Pre-built v custom PCs - are pre-built gaming PCs worth it?

If you are a gamer who wants to enjoy the latest and greatest games on your PC, you might be wondering whether you should buy a pre-built gaming PC or build your own. Pre-built gaming PCs are computers that are already assembled and ready to use for gaming purposes.

They come with various specifications, features, and prices, depending on the manufacturer and the model. But are they worth it?

Let's explore some of the pros and cons of pre-built gaming PCs, and help you decide if they are the right choice for you.

Pre-built Gaming PCs: Pros and Cons

A pre-built gaming PC is a computer that comes already assembled and ready to use, either from a major manufacturer like ASUS, Dell, or HP or from a third-party builder who uses off-the-shelf parts. You can usually choose from different configurations and price points, depending on your needs and budget.

Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of buying a pre-built gaming PC:

Convenience

Buying a pre-built gaming PC is the easiest and fastest way to get a new gaming machine. You don’t have to worry about researching, buying, and assembling the parts yourself, or troubleshooting any potential issues. You just order the PC, plug it in, and start playing.

Warranty

Most pre-built gaming PCs come with a warranty that covers the hardware and software for a certain period. This means that if anything goes wrong with your PC, you can send it back to the manufacturer or the builder for repair or replacement, without having to pay extra costs or deal with the hassle yourself.

Technical support

Another benefit of buying a pre-built gaming PC is that you can access technical support from the manufacturer or the builder, either online or by phone. They can help you with any problems or questions you might have about your PC, such as updating drivers, optimizing settings, or fixing bugs.

Drawbacks

Here are some of the cons of buying a pre-built gaming PC:

Cost

One of the main drawbacks of buying a pre-built gaming PC is that it can be more expensive than building your own. This is because the manufacturer or the builder has to make a profit on both the parts and the labour, and they might also charge extra for shipping, taxes, or fees. You might also end up paying for features or components that you don’t need or want, such as bloatware, RGB lighting, or fancy cases.

Customisation

Another disadvantage of buying a pre-built gaming PC is that you have less control over the customisation and upgradeability of your PC. You have to choose from the options that the manufacturer or the builder offers, which might not suit your preferences or needs.

You might also have difficulty upgrading or replacing some parts in the future, either because they are proprietary, incompatible, or hard to access. You might also void your warranty if you open or modify your PC yourself.

Reliability

Finally, pre-built gaming PCs may have lower quality or faulty components that affect the reliability or longevity of the PC. Pre-built gaming PCs may use cheap or subpar parts that are prone to failure or malfunction.

For example, some pre-built gaming PCs may have low-quality power supplies, fans, or RAM that can cause overheating, noise, or instability. Some pre-built gaming PCs may also have defective or damaged parts that can cause crashes, errors, or data loss.

Pre-built gaming PCs have their own advantages and disadvantages, and whether they are worth it or not depends on your personal preference, budget, and gaming needs.

You can compare different models and reviews of pre-built gaming PCs online to find the best one for you. You can also check out our best Pre-Built Gaming PC guide that can help you choose the right machine for your gaming goals.