Many gamers wonder whether to buy a pre-built gaming PC or build their own. Many factors, including budget, experience, and intended use, affect which choice is most suitable.

 

The gaming industry is developing rapidly, with consoles offering incredible, cross-platform gaming experiences and mobile accessible online casinos offering bettors the opportunity to play outside the UK with offshore sites that feature the latest, immersive games. Also game developers have had greater freedom thanks to the improvements in hardware, so console and casino gamers have benefited greatly. However, PC gaming typically offers flexibility and high-quality gaming. But not everyone has the budget to go all out on the priciest components.

 

With this in mind, we take a look at some of the most important factors when it comes to deciding whether to build their own PC or invest in a ready-made system.

Building a Gaming PC 

Building a gaming PC gives consumers the most flexibility possible. It allows them to research and invest in the components that best suit their needs, meaning their gaming system is tailored to the games they enjoy most.

 

Doing this on a budget means that the consumer will have to research potential components to create the best PC their money can buy.

The Core Components to Focus on When Building a PC

Spreading your budget across all of your components for a good balance will help you get the most out of them, with some elements you should focus on.

RAM

16GB of RAM is generally considered to be a good starting point when building a gaming PC for beginners. This is typically suitable for light gaming and general use, but 32GB is the best option for high-performance, 4K gaming. RAM of between 48GB to 64GB is recommended for gamers who stream games and run background apps like video editing.

 

In some cases, gamers might go as high as 192GB of RAM for VR gaming experiences and 3D rendering, but this option would be much more expensive. The low cost of 16GB might be appealing, but it will leave very little room for upgrades or improvements, so 32GB is the best option.

CPU

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is integral to the gaming PC, acting as its brain that must handle the instructions and calculations required to run software and games. It will impact the gaming performance in terms of loading times, smooth gameplay, and responsiveness. The CPU will be responsible for AI calculations, game logic, and other important background tasks that determine the speed and efficiency of the gameplay.

 

When choosing a CPU, you should search for one in your budget that has a high number of threads and cores and a high Max Turbo Frequency, so it is able to handle multiple tasks and boost FPS in more demanding games.

GPU

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) deals with the visual display, making it an essential component for high-quality graphics. Its main tasks include texture mapping, rendering graphics, anti-aliasing, and shader processing, which all affect the visual outcome. The more powerful the GPU, the better the graphics.

 

The GPU receives instructions from the CPU and translates them into the visual display the player sees on the gaming monitor. The importance of having a good CPU and GPU makes all the difference to sharp, receptive gaming with clear graphics. GPUs are available in a variety of qualities, with entry-level options being lower in price than the high-end models.

Compatibility

While these components will play the most important part in the quality of a gaming PC, it is essential that consumers explore the compatibility of each part they plan to include. Some components will be designed to work with others, and making sure all components work optimally will result in a better gaming experience for the player.

High Quality Parts

One of the major benefits of building your own gaming PC is that you are in control of every aspect of the build. This means that you can determine the quality of each component, something that isn’t possible with pre-built options.

 

You will also have greater control over your budget, pricing each part yourself. Pre-built gaming PCs cost more because you are paying for the expertise of the operator creating it rather than just the individual parts.

Easy Upgrade Potential

Another great benefit of building your own PC on a budget is that you can buy components with an eye on the future. Upgrading a gaming PC doesn’t mean the whole thing has to be scrapped, and improving certain elements as you develop as a player makes it easier to maintain a high standard.

No Support

While there are countless benefits to building your own gaming PC, it is worth noting that there are some negatives that need to be considered. The lack of support you will receive on a solo project like this will be daunting at first, and only as you gain experience will you feel more confident.

 

While there is no official support, there are online chats and forums with fellow enthusiasts who are always happy to help each other out and provide useful recommendations.

Complex Learning Curve

The complexity of creating a gaming PC should not be underestimated, but the more you learn, the easier it will become to upgrade. Seeking advice and guidance from experts is advised for anyone starting out.

Operating System Cost

Starting from scratch means you will have to buy everything, including an operating system. There are some free options on the market, like Linux, but paid systems like Windows may be required for certain software or games. 

 

The functionality of the OS is what manages software and hardware resources, making it possible for users to run programs and interact with the computer. Software compatibility will be one of the biggest concerns for gamers, and the OS will also determine the user interface.

Buying a Gaming PC

The challenge and excitement of creating your own tailored gaming PC appeals to many, but not everyone has the time or feels confident enough to do it. This leaves gamers with the option of buying a pre-built gaming PC.

 

The different specifications of a pre-built gaming PC will determine its price, with beginner models at the lower end of the scale.

Higher Cost for Convenience

Consumers will not have the same flexibility as those creating their own PC when buying a pre-built system and the cost will be higher due to the additional work put into the machines. Paying more for a PC where you don’t have as much input might seem like a negative at first, but these systems are ready to be played straight away. The time involved in building your own gaming PC makes it more popular among people that already have something to play on, with this being an additional passion project.

Warranty Protection

Another great benefit of purchasing a pre-built PC is that it will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This means that any issues that arise for a pre-determined period will be the responsibility of the manufacturer to fix.

 

Warranties will have their own terms and conditions and gamers must be aware of this. They typically prohibit alterations or work carried out by people not approved by the maker. How you store and positon a PC could also impact the warranty, with gaming PCs requiring ventilation to keep them cool.

Limited Choice of Components and Upgrade Capabilities

Manufacturers will typically use parts that are easy for them to get and cost effective. Quite often they will design their own components, and they might not offer the same capabilities of alternatives that could be purchased for a similar or lower price.

 

This isn’t always the case, but checking the specifications and parts list before committing is advisable for anyone considering a pre-built gaming PC.

 

The warranty and parts used in these systems can also hinder the potential for upgrades, with compatible parts required for this. Some pre-built systems also secure parts permanently to minimise the risk of damage during transport, making it a lot harder for consumers to add or remove parts. 

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the most cost effective way to enjoy PC gaming, building your own PC could be the best option. You will have the freedom to shop around for the best deals for key components, and could even upgrade the system in the future.

 

While money can be saved and consumers will have the freedom to create the PC that suits their needs, they will have to invest a lot of time into its creation. Help is available, but you won’t have the same level of cover as you would buying a pre-built system.

 

Pre-built gaming systems come in at a higher price-point and don’t offer the same flexibility, but the convenience of being able to buy something that is ready to go appeals to a lot of experienced gamers and those just starting out.