To build or to buy a personal computer? This question usually comes to the mind of most people, especially when wanting to upgrade their PCs to handle even more complex tasks to provide a better user experience. The build vs. buy debate has been going on for some time now in the world of personal computers.
The Pros and Cons of Creating a Custom Computer
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Buying or building your own PC totally depends on what you intend to use the PC for. For instance, if you plan to use your PC for general Web browsing, basic word processing or just video streaming, it would be best that you buy instead of building.
On the other hand, if you intend to use your PC for complex tasks such as gaming or designing which require intense processing power, it would be cheaper to build your own PC instead of buying.
Nonetheless, building a PC from scratch is not an easy task and would require some level of background knowledge but modern manufacturers such as PC Builder who have provided readily available components can help you to easily accomplish this mission.
While it’s much cheaper to build your own pc, it can get really expensive especially if you don’t know what you are doing or the PC components that you require. One of the most important components are standoffs which keep everything separated in order to prevent electrical shorts.
Pros of Building your Own PC
Cheaper than Buying
While the demand for PCs has dwindled in recent years attributed to the preference of laptops and tablets to desktops, high-performance PCs are still expensive to buy. One advantage of building your own PC is that you are able to save a substantial amount of money.
This is because buying each individual PC component is less expensive than buying a full assembled workstation. Additionally, you can buy refurbished components which are extremely cheap compared to new parts.
Customizability
Building your own PC allows you to fully customize it with the software or hardware you require to perform the intended task. This allows you to get exactly what you want and you don’t have to pay for features you don’t require or need in pre-built models.
For instance, if you are building a computer server, you would want to enhance the hardware and RAM for optimized performance. Or if you are building a gaming PC, you ought to go for a powerful GPU for an immersive gaming experience. So, basically building your own PC provides you with a rare opportunity of customizing it depending on the intended task.
Upgradability
On top of being able to customize your PC, building it also allows you to upgrade individual components if the need arises. For instance, if you establish that your computer requires additional RAM for improved performance, you can easily upgrade it.
Enhances your understanding of computers
Building your own PC enhances your knowledge in computers thanks to a practical approach. With greater knowledge of computers, you are likely to land lucrative opportunities. Additionally, building your own PC provides you with a sense of fulfillment and pride.
Cons of building your PC
Stressful, Exhausting and Time Consuming
Building your own PC takes a lot of time and can really be stressful. It takes time to shop for the individual components and joining them to achieve a complete functional system.
Sometimes, individual components may have compatibility issues and you have to look for other components thus end up taking additional time as well as additional costs
Lack of Warranty on the individual components
While most individual components will have a warranty, other may lack warranty putting the PC at risk of no compensation in case of damage. Additionally, even if the individual components have warranties, the PC lacks an all-encompassing warranty putting your investment at risk.
High chances of errors
Even for the most experienced PC builders, there are high chances or errors when assembling the individual components. Sometimes, you may assemble parts which are not compatible and you may not easily recognize the exact components that are non-compatible.
Lack of tech support
Even though there are plenty of PC building tutorials and guidelines online, they are sometimes not that much helpful because every PC builder encounters unique inconsistencies which may not be solved by watching the tutorials. The lack of availability of real-time tech support is a major hindrance in building your own PC.
Summary
Building your own PC offers you the opportunity to create a unique computer system that fits your personal demand.
Building a PC is certainly a fulfilling experience and enables you to save a substantial amount of money while you enhance your understanding of computers. The experience can also be exhilarating, stressful, exhausting and time-consuming especially for a first time builder.
