Should You Build or Buy Your Gaming PC?

Gaming computers need to be powerful machines to handle all the latest games. This means you're looking at expensive top of the line models for your gaming computer. Alternatively, you can opt to build your own, but is it worth the hassle? In the old days, the answer was always yes, but technology has improved. PC makers often create high-quality prebuilt machines that are worth buying.

The Perks of Building Yourself

Building a computer yourself has some significant benefits. One of them is the knowledge that comes with PC construction. When you're comfortable enough with computer hardware to build a computer from scratch, you will also feel comfortable diagnosing problems, repairing parts and upgrading the machine.

Building a PC also gives you complete control over your parts. You set your own budget. You can watch for deals and pick up powerful parts cheap when they're on sale. You can do your research to make sure everything works together. You're also free to install any operating system you choose, and it won't have any programs bundled in from the manufacturer.

The Drawbacks of Building

The same things that make building a PC a benefit can also be compelling reasons not to. You do need the knowledge to select the pieces you need. If two pieces of hardware you pick are incompatible, you have to deal with the problem yourself. There is no one standing over your shoulder telling you what does and doesn't work. You also need to be comfortable with assembling the computer yourself, with all its many connections and wires.

The Benefits of Buying

Buying a gaming PC or laptop comes with a number of added benefits as well. Virtually every manufacturer still allows you to customize your purchase to a certain extent. In most cases, the parts they provide are among those you would choose regardless.

One benefit that cannot be underestimated is the support that a manufacturer provides. Gaming computers see a lot of use, and that means they are potentially prone to damage. Laptops are especially prone to overheating, even more so during hardware-intensive programs like games. A manufacturer will be able to provide support and troubleshooting for minor problems, both software and hardware.

If troubleshooting information fails, manufacturers are also able to provide repairs or replacements. If the computer is under warranty and the damage is not intentional, chances are the fix will be free as well. With a computer you built yourself, you would need to diagnose the problem and buy a new part to fix it all on your own.

Building a Gaming Laptop

Building a laptop is a special consideration, even apart from building a regular PC. It is possible, but difficult. Laptops are not generally made for customization or for upgrades. Motherboards often are form-fitted for specific cases, which require specific screens. Specific motherboards require specific types of processors and memory, and the cases require certain styles of hard drive and battery. Your parts list is severely limited and you might not save much money piecing one together.

Buying a Gaming Laptop

Gaming laptops might be more expensive than an equivalent power desktop, but they are still solid options. They have portability, which is a huge benefit for anyone who games on the move. Laptops today often come with a number of extra features that can be useful in games, such as a touch screen.

Prebuilt Computers and Software

A prebuilt machine you purchase from a manufacturer will likely come with software preinstalled. Some people like to call this “bloatware,” because it often includes programs that run at all times and can slow down the machine. On the other hand, sometimes these programs are useful. Some of them are diagnostics that help prevent failures or warn of them before they happen. Others are hardware monitors that keep an eye on your core temperature and memory function. Many manufacturers also include a year of antivirus subscription, which might be expensive as well. The utility of these programs should not be underestimated.

What’s the Answer?

So, should you buy or build your next gaming PC? The answer really depends on how comfortable you are with the computer-building process and whether or not you want to provide your own technical support. Building one definitely gives you more control over what goes inside your machine, but if you run into issues, you’re on your own.

It’s probably a good idea to price out your various options to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. You may be surprised to learn that buying a PC is often not any pricier than building one, plus you get the benefit of tech support when you need it.

How about you? Do you plan on buying or building your next gaming PC?

Author Bio
Brian Jensen works with Dell. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. He has a passion for learning and writing about all things technology.