Don't Know if I Should Build or Buy a PC, Any Advice?
Posted by Few-Regret4579@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 33 comments
I'm interested in a PC both for me to use to game and work off of. And for my girlfriend to do graphic design on.
I want to keep it below or around $1,000.
Games I'll be playing won't be too intense. Roblox, Minecraft, Rust, Valorant, CS etc.
And my gf will be running adobe and various other graphic design software. I'm not too tech savvy so the idea of building a PC is very daunting to me.
Convince me!
Gold-Program-3509@reddit
after building pc every few years let me tell you this even now with all experience still it can be headache inducing.. some things are pain in ass, installing the cpu as the pins or cpu socket is very fragile you can absolutely make no mistake, installing motherboard into the case as you must align mb and IO backplate properly, sometimes a backplate grounding flap slides into connector and you must redo the mb placement... then the m2 ssd screws are tiny as f.. these can be pain.. inserting ram can also be frustrating if you dont have experience as you must push just the right amount.. BUT im DIY guy, and i dont trust anyone can do my pc better or with more care than me :)
Tosshee@reddit
If you build:
Cost effective: you can save $200-500 depending on different companies or tiers of PCs
Controlled choices: PCs are adult LEGOs, most part will work together, but be aware of different motherboard platforms, Intel or AMD and some other minor details. Parts can also come with variety of designs if want the PC to look nice
Experience: Not just building and owning one but now you know what parts you have, troubleshooting if you have problems, maintenance/swapping/upgrade parts if a component dies.
If you buy:
Maybe im biased since i've built one myself but prebuilt companies just dont do a whole lot for customers
soapymoapysuds@reddit
It's fun to build your own PC and of course more cost effective. I'd say, look for some YouTube videos so you can visually see what all it entails. Watching someone explain it to you and show visually what you will need to do can help you make the decision.
SnooChipmunks2011@reddit
From a non biased perspective, prebuilds tend to be about $150-$350 more expensive that if you were to buy the parts yourself. Getting a prebuilt is completely fine for your first time, especially if you don’t want to do hours of research.
Building a PC can definitely be fun and cost effective but will take many many hours to understand, few hours watching videos to actually build it, then bios, windows blah blah blah. Prebuilts do tend to have a few super weak parts but most of the time you can customise them and add better parts (more research).
It’s not easy to buy a PC, start with understanding what each part means and the best specific part for each component. Once you’ve done that then move onto the whole prebuilt v build it your own issue.
starocean2@reddit
Not to mention when you build yourself you get all name brand parts. No unknown manufacturers from china.
tony475130@reddit
And you might actually be able to troubleshoot it since you built it so you have first hand experience of what might be an issue.
Aggressive-Action798@reddit
PM me if you want to talk specifics and spitball some build lists. I find it very enjoyable. I can be a resource in case shit gets weird during the build too.
ZestycloseRadio5264@reddit
Build. Super easy. 1000 almost 3 years ago got me a 2080 Ti, 5800x, 800 power supply, a Hero Board,2Tb ssd 32 ram. Thing plays all day at 1440. Couldn’t be happier. Brother during Covid paid 2800 for an alien 2060 super a year ear and was super bummed out that my comp blew his away. He has moved up to a 4080a we still play the same games same setting but he is at 4k. Couldn’t be happier with the 2080 ti and 5800x combo. Bet it’s real cheap now
Mrcod1997@reddit
You can probably stretch your money a bit further building yourself.
Long-Patient604@reddit
If you want to save a headache and don't mind spending a couple of extra dollars buy pre-build, or if you want to get what you are paying for and don't mind spending an hour or two build your own PC.
HighCaliber762@reddit
Build. Building is cheaper than pre-built, you have total control over what parts are being used and its a ton of fun, you learn all the nuances with your rig and it is extremely rewarding.
Caveat: Develop a budget and stick to it. It's easy to fall into the trap of this part is better and its just a little bit more, that part is better and it's just a little bit more and soon you've spent 50% more than originally planned. Sure, you'll have a great rig regardless, but it can get away from you quickly.
FreakyAmerican@reddit
Definitely build your own, i recently built my first pc and it took 6 hours cause I had absolutely 0 experience and was too stubborn to watch a video before I started lmao. It's so easy now please watch a tutorial
FahimPlayz@reddit
You will def overspend with a prebuilt and they will cheap out on certain parts as well. Building it you will get a much better pc with your budget
n7_trekkie@reddit
https://youtu.be/2Dv-7S5SA6Q?si=W7DkCp3kWocl2_nI
Rapom613@reddit
His “how to build a PC” series is golden
n7_trekkie@reddit
Paul's a treasure
oldsnowcoyote@reddit
Find out from your girlfriend if she knows how much ram she uses. Depending on the programs and file size, she might be pushing the 32gb boundary. Newer computers with ddr5 memory prefer using only 2 ram sticks for best performance, so it's best to make sure you have that figured out before buying ram.
Building is almost always the best way to go.
Rapom613@reddit
Building a PC is much more cost effective, and not very difficult. I would always say build it.
Build my first PC back in June, watched a couple YouTube videos, ordered parts, read the manuals, and it has worked flawlessly since day 1
Microcenter bundles rock, 7700x with mobo and 32gb of ram is 399 right now, refurb / open box / used GPU and a modest case should keep you around 1k for a decent set up
Xcissors280@reddit
For 1k I’d probably build it and get a used GPU. It you don’t have to
Brownie_Badger@reddit
Good time to build. Parts are cheap, plentiful, and powerful. A good 1080p setup can meet the 1k budget easily, pushing into 1440p range.
If you're a new pc gamer, I would like to remind you that the budget should also include a mouse, keyboard, and monitor.
If you have a microcenter near you they are always a good bet.
Depending on the software your SO uses, you may find that an optimized build will also benefit from your CPU heavy games list.
Brownie_Badger@reddit
Here is a full mockup, a little over budget, but it includes everything. It's s a good middle ground for gaming and design software has room to upgrade a little bit. Have any questions feel free to ask.