I'm trying to decide whether to buy a pre-built gaming PC for around $600-$900 or to build one myself. I know a bit about PCs but I've never built one before. I'm looking for something modern, and I'm okay with purchasing parts over a few weeks if building is the way to go. What do you all think?
5 Answers
At that budget range, I really think building might be your best bet if you’re open to mixing and matching parts over time. Plus, you get the satisfaction of creating your own rig! Just be cautious about your PSU choices—never skimp on that!
Absolutely, that’s one area where going cheap can come back to bite you.
Generally, it's cheaper to build your own PC rather than purchasing a pre-built one. You save on labor costs since you're not paying someone else to assemble it for you, and you can choose your components based on your budget and needs. Just keep in mind that if you decide to build it yourself, it can be easy to go over budget if you choose upgrade components.
Yeah, I agree! I’ve built a couple myself, and it’s often less expensive. Just make sure to do some research on parts to avoid overspending.
Absolutely! And don't forget about hunting for used hardware; you can save a ton that way!
Building it yourself can definitely save you money, especially if you’re willing to buy used parts. I’ve seen folks save hundreds just by opting for gently used components instead of new ones. Plus, you usually get to customize your setup just the way you like it!
Exactly! You can prioritize which parts matter most for your gaming style and cut costs on others.
And remember to check the prices of pre-built systems too; sometimes, a killer deal pops up that might beat building from scratch.
While it’s often cheaper to build, you should still compare the price of components to pre-built options. Every now and then, retailers have sales that make a pre-built a better deal just due to discounts they offer. Do your research!
True, make sure to look out for those sales—some can be crazy good!
Great advice! I ended up getting a pre-built during a sale and saved quite a bit.
Building should be cheaper overall! For $600 to $900, aim for a decent mid-range graphics card—maybe something like a used 2060. You’ll definitely have a machine that can hold its own if you shop wisely!
I love that recommendation! The 2060 is a solid option for 1080p gaming!
Yes, and if you keep an eye out, you can find some great deals on GPUs these days!
For sure! A good power supply can save you a lot of headaches later.