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Should i buy a pre-built PC or build it myself?

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SeanEpp
0
Mar 17, 2019
Building it yourself would be much cheaper but less convenient. Buying a pre-built would suit you best as someone new to PC's.
Pylinaer
22
Feb 19, 2019
So there is really three options here:
  1. Buy a pre-built
  2. Put it together yourself
  3. Order a custom built machine
Each has their own pros and cons.
  • Pre-built
  • + You can buy it, plug it in, turn it on, and it should work.
  • - The quality of parts is generally lower.
  • - Anything less than $700 USD generally has crap for a graphics card.
  • Built it yourself
  • + You know what parts are in it.
  • + Sub $700 builds can still have great graphics cards.
  • - Takes time and effort to put it together and get everything running.
  • - More liability on you and you will have to troubleshoot (if something goes wrong).
  • - Can be scary for the first build.
  • - More research needed for finding the best parts.
  • Custom built
  • + You generally know what parts are in it.
  • + You don't have to put the time, effort, and troubleshooting to get it together and running.
  • + You can buy it and it should work.
  • - Can be vastly more expensive and take weeks to arrive.
  • - Lower end systems are generally not available.
Personally, if you get a pre-built, I would buy a better PSU to go with it that is modular and switch that puppy out. Most pre-builts manufacturers use the cheapest PSU that works. The PSU is basically the one component that has the potential to destroy the rest of your system if it goes out. Custom built offers pros from both pre-built and DIY, but comes at a premium. If you feel up to it and are willing to put the work into it, I would say go for building it yourself. If you aren't confident in trying, I would recommend going one of the other options. And by confident, I mean "I definitely want to do this". You're gonna be nervous, most everyone is/was.
(Edited)
clog4
2
Feb 13, 2019
Buy one if you do not have the patience to troubleshoot yourself
SilenceFiction
4
Feb 8, 2019
Definitely build it yourself. The price, in most cases, will always be better when you build it yourself. Also the experience you gain when you do it yourself will probably help you understand computers better and I believe its an enjoyable experience all around.
Schleem
1
Feb 6, 2019
Building your own could be cheaper, but I've noticed that for the components that I want together, generally are cheaper if you buy a prebuilt PC.
Jhen
3
Feb 5, 2019
I would recommend building one, its a good experience and it generally saves you money for the same performance. If you're at all uncomfortable with the possibility of needing to trouble shoot or warranty separate parts then a prebuilt might be the way to go. Building a PC can lead to some quirks and problems you likely wouldn't have with a prebuilt.
TLemelin
165
Feb 5, 2019
If you have any interest at all in how a computer works and you want the exhilaration of hearing everything whine up, the POST beep, and then the screen turning on for the first time... definitely build. But if none of that is of any interest to you, then just buy from a company that does custom rigs like iBuyPower or CyberPowerPC. It's almost as cheap and they do nice cable management so it looks better. *IF* you do decide to build, make sure you're familiar with the compatibility between your different hardware components. Not all motherboards are compatible with all CPUs or all RAM. There are websites that will help you check this, like https://pcpartpicker.com/
(Edited)
Esbonnos_Yeet
3
Feb 5, 2019
Building one (btw can I buy parts here)
Phantom1100
5
Feb 4, 2019
It depends. What is your price range? Building is fun, but sometimes on the lower end you can find a sale or buy used and get more performance per dollar.
erickong
7412
Jan 31, 2019
Build it. It's a great experience. You'll learn a lot. And you'll get a computer with all the components you want
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