Posted on 12:14pm, Wednesday 4th February, 2023

If you are in the market for a new gaming PC, you might be asking yourself, "Is it cheaper to build or buy a PC?" It can feel like a daunting decision, but we'll help you through it. In this article, we'll compare the advantages and disadvantages of both options so you can make an informed decision.

Building vs Buying a PC

Building a PC from scratch can be a more cost-effective option than purchasing a pre-built model, as it gives you the freedom to choose your own components and customize the design and features to your exact needs. Building your own PC allows you to shop for the best deals on components, which means you can build a PC that meets both your budget and specifications. The downside is it can be a time-consuming process. Also, you need to develop some technical knowledge, as you will need to make sure all the components you choose are compatible. Additionally, you'll need the knowledge, time, and tools to put it all together.

Buying a pre-built PC is a much simpler and faster process, as all the components have already been chosen and tested to work together. You don't need to worry about compatibility, and you'll be able to plug it in and start using it straight away. However, you may end up paying more for the same performance you could have gotten by building the PC yourself. Also, since it is a pre-determined configuration, you won't have the same level of control over the components you choose, and you may not be able to upgrade your PC over time.

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing between building or buying a PC, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. For starters, you'll need to think about a motherboard, the amount of storage you'll need, the power of the CPU and GPU, and the amount of RAM or memory, as all these critical components play a factor in the performance and usability of your PC.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the backbone of your computer, as it connects all the important components together. It's important to choose a motherboard that has the right CPU socket type and chipset for your needs. Additionally, make sure you have enough SATA ports for all your storage devices (hard drive, solid-state drive, optical drive), as well as enough PCI Express slots for any graphics cards or other expansion cards you might need.

Storage Size

The storage size of a PC is one of the most important components to consider when building or buying a new PC. With a self-built PC, you have the option of using either a traditional HDD, which is cheaper but slower or a solid-state drive (SSD), which is much faster but also more expensive. The benefit of building a PC from scratch is that you can choose whichever storage size and type you want, allowing you to tailor the PC to your exact needs.

When buying a prebuilt PC, the storage size and type are usually predetermined, so you may not be able to get the type of storage you want. It is worth noting, however, that many pre-built PCs still offer a range of options in terms of storage size and type, so if you're looking for an SSD then you may still be able to find it in a pre-built PC.

CPU Power

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the PC and plays a pivotal role in determining how fast it can run and process data. Building a PC gives you the freedom to choose a CPU that matches both your budget and performance requirements. You can choose a processor from a variety of different brands and models such as Intel & AMD, with options ranging from entry-level to high-end.

When buying a pre-built PC, the manufacturer decides on the CPU. This means that you'll need to choose one that fits your needs within the options provided. The selection of CPUs can be limited, and you may have to sacrifice some performance to stay within budget. Additionally, some pre-built PCs often come with outdated CPUs, so it's important to do your research before making your purchase, especially as upgrading a pre-built PC can be difficult if not impossible.

GPU Power

The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is responsible for rendering graphics and video, making it a critical component for deciding on a gaming PC. Like the CPU, building a PC allows you to choose a GPU that matches your budget and performance requirements making it a great option for gamers, media editors, and anyone who needs a powerful machine. Additionally, when building your own PC you can easily upgrade your GPU in the future, allowing you to keep up with the latest technology

On the other hand, when buying a pre-built PC, your choice of GPU is limited by what the manufacturer offers. Depending on the model of the pre-built PC you choose, you may even find that the GPU is not upgradeable.

RAM/Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) is another critical component to consider when building or buying a PC. It is a type of memory that the PC uses to temporarily store data and programs. More RAM will make your PC feel much faster, so determining the amount and type of RAM is essential if you want a solid gaming PC.

When building a PC, you have the freedom to choose the amount of RAM you need based on the type of tasks you want to perform. For example, RAM is essential for multitasking, as it allows the user to switch between multiple programs without having to reload them.

Pre-built PCs usually have limited options for the amount of RAM, so it is important to understand what kind of performance you can expect from the PC before you make a purchase.

Should You Build a PC?

Building a PC can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it's not for everyone. It requires a certain level of technical knowledge and time to get everything up and running correctly.

If you're an experienced tech-savvy individual who enjoys tinkering with hardware, building your own PC can be an incredibly satisfying endeavour. You get to choose exactly what goes into your machine, know exactly what you're getting, and can save a significant amount of money.

However, if you're new to PC building or don't have the time or patience to go through the process of researching the best parts and putting the machine together, it may be best to buy a pre-built PC. This way you can be sure that the machine is going to work straight out of the box and you don't have to worry about compatibility issues.

Can I Build a Good PC for £1000?

Yes, it's possible to build a good PC for around £1000, but the components you choose will significantly impact the system's performance. You may have to make some sacrifices in terms of storage size, CPU power, GPU power, or RAM if you want to stay within this budget.

For instance, if you want to stick to a tight budget, you may decide to opt for a more affordable graphics card rather than the most advanced model, or you can limit the amount of RAM you initially put into your PC. It's important to note, however, that while budget components may be cheaper, they do not offer the same level of performance as more expensive options.

When working with a tight budget, It's important to understand exactly what you want out of your PC, research the components you would like to use, and calculate the total cost before you start building your PC so you don't run into any surprises during the build process.

Remember, one advantage to building a PC is it is upgradable over time. So you can start with cheaper options initially, and if your budget expands in the future and as components become cheaper, you can swap them out.

