PC BUILDING / GUIDE
Is It Cheaper to Build a PC in 2025? Cost Analysis & Expert Guide

Written By: David Matthews

Is It Cheaper To Build A PC Feature Image

Building your own PC has gained popularity among tech enthusiasts and gamers due to its flexibility and customization options. It gives you the freedom to choose components that meet your exact needs. But a key question often comes up: is it cheaper to build a PC compared to buying a pre-built one?

While the potential to save money and achieve higher performance is enticing, there are important factors to consider. These include the cost of individual components, possible hidden expenses like tools or software, and the time required for assembly and troubleshooting.

Let’s break down the costs and explore your options, so you can make an informed decision that fits your gaming and computing goals.

Components of a Custom-Built PC

When building a PC from scratch, you’ll need several key components to bring your system to life. These include the CPU, which acts as the computer’s brain; the motherboard, which connects and coordinates all parts; RAM for quick data access; storage options like SSDs or HDDs to hold your files; a PSU to supply power; and a GPU for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks. Don’t forget the case to house everything and a cooling solution to keep temperatures in check.

Each component plays a vital role, and the list below breaks down their individual importance and functions.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) The brain of your computer
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) Handles visual computations
Motherboard Connects all components together
RAM (Memory) Temporary high-speed storage
Storage (HDD or SSD) Long-term data storage
Power Supply Unit (PSU) Provides power to all components
Case Houses and protects all components
Cooling System Maintains optimal operating temperatures
Operating System Software that manages hardware and runs programs

Average Costs of Component

Here’s an approximate cost breakdown for each component, factoring in not only the price of the parts but also additional expenses like labor, shipping, and potential taxes. This overview will help you better understand the total budget needed to complete your build.

Component	Price Range
CPU	$150 – $500
GPU	$200 – $1,200
Motherboard	$100 – $300
RAM	$60 – $200
Storage (HDD 1TB)	$40 – $60
Storage (SSD 500GB)	$60 – $150
PSU	$50 – $150
Case	$50 – $200
Cooling System (Air)	$20 – $100
Cooling System (Liquid)	$80 – $200
Operating System (Windows 10)	$100 – $140

Looking to Stay Within Budget?

Our Budget PC Build Kits are made to provide reliable, affordable components without cutting corners. Whether you’re building a gaming setup or a PC for everyday use, these kits help you stay within budget while ensuring everything works together smoothly. Each kit has a set budget limit, so you can easily pick the right parts for your build.

Total Cost Range

A custom-built PC can start at around $800 for a budget build, which covers the basics and works well for everyday tasks and casual gaming. On the other hand, high-end setups with top-of-the-line components can cost over $3,000.

Higher-end setups come with powerful processors, advanced graphics cards, and fast storage, making them a great fit for gamers, content creators, and professionals who need reliable performance for heavy-duty tasks.

Pre-Built PCs

Pre-built systems are computers assembled by manufacturers and ready to use, offering a convenient solution for those who lack the time or expertise to build their own. They often include high-quality components like processors, graphics cards, and memory, similar to custom-built PCs.

However, pre-built systems usually come with extra costs for assembly, hardware warranties, and bundled software packages. They also tend to feature standard SSDs, budget-friendly coolers, cases, and lower-tier RAM modules.

If convenience and reliability are your priorities, it’s worth considering the added cost of the simplicity of a ready-to-use system.

PC Type	Price Range
Average Costs of Pre-Built PCs
Entry-Level Gaming PC	$700 – $1,200
Mid-Range Gaming PC	$1,200 – $2,000
High-End Gaming PC	$2,000 – $4,000
Average Costs of Custom-Built PCs
Budget Build	$800 – $1,200
Mid-Range Build	$1,200 – $2,000
High-End Build	$2,000 – $3,500

Long-Term Considerations

Upgradability

Custom-built PCs provide a clear edge when it comes to upgradability. By choosing each component yourself, you can easily swap out parts like the graphics card or RAM as needed, without worrying about voiding warranties. This flexibility makes it simpler and more affordable to keep your system up to date with the latest technology.

On the other hand, pre-built PCs often use proprietary components, which can make upgrades more challenging and costly. These unique parts may limit your options, and in some cases, upgrading could mean replacing the entire system sooner than you’d like.

Warranty and Support

Custom-built PCs come with individual warranties for each component, like the motherboard, processor, and power supply.

While this gives you more flexibility in choosing parts, handling multiple warranties can be tricky and time-consuming, especially if you need support from several manufacturers to resolve issues.

