[SOLVED] Just how much cheaper would it be to build your own PC?

[MiloshDr]

I know how to build a PC, and how to order parts. Just wondering if any of you know how much cheaper it is than buying a pre-built.

 

[jwcrellin]

Most prebuilts build in a 20% margin(Alien). NZXT BLD service is pretty evenly balanced. HP can build a full tower cheaper by buying parts and software in bulk. Those bulk parts are usually cutting corners, such as psu and motherboard. Use pcpartpicker.com to put together a parts list and post it up here asking for opinions. Guys on here are good at finding alternatives and deals. Focus on YOUR specific needs and usage scenario.

 

[boju]

Not much cheaper if at all. You do have more control over the quality of components though.

https://www.tomshardware.com/features/buy-or-build-gaming-pc

Companies in the pre-built business bulk buy for discounts. They're there to make a profit so expenditure vs quality is comprised.

If you have the time to build your own, that would be the way to go long term regarding assurances in upgrade ability.

 

[mjbn1977]

Its more fun and you get all the parts YOU want. Is it cheaper? Can be....sometimes. Nice thing is you can cut corners exactly where you want to cut them and have more control over all the features based on your selections. With pre-built PCs there is always a compromise. When you build your own you can at least address these compromises with your choices....

 

[DathPotatoes]

Not to mention, as long as you aren't in a hurry to build, you can buy your components individually when they come on sale.

 

[USAFRet]

Not necessarily "cheaper", but almost certainly better parts selection.

Plus, you get a much deeper understanding of how it went together and how it works. Rather than it being a black box.

Warranty - Often, it is a 1 year. Even though the individual parts would have their own 2-3-5 year warranty. And YOU have to pay shipping back.

And for the price consideration, a year or so a guy came here asling about a prebuilt for $2400.
Going through the detailed parts list, for exact same or better parts, $1800 if building it yourself.

 

[USAFRet]

Assembly - You can personally take all afternoon to put it together. Rather than the 19 year old intern, 2 weeks on the job, working through a Monday morning hangover.

We've seen multiple instances of those not being put together too well.

 

[Turtle Rig]

Its more fun and you get all the parts YOU want. Is it cheaper? Can be....sometimes. Nice thing is you can cut corners exactly where you want to cut them and have more control over all the features based on your selections. With pre-built PCs there is always a compromise. When you build your own you can at least address these compromises with your choices....

A big compromise like a crummy case or a mITX motherboard and built in GPU or a cheap video card you never would ideally go for if you buy parts seperate and what not. Same with PSU as it will be a no name cheap model compared you buying one and getting a good brand and what not. Also they installed the OS so they made the decisioins. Better you install OS and have complete control over the situation. Although most things you can reconfigure in OS and what not. 🙉😷💯🤷‍♀️✝

 

[jwcrellin]

I have bought a lightly used prebuilt HP before. A couple months later I wanted to change out the gt 1030 for a gtx 1070. Found out I had no pci-e power at all. Had to buy an EVGA bronze psu and plug in cables all thru the whole pc anyway. It was a good easy learning experience but a pita nonetheless.