Should you buy or build a gaming PC?

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Gaming PC

To buy or build a gaming PC? That is the question on many enthusiastic gamers’ lips.

Whether you’re a seasoned PC gamer seeking the most immersive experience possible or a newbie eager to get into the action, there are a few must-have pieces of equipment you’re going to need – and a reliable PC is most definitely one of them.

Some gamers automatically start searching the web for the “best gaming PCs” and choose a pre-built gaming system that will be ready to use straight out of the box. 

Others go down the route of building their own gaming rig from scratch – handpicking the components they need, whilst having fun and saving themselves a little cash in the process.

If you’re wondering is it better to build or buy a PC, it often depends on your personal gaming preferences, how much you’re willing to spend and how much spare time you have.

Read on to find out the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Building a PC

What do you need to build your gaming PC?

If you’re thinking about configuring your own gaming PC from scratch, spend some time researching the different parts required for the games you play.

In most cases, you will need:

Once you’ve figured out what to buy for your snazzy new gaming setup, you’ll then need to put it all together and give it a quick test. 

Top tip: when building your PC, to help you get online faster, make sure you have a selection of screwdrivers and a torch handy.

PC Gaming

Is it cheaper to build your own PC?

Building a PC is certainly one of the most cost-effective options. 

Gamers have the freedom to choose which components they’ll need and use – fine-tuning their set-up and customising it to suit their budget and performance requirements. 

Whilst you could opt for a ready-built PC with cheaper parts, buying the parts you need individually, and putting them together yourself, works out more affordable than buying the same machine ready-made.

The pros of building a gaming PC

There are several ways in which you can benefit from configuring your own gaming setup.

For example:

  • Customisation

Unlike pre-built PCs where you’re limited to what designs and parts are available at the time, or what the company supplies you with, you have free reign when building your own gaming computer. 

If you’re a serious gamer but you need to use your gaming PC for other purposes, such as video editing, content creation or 3D rendering, building a PC allows you to benefit from a system that’s personalised to your exact needs.

  • Affordability

If you’re on a budget, opting for a DIY gaming PC and sourcing all the separate parts you need is a brilliant way to minimise your costs.

A quick Google search will help you to find out which components will best suit your performance requirements and experience level, as well as your budget. And, more times than not, you’ll be able to get better quality parts at a discounted rate – so you don’t need to break the bank!

The cons of building a gaming PC

Although you’ll have a unique system that you’ll be proud to display at your battle station, building a gaming PC also comes with its fair share of challenges and drawbacks.

Including: 

  • Time-consuming

The process of buying the parts you need and assembling them can take some time. 

You’ll likely spend hours reading instructions and scrolling to make sure you put everything together properly, which means less time spent battling it out with your pals or beating your high score.

  • Stressful

Configuring a bespoke gaming PC is likely to take a few hours at best, requiring a lot of patience and perseverance on your part.

If something were to go wrong with your DIY PC – either during the setup or after – it can be an absolute nightmare to resolve. And if you purchased parts from different places, the chances are they’ll have different warranties.

Buying a PC

What do you need to do when you unbox a gaming PC?

If you’re someone who doesn’t have the time to sit and build your own gaming computer, nor the technical expertise, buying a ready-made one is a convenient alternative.

The beauty of buying a gaming PC is that it comes with all the necessary components ready assembled and configured – giving you one less thing to worry about. 

However, when your system arrives, there are a few things you need to do before you start downloading and playing all your favourite games.

Although it’s a bit of a no-brainer, you must remove all the packaging materials from the box and check that no polystyrene, bubble wrap or foam has made its way into the chassis or fans.

Once you’ve done that, plug it in and set up your machine.

Gaming PC

How much will a decent gaming PC cost upfront?

Buying a pre-built gaming computer is an excellent choice if you’re simply looking for a gaming PC that allows you to play the latest games at a reasonable framerate.

A budget model is likely to cost you somewhere in the region of £400-£600 – perfect if you’re after an entry-level PC that can be easily upgraded as you progress. 

You can expect to pay between £1,000 and £5,000 for a higher-end gaming PC, which is guaranteed to provide great graphics, smooth gameplay and an unrivalled experience.

The pros of buying a pre-built gaming PC

There are some fantastic benefits to buying a pre-built PC for gaming, including:

  • Convenience

With a pre-built system, you can relax knowing that everything is done for you, which is ideal if you’re not entirely clued up on computer parts.

Buying a gaming PC instead of building one removes the stress and risk of things going pear-shaped. And if you lead a busy lifestyle already, one of these machines is guaranteed to save you bags of time – meaning more time to game!

  • Reliability

It’s worth bearing in mind that the cost of buying a gaming PC doesn’t just cover parts – it includes a warranty for the entire system as well.

Although pre-built models will be tested before they are dispatched, if you have any issues with your computer or it suddenly stops working you can have it repaired or inspected for free.

Not all gaming PC warranties are the same so, before you commit to buying a pre-built machine, it’s worth checking its specific warranty.

The cons of buying a gaming PC

However, as with building your own PC, buying a pre-built one can have its drawbacks.

For instance:

  • Limitations

If you’re looking for specific components to enhance your performance or gaming experience, buying a PC perhaps isn’t the right option for you. 

Gaming PCs are built with specific parts to meet standards. In some cases, manufacturers might collaborate with a certain brand, such as AMD, and use their parts for their ready-built machines. 

  • Expensive 

The cost of purchasing a pre-built computer for gaming is bound to be higher than building one from scratch, as we’ve discussed already.

This is because you’ll be paying for someone else to put your system together and carry out those all-important compatibility checks and tests.

Gaming PC

Ready to take your game to the next level?

If you’re still questioning is it better to build or buy a PC, ask yourself what matters the most to you?

If you have ample time and you’d prefer a system that you’ve built and customised yourself, a DIY gaming kit could be perfect. 

However, if you’re not very techy and you’d like the reassurance that your gaming PC is guaranteed to work, consider a pre-built model.

Whether you decide to buy or build a gaming PC, at Inside Tech, we supply some of the best gaming PCs on the market and offer some of the most competitive prices. You’ll be pleased to know we offer individual parts as well. Nothing is stopping you from benefitting from a high-performing PC!

We also allow our customers to configure their own Intel or AMD PCs and offer a comprehensive range of gaming accessories that are sure to enhance your overall gaming experience.

To find out more about the products we supply or to discuss your requirements in further detail, talk to our team today.