especially the CPU fan cable, need to be installed in their proper locations.
A great place to start is YouTube, where you can find visual guides on how to assemble a PC, along with shortcuts and techniques shared by experienced builders to make the process easier. While building a PC can be a rewarding experience if done correctly, it can also become very frustrating if done poorly.
I advise watching several videos on YouTube and paying careful attention to how the CPU is installed, as improper handling can damage the pins. This could result in needing to buy a new motherboard, as retailers will not allow returns if pins are damaged.
Time Commitment
Not every custom build PC can be built within a few hours. Some builds may not POST (Power-On Self-Test), which could be due to a forgotten or improperly connected cable, or sometimes the components may arrive dead on arrival (DOA). Troubleshooting can be the most time consuming aspect of building a PC, second only to learning the building process itself. Additionally, selecting the right components and ensuring their compatibility can be time consuming.
Opting for a prebuilt PC can help you avoid this time commitment. However, as mentioned earlier, prebuilt PCs have their downsides.
Immediate Use
There’s nothing like unboxing a new prebuilt PC, plugging in the cables, hitting the power button, and seeing everything come to life. The operating system is already installed, all programs are pre-loaded, drivers are set up, and everything is ready to go. Plus, the cost of prebuilt PCs can be cheaper than building your own, making this a win-win for many people looking to jump into the gaming PC world.
However, there is a unique joy that comes from building your own custom PC. It’s the satisfaction of hand-selecting all your parts, assembling them, installing the OS and software, and having a system completely tailored to your specific needs. And yes, when everything turns on and works flawlessly, you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s a feeling that will make you never want to look at a manufactured computer or prebuilt PC ever again.
The Bottom Line
Deciding between building a gaming PC and purchasing a prebuilt one in 2024 ultimately comes down to personal preferences, budget constraints, and individual capabilities. Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC or to buy one? While building a PC offers customization and potential cost savings, buying a prebuilt system provides convenience and support. Both options have their pros and cons, and I hope this post was able to help you guide you in the right direction.
I’ve been building PCs for almost thirty years. Because of this experience, I would never consider buying a prebuilt system; I would choose to build one myself. This approach may not be for everyone, but from my perspective, it’s an incredible experience that you won’t regret if you select quality components and maintain the PC properly—such as cleaning the fans regularly and ensuring good airflow around the components.
I also recommend contacting a shop like ours for a brief consultation. We are often busy with repairs and other customers, but we can help you put together a custom build tailored to your budget and needs. From there, you can have a professional install the parts, giving you the same experience as a prebuilt system while enjoying all the advantages of a custom-built computer.
Another option would be to use a “build your own PC” shop like ours. You can customize your build with all the components you want and have us assemble it and warranty the build. These two options bring you closer to the convenience of a prebuilt system. While it may not be as simple as walking into a store, purchasing a PC, and playing your favorite game within the hour, the wonderful things that come with taking your time and choosing the custom route will always outweigh the benefits of a prebuilt system.
Happy holidays! I hope this post has helped you in your journey into the world of gaming PCs.
FAQs
Q: Is it cheaper to build a gaming PC or buy a prebuilt one in 2024?
A: Building your own gaming PC can often be more cost-effective, as it allows for component selection tailored to your budget and performance needs. However, prebuilt PCs may offer better value during sales events or when component prices are high.
Q: What are the advantages of building a custom gaming PC?
A: Building a custom PC provides flexibility in component choice, potential cost savings, and ease of future upgrades. It also offers a deeper understanding of your system’s inner workings.
Q: Are prebuilt gaming PCs reliable?
A: Reputable manufacturers produce reliable prebuilt gaming PCs that undergo extensive testing and come with warranties. However, they may include lower-quality components compared to custom built PCs.
Q: How difficult is it to build a gaming PC for the first time?
A: Building a gaming PC requires careful attention to detail and patience. Numerous online tutorials and guides are available to assist first-time builders. YouTube is a great resource!
Q: Do prebuilt gaming PCs come with warranties?
A: Yes, prebuilt gaming PCs come with warranties covering the entire system, providing peace of mind in case of hardware issues. These warranties usually last for one year and can be extended if desired.
Q: Can I upgrade a prebuilt gaming PC?
A: While most prebuilt PCs allow for upgrades, some may contain proprietary components that limit compatibility with standard parts. If you plan on upgrading your build in the future, it is always best to choose the custom PC route.
Q: How long does it take to build a gaming PC?
A: For first-time builders, assembling a gaming PC can take several hours, including time for troubleshooting and ensuring proper connections and good cable management.
Q: How does the warranty differ between custom-built and prebuilt PCs?
A: Custom-built PCs come with individual component warranties that range from 1 to 10 years, whereas prebuilt systems typically include a comprehensive warranty covering the entire system for 1 year.
Q: Can building a PC save money in the long run?
A: Yes, building a PC can lead to long-term savings through easier upgrades and avoidance of proprietary components that may be costly to replace.
Q: How does the warranty differ between custom-built and prebuilt PCs?
A: Custom-built PCs come with individual component warranties that range from 1 to 10 years, whereas prebuilt systems typically include a comprehensive warranty covering the entire system for 1 year.
Q: What should I consider when choosing between building and buying a gaming PC?
A: To make an informed decision, consider factors like budget, technical expertise, time commitment, and personal preferences. Always remember to conduct thorough research.
Q: How do prebuilt PCs handle software and driver installations?
A: Prebuilt PCs usually come with all necessary drivers and software pre-installed, which makes the setup process easier. In contrast, if you build a custom PC yourself, you will need to install the operating system, drivers, and software manually. However, if you purchase a custom PC from a shop like ours, we take care of installing the operating system and drivers, and we also run stress tests to ensure that everything is working properly before delivery.
Q: What are the common pitfalls to avoid when building a gaming PC?
A: To ensure a successful build, avoid pitfalls such as neglecting compatibility checks, improper handling of components, and inadequate cooling solutions.
David is the owner of OTSCR and has been building and fixing computers for over 20 years. Starting as a hobby, his expertise has evolved into a successful small business. He now shares his knowledge through blogging and continues to provide top-notch computer services.
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