Advantages of Building a PC

Building a PC gives you the ultimate freedom of choice when it comes to creating a custom PC. You can pick and choose components that match your budget and performance requirements, and you have the freedom to upgrade or replace components as necessary.

Unlike pre-built PCs, when you build your own, you can choose components from a wide range of manufacturers and price points, giving you the flexibility to create a PC tailored to your individual preferences. With building, you also have the opportunity to customize the internal components of your PC, allowing you to get the most out of your chosen hardware.

Also, as new hardware becomes available, you can upgrade your machine on a component-by-component basis instead of having to buy a completely new PC. Furthermore, assembling your own PC can be a rewarding and educational experience, as you learn more about the components and how they all fit together.

Ultimately, the main advantages are:

• Complete control over components and budget
• Freedom to upgrade or replace parts as needed
• Ultimate freedom of choice when it comes to creating a custom PC
• Ability to choose from a wide range of manufacturers and price points
• Ability to customize internal components
• Opportunity to upgrade individual components over time
• Rewarding and educational experience

Disadvantages of Building a PC

Building a PC can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of technical knowledge. If you don't have the skills or experience to build a PC, you may end up making costly mistakes or choosing components that don't work well together.

You may need to purchase additional tools such as a screwdriver and soldering iron to complete the PC build, adding to the project's cost. Further, if you don't know what you're doing, you could easily damage components, meaning that you may have to purchase replacements.

In short, the disadvantages of building a PC are:

• Can take a lot of time
• Requires a certain level of technical knowledge
• Costly mistakes can be made
• Components may not work well together
• Additional tools may need to be purchased
• Possibility of damaging components

Should you buy a pre-built PC?

Should you buy a pre-built system? While building a PC can have its advantages, buying a pre-built one is a valid option for those who don't want to deal with the technical aspects of building a PC. It's also a good choice for those who have limited time or aren't comfortable with the building process.

If you decide to buy a pre-built PC, you'll want to pay attention to the specifications and features that the system offers. While it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, remember that you get what you pay for. You'll likely want to future-proof the machine by buying more than what you currently need, as upgrading components will be difficult or impossible in the future.

Another word on cheaper PCs--they generally have lower-quality components and often are not upgradable, meaning that they won't be able to cope with the latest games or applications. Additionally, they may not have the same level of warranty or customer service that you would get from a more expensive option.

Advantages of Buying a PC

One of the biggest advantages of buying a pre-built PC is the convenience factor. Shopping for a pre-built PC is much easier than sourcing and assembling the individual parts yourself. You can simply order the PC online and have it delivered to your doorstep, ready to use right out of the box.

Additionally, most pre-built PCs come with a warranty, so you have peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, you'll be covered. Most manufacturers also offer technical support, making it easier to get help when you need it

All in all, pre-built PCs are a great option for those who want a PC that's ready to use right away and don't want to worry about technical issues in the future.

The main advantages of buying a PC are:

• Convenience factor
• Warranty
• Technical support
• Ready to use right away

Disadvantages of Buying a PC

Pre-built PCs can be more expensive than building your own for the same performance, particularly when you opt for a high-end gaming PC to complete your rig. The premium you pay is for the convenience and warranty that come with the pre-built machine.

You're limited to the options offered by the manufacturer and can't choose individual components like you would if you were building a PC yourself. Furthermore, pre-built PCs can be difficult to upgrade, and in some cases, not possible at all. This means that if you want to upgrade your PC down the road, you may have to buy a whole new system.

Additionally, pre-built PCs tend to come with a number of bloatware applications installed which can take up valuable system resources, such as RAM and storage. These programs can be difficult to remove, so it's best to do your research before buying a pre-built PC.

Lastly, while pre-built PCs come with warranties and technical support, it can be time-consuming and difficult to go through those processes if an issue were to arise. Also, even if you know how to fix the issue yourself, that often voids the warranty, which forces you to send it to their teams to fix.

When deciding on buying a PC, keep in mind the following disadvantages:

• More expensive than building your own
• Limited options offered by the manufacturer
• Difficult or impossible to upgrade
• May come with bloatware applications which can be frustrating and difficult to remove
• Cannot fix your own machine due to voiding the warranty
• Technical support can be frustrating and time-consuming

So, is it cheaper to build or buy a PC?

Both building and buying a PC have their advantages and disadvantages. Building a PC allows you to have full control over the components, price, and customization options, making it ultimately cheaper for a high-end gaming PC. You can choose each part individually, allowing you to customize your PC to your exact specifications. You also have the satisfaction of being able to build it yourself. However, it does require time and technical know-how.

On the other hand, buying a pre-built PC offers convenience and support. You don't have to worry about researching and selecting the right parts, and you have access to a tech support team if you ever have any problems. However, pre-built PCs typically come at a higher price and limited customization options.

Ultimately, the choice between building or buying a PC comes down to personal preference and needs. Do you have the time and technical know-how to build your own PC, or do you prefer the convenience of a pre-built PC? The answer will vary from person to person.

At Vibox, we offer you the best of both worlds. Our PC builder allows you to choose the exact components you need so your PC is built to your exact specifications. Unlike build-it-yourself gaming PCs, our custom PCs come with a warranty and ship directly to your doorstep. We also have a wide selection of ready-made gaming PCs, ready to plug in and immediately start using. Our experts are always available to help you build the perfect gaming computer that fits your budget and needs. So whether buying or building is right for you, you can find your perfect gaming PC here.