Have you thought about building your own PC but want to know its benefits? Is buying a pre-built computer better?
Building a PC is more straightforward than some might think. With some hands-on skills, you can definitely make a home-built PC.
There are varied reasons why building your own computer is more cost-effective than a store-bought PC. In this post, I’ve defined the 5 best benefits of building a desktop versus buying a pre-built machine.
1. Building a Custom PC is Cost-effective
In most cases, a custom PC is more affordable than a pre-built one because companies markup all the costs to increase their profit. Also, with a high-end system, you’ll get improved cost performance.
Additionally, you get better quality with the parts you choose for your custom PC. You can find better sales for your hardware if you dedicate time.
Whether you want a standard desktop or a high-performance gaming computer, your cost savings depend on the market. Yet, if you research, you can increase your savings by choosing the best prices for choice components.
2. Get Higher Quality Parts for the Custom PC
You may assume that brand PCs are high-quality, but the pre-made PC hardware is only sometimes premium. For instance, the manufacturer might switch suppliers for cheaper parts and maximize profit. Generally, these desktops use lower-quality parts for their motherboard, storage drive, RAM, Power Supply, etc.
You’ll want to select high-quality parts when you spend your hard-earned cash on building a reliable PC. Likewise, a home-built computer gives you more options to choose premium hardware for the money spent.
An excellent resource to research the hardware and know if it’s compatible with your build is PC Part Picker. Buying the parts yourself ensures you avoid average equipment. And this allows a successful PC build experience.
3. Improved Performance by Eliminating Bloatware
Most pre-built brand desktops include pre-installed, unwanted software. These trialware programs can lead to a revenue stream.
But Utility apps or junkware are considered bloatware because it hampers your PC’s performance. Also, the pre-loaded software is resource-hungry, but only some users would eliminate it.
Building a PC improves performance since you install the software you need. Also, you have options for using programs that optimize your computing.
4. Customization Options
With a pre-made system, you’re limited by the company’s hardware choices. But custom PCs give you many design options, such as form factor, style, and sizes.
Motherboard form factors to consider from the largest to smallest:
- E-ATX: Extended ATX – designed larger than standard ATX, measures 12 x 13 in (305 × 330 mm)
- Accommodates larger memory sizes, and multi-GPU setups, best for more prominent Full-Tower cases
- ATX: Typically measures 12 x 9.6 in (305 × 244 mm)
- Fits in Mid-Tower cases or larger
- Micro-ATX: Generally measures 9.6 x 9.6 in (244 × 244 mm)
- mini-ITX: Commonly measures 6.7 x 6.7 in (170 × 170 mm)
You have plenty of customization choices available to you. Cases, cooling systems, power supplies, fans, wiring, lighting, etc., can create a style or theme.
5. Building a PC Gives You a Lifelong Priceless Skill
Building a PC boosts your knowledge of how hardware works together. For instance, troubleshooting issues will reinforce your diagnostic skills. Likewise, you’ll be more adept at upgrading parts.
While researching parts, you gain practical knowledge of PC repairs. You won’t need to visit a repair shop since you can fix it yourself. So, knowing how hardware controls different sub-systems is worthwhile because you’ll save on repair costs.
Indeed building a computer is a lifelong skill that benefits family and friends.
PC Building is Fun!
In brief, a custom PC is more robust than a pre-built one. You also have more customization choices.
Tailoring your PC to suit your needs saves money. So, your experience improves your problem-solving skills.
For instance, knowing the compatible parts for your motherboard allows you to future-proof your system longer.
And building computers can become your new hobby!