Buildapc Deals (2024)

FAQs

Is building a PC cheaper than buying one? ›

Cost: If you're on a budget and looking to save some money, building your own PC can be a huge advantage. By choosing your own parts, you can shop around to find the best prices and avoid the added cost of paying for expensive parts that you don't need.

The actual assembly involves installing the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, power supply, and other components into the case. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours for most builders. Make sure to follow a guide or video if you are unsure about the steps to take.

Veteran PC builders will argue that the motherboard should be the first thing you select in a PC build, and all else will flow down from there. They're not wrong. Essentially your PC's backbone or foundation, the motherboard is very much tied into all your other component choices.

Assembling a computer yourself is a good way to learn how they work. Ready to level up your computing knowledge? Building your own PC will help you understand how every component works and gives you the ability to customize your system for a perfect fit.

In 2024, despite there being plenty more pre-built options available for the everyday gamer, there isn't anything quite like building your own machine. Choosing to build a gaming PC is the best solution for individuals who want full control over every step of their build.

Summarizing the PC Setup Cost

In conclusion, determining your gaming PC setup cost relates closely to your gaming needs, budget, and energy considerations. A good setup ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 typically, though less expensive options exist for those with budget constraints.

Building a computer is surprisingly easy. You'll only need a few tools, a good level of understanding of the parts, and the ability to follow some simple instructions.

If you're expecting games on high/max settings 4k with a good framerate, even the best build today would maybe be good for 4ish years before you needed to upgrade something. Conversely, if your minimum is 30FPS low settings, 8-10 years (12 is really pushing it if we're being honest) isn't unreasonable.

Unsurprisingly, we strongly recommend building your own PC. Of course, this is preaching to the choir for those of you who have built a PC before. However, for the people out there who are looking into getting a new gaming PC, but unsure if building it is a good idea, we say with absolute conviction that it is.

The CPU, GPU, and motherboard are the most expensive parts when building a PC. You can lower the costs using a mid-range or previous-gen CPU and motherboard. We want to hear from you!

In what order should a PC be built? ›

Which components contribute the most to the cost of a PC build? Ans: Graphics Card: The graphics card, or GPU, is often the most expensive component of a gaming PC build. A high-end graphics card can easily cost over $1,000, and even mid-range options can cost several hundred dollars.

The price of building a PC depends on the specification of the components you're buying. Generally speaking, building a PC will initially be more expensive. In the long run, however, you'll save money because it's less likely you'll need to replace components, and, if you do need to, they're easier to fix.

Building your own PC will most likely be cheaper, though if you are not a veteran in this department then I would recommend avoiding components that have complex assembly, such as DIY water cooling systems, really big and heavy CPU air coolers that need support backplate on the other side of the motherboard etc.

What's your budget? Building your own PC can be cheaper than pre-builts, but DIY isn't a guarantee of savings. Depending on how much you have to spend and your desired specs, a pre-built computer sometimes wins the financial battle.

Generally speaking, a low-end gaming PC can be built for around $500 to $700, while a mid-range system can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200.

Disadvantages of Building your Own PC:

Building a PC requires a certain level of technical knowledge. If you are new to the process, it can be challenging and time-consuming. Understanding compatibility, cable management, and troubleshooting can be overwhelming for beginners.

In general, desktop PCs tend to be more cost-effective than all-in-one PCs. Since you have the freedom to choose individual components, you can select hardware that fits your budget while still meeting your performance requirements.