Labor and Time Investment

Building your own PC can be a rewarding experience, but it requires time, patience, and technical knowledge. You’ll need to research components, navigate compatibility issues, and carefully assemble the system, which can be a steep learning curve for beginners. This often leads to the common question: is it cheaper to build a PC when you account for these added challenges?

For those who find the technical aspects overwhelming, building a PC may not be the best option.

In contrast, pre-built PCs focus on convenience. They come fully assembled and ready to use, saving you time and effort. This makes them an attractive choice for anyone who values simplicity and immediate usability over the hands-on experience of building a system from scratch.

Cost Efficiency Over Time

Custom-built PCs typically offer a better cost-to-performance ratio in the long run. While the initial investment may be higher, the ability to upgrade components over time allows you to enhance your system’s performance without having to purchase an entirely new machine.

This consideration is crucial when asking, is it cheaper to build a PC in terms of long-term investment?

This can lead to significant savings compared to pre-built systems, where you might find you need to replace the entire setup to keep up with technological advancements. By investing in high-quality components from the start, you can extend the life of your system and stay updated with less frequent and less costly upgrades.

Personalization and Performance

Father and Son Building a PC, personalizing the parts they're selecting, for their first custom built PC

A custom-built PC lets you design a system that fits your exact needs, whether it’s for gaming, content creation, or everyday tasks.

With this level of personalization, you can achieve better performance by selecting components that work seamlessly together for your specific goals.

In contrast, pre-built PCs often include parts that might not be fully optimized for your intended use, leading to potential bottlenecks.

By choosing each part yourself, a custom build ensures your PC delivers the performance you expect, providing a smoother and more efficient experience.

Aesthetics and Customization Options

One major perk of building a custom PC is the ability to design it to match your personal style. You can choose from a wide range of cases, RGB lighting, and cooling options to create a setup that looks as good as it performs. Plus, you’re not stuck with pre-installed bloatware—you get a clean copy of Windows that’s yours to customize without being tied to a manufacturer’s configuration.

Pre-built PCs, on the other hand, usually stick to standard designs with limited options for personalization. This can make them feel less unique, especially if you want your setup to reflect your own style and preferences.

Ready to Start Building?

Check out our complete PC Build Kits for a hassle-free way to build a future-ready PC. Whether you’re looking for top-tier performance or a budget-conscious option, these kits provide everything you need to get started with confidence.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Deciding between a custom-built PC and a pre-built system comes down to your needs, budget, and technical know-how. But is it cheaper to build a PC when you factor in everything?

If you enjoy working with hardware or have specific performance goals, a custom-built PC might be the way to go. It lets you customize every aspect, ensuring the specs meet your exact needs—whether for gaming, graphic design, or other demanding tasks.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a ready-to-use option with professional support, a pre-built PC is a great choice. These systems are perfect for those who aren’t as tech-savvy or don’t have the time to build their own. With a pre-built PC, you can start using it right out of the box without worrying about assembly or compatibility issues.

Ultimately, your decision should reflect what matters most to you—whether it’s cost, convenience, or the satisfaction of creating your own system.

Build Kits Are a Great Way to Start!

Take the guesswork out of building your PC with our PC Build kits:

PC Build Kits – A great starting point for understanding what a build kit is.
Gaming PC Build Kits – Ideal for gamers seeking high performance.
Budget PC Build Kits – Affordable solutions without compromise.

With our kits, you’ll enjoy expert-curated components and a simplified building process, making your new PC build a reality.

Can’t decide between building your own PC or settling for a pre-built system?

We’ve got you covered! At On The Spot Computer Repairs (OTSCR), we offer the best of both worlds with our custom PC builder service.

Customize Every Component

Why compromise when you can get exactly what you need? At our custom build PC shop, we offer a variety of custom-built options to suit your needs. Whether you’re a gamer looking for a powerful gaming PC or a content creator needing a workstation that handles demanding tasks with ease, we have the right PC for you.

Expert Assembly

Leave the assembly to us! With over 13 years in business and decades of experience in custom PC building, we’ll bring your dream machine to life with precision and care.

Quick Delivery

Get your custom PC faster than doing it yourself. We understand you’re excited to start using your new system, so we prioritize efficiency to deliver your custom-built PC quickly.

Create your perfect PC without the stress of putting it together yourself. You get the fun of choosing exactly what you want, and we take care of the assembly, so you can sit back and enjoy the finished product.

Create Your Custom PC Now

David Matthews

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.

PC BUILDING / GUIDE
Is It Cheaper to Build a PC in 2025? Cost Analysis & Expert Guide

Table of Contents:

Components of a Custom-Built PC