Should I build or buy my first PC?

You probably don't need to spend the full $2,000 for those games. Start by deciding what resolution and frame rate you want, then compare builds and prebuilts that can handle that. Leave room in the budget for a monitor and other peripherals if you don't already have them.

For drawing, the monitor is worth some thought too. If Blender becomes a bigger part of what you do, check the requirements for the kind of rendering you want before choosing a graphics card.

Building is a reasonable first project if you're willing to follow a guide and take your time. Use a parts compatibility checker, read the motherboard and case manuals, and check clearance for the graphics card and cooler before ordering.

Most parts have specific connectors, but don't force anything. A first build can still need troubleshooting, so buying from retailers with clear return policies is useful. A decent air cooler is also fine for many builds. Liquid cooling isn't a requirement.

A prebuilt is fine if you'd rather get straight to using the PC. Compare the processor and graphics card, but also check whether the listing names the power supply, motherboard, RAM and storage. Vague specs make it harder to judge value or plan upgrades.

Look at the warranty and return terms too. Some prebuilts use standard parts that are easier to replace, while others can be more restrictive.

The handheld is a different tradeoff, not just a cheaper desktop. It's appealing if portability matters, but check that your games run on it and think about whether you want to draw or use Blender on a larger screen with peripherals.

Don't rush to spend next month's entire budget. Compare current prices for a complete parts list against a prebuilt with similar specs, and keep some cash aside. Bundles and sales can help, but only if the included parts fit what you actually need.