Will it ever be cheaper to build a computer than to buy one pre built?

[Jacob_146]

I was looking at some pre built PCs compared to building a PC and when you factor in windows its normal cheaper to go pre built on most systems and it is normal because windows is so expensive. so in the future will any of that change?

 

[Math Geek]

if you look at the quality yu can chose when going custom, there is no price comparison.

cheap psu's, bottom of the barrel mobo's and as cheaply built as possible does not equal hand picked parts and the care you put into building it yourself. so your premise is wrong completely. part for part it is not cheaper to buy pre-built. just cause it has an i5 does not mean it is equal to an i5 custom build.

not to mention the fact that upgrading these pre-builts is an adventure most of the time. look around the forum at all the "why can't i upgrade my dell/hp/lenovo/_____ with ____?" there are 100's a day. tells all i need to know.

for many people a simple AIO pre-built is good enough and does the job well. but for those who really want a quality system, custom is the only way to go.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Almost always.

At the really low level < $650 you could prolly buy it cheaper than you can build it as most of it is clearance of outdated stuff or so underpowered you can't do more than e-mail, web surf and look at pics of the grandkids. But I see a gaming PC starting at about $50 and I can almost always build cheaper than anyone can buy. Not to mention what you are getting is words apart.

Windows 10 is $90
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wtgPxr/microsoft-os-kw900140

Getting it on a prebuilt is $70 (no media)
Getting it on a prebuilt is $95 (with media)

 

[Jacob_146]

cool i would agree that pre built systems have crap power supplies and some times they are hard to upgrade. but i think it is a good idea if you dont have a copy of windows to get a pre built and just change out the power supply and put in a good gpu because some times you could save yourself 100 dollars. but you are totally right that when you build it that you dont have to go though crap that the manufacture did to it.

 

[USAFRet]

Will it ever be cheaper to build a computer than to buy one pre built?

Absolutely.
A few months ago, a user here came requesting opinion on a prebuilt. Cyberpower, I believe.
$2,400.

Going through the exact, complete parts list, $1,800 from Amazon/Newegg. Including $100 for the Windows OS, and all other peripherals.

Paying them $600 for their crappy assembly.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

cool i would agree that pre built systems have crap power supplies and some times they are hard to upgrade. but i think it is a good idea if you dont have a copy of windows to get a pre built and just change out the power supply and put in a good gpu because some times you could save yourself 100 dollars. but you are totally right that when you build it that you dont have to go though crap that the manufacture did to it.

Still leaves you with a cramped case, w/ not enough fan mounts, especially when upgraded, slow RAM, slow 5400 rpm HD, low budget LAN and sound ... and again... Windows with media is no cheaper either way ... sometimes more.