Buildapc Deals (2024)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to build your own computer? ›

On the surface, this seems like an easy win for building your own PC, and yes, it's technically cheaper to build your own PC. Just buy all the bits individually, wait for it all to get delivered and then build it.

While the IDC predicts overall consumer market contractions, it doesn't expect a downturn in the premium ends of the market, which means prices likely won't come down until 2024. And when they do, odds are that fewer people will be able to afford them anyways. 2024 seems far away though.

By choosing your own parts, you can shop around to find the best prices and avoid the added cost of paying for expensive parts that you don't need. By building the PC yourself, you also save on the premium cost of labor that comes with buying a pre-built system.

Building a computer is surprisingly easy. You'll only need a few tools, a good level of understanding of the parts, and the ability to follow some simple instructions. If you can build ready-to-assemble furniture, you'll be able to build your own PC!

Time and Effort

Building a PC can be time-consuming, especially if you are new to it. Researching and selecting the right components, assembling them, and ensuring everything works smoothly can take a significant amount of time and effort.

The CPU and GPU are the two most expensive components, generally speaking - but the variation in price is substantial. It is worth looking into what you get for your money before you decide where to apply your budget. The GPU is probably going to be your big-ticket item - followed by the CPU.

$1000 is a great spot to find a gaming PC that delivers on what you are looking for. With the money saved you can put that towards more games to play, or accessories to complete you gaming setup, like a mechanical keyboard or gaming monitor.

If the cost of your upgrades is around half (or more) of what a new PC would cost, it's usually better to just build a new computer from scratch. Necessity isn't the only reason why you might be prompted to upgrade, as the marketing efforts of various manufacturers, be it Intel, Nvidia, or AMD, also play into it.

The actual assembly involves installing the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, power supply, and other components into the case. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours for most builders. Make sure to follow a guide or video if you are unsure about the steps to take.

One of the most challenging parts of PC builds is cable management, which is the art of organizing your cables, wires, and other lines of communication among your electronic components.

In what order should a PC be built? ›

Summarizing the PC Setup Cost

A good setup ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 typically, though less expensive options exist for those with budget constraints. While relatively more energy-consuming, gaming PCs provide unmatched entertainment and gaming experiences.

Building your own PC can be cheaper than pre-builts, but DIY isn't a guarantee of savings. Depending on how much you have to spend and your desired specs, a pre-built computer sometimes wins the financial battle.

DIY and custom-built PCs allow far more hardware configuration options than a pre-built PC. Some custom PC builders provide the option for a professional to customize the look of your build. While there is no “cheapest” option, cost-cutting strategies can save you money on pre-built, custom-built, and DIY PCs.

When it comes down to choosing between a desktop and laptop, if you don't need portability, are on a budget and want the ability to upgrade later, a desktop PC is the better choice. Particularly if you're a gamer or professional in need of a powerful PC, you can't go wrong with a desktop computer.

Generally speaking building is always cheaper than buying pre-built PCs. This is because you're paying for the labor and convenience of somebody else doing the building for you, plus businesses like to buff up their margins for the trouble.