I'm considering buying a prebuilt PC, but I'm concerned about upgradeability. I know some brands, like Alienware, are known for using proprietary parts that limit upgrades. What are some signs that a prebuilt PC is upgradeable? Also, are there better brands or options available, preferably ones from Best Buy?
3 Answers
Make sure to investigate if the back of the case has a removable I/O shield and whether the power supply fits standard sizes. Typically, prebuilt PCs can be upgraded, but it might take a bit of extra work, and you may need to swap out multiple parts at once to really boost performance.
Brands like CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower generally use standard components. The big offenders are usually Dell and Alienware with their proprietary designs. HP can be tricky with firmware locks on their motherboards that complicate CPU upgrades.
Honestly, the prebuilt PCs at Best Buy don't usually cut it. If you're looking for a solid build, check out places like ZTT, SkyTech, or ABS on Newegg instead.
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