The other option is to gatherall the necessary componentsand build the PC yourself.
Overall Findings
Support is easier to obtain.
No problems with hardware compatibility.
Lifewire / Julie Bang
Better warranties and accidental damage coverage.
Advanced skills aren’t required.
Customize for your needs.
Nearly limitless choices for hardware.
Need technical knowledge of PCs.
Troubleshooting is easier due to familiarity with components.
Cheaper to build high-end systems.
All computer systems sold on the market are a collection of components that provide a functional computing system.
As such, the performance and quality of a system are determined by the parts used in its construction.
So what is the difference between a store-bought system and a custom-built computer from parts?
There could be almost no difference to a very significant difference based on the parts selected for the machine.
When purchasing a new PC, consider your skill level and budget.
There are pros and cons to both decisions.
Buying a PC: Pros and Cons
No issues with hardware and software compatibility.
Single point of contact for support issues.
Some software is pre-loaded.
Tends to be higher in cost.
Less familiarity with internal components.
Advantages of Buying
For some, building a PC may be too complicated.
One of the major benefits of buying a pre-made system is compatibility.
The manufacturer ensures that the physical parts and thedriverswork together to minimize performance issues.
Another important advantage of buying a PC is the warranty and support for the system.
You typically have options for an advanced warranty, with some manufacturers covering accidental damage.
This also means you have a single point of contact for warranty or support issues.
The manufacturer often provides different configuration options to offer a flexible selection depending on your needs.
Plus, you don’t have to be a technology guru to configure a new PC.
If you’re unsure of the offerings, there’s usually a phone number or email to ask questions.
Disadvantages of Buying
The major disadvantage of buying a pre-made PC is the cost.
An exception to this rule is when there are sales on pre-built PCs.
But, overall, it will cost you more to buy a ready-made computer.
With this, there will be less customization.
Building a PC: Pros and Cons
Customize components for your needs.
Have deeper knowledge of the parts in the PC.
Can be cheaper than a pre-built computer.
Customize for greater performance.
No single point of contact for support.
Novice users may struggle with the technical side of the build process.
Most computer systems come pre-built with the specifications and components selected for you.
By building your own computer, you might choose the parts that best match your desired setup.
For example, Dell might switch between multiple suppliers of memory because one is less expensive than the other.
Similarly, they may swap hard drive brands if one has supply problems.
Buying the parts yourself guarantees what ends up in your setup.
One of the less tangible advantages of building a computer from scratch is knowledge.
You’ll learn and understand how the parts work together.
This is valuable when troubleshooting computer problems.
Finally, there is the cost.
This is because many premium components carry high markups by the manufacturers as a means to boost profits.
With pre-built systems, you only have to ping the manufacturer and their warranty service.
This is particularly true if you aren’t familiar with the technology and are building your first computer.
You have to consider sizes, compatible components, wattages, and more technical stuff.
While cost is an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage.
This is particularly true if you want to build a basic desktop computer.
Manufacturers get discounts because they buy parts in bulk.
The cost savings may not be huge, maybe $50 to $100.
Low-cost pre-built systems can also leave much to be desired in the quality department.
Building a PC requires technical know-how and patience.
Several companies sell base systems that are referred to as white box notebooks.
These have the base components such as chassis, screen, and motherboard installed.
If you are determined to build a PC from parts, research the parts.
There’s a range of components available includingPC sound cardsandBlu-ray drives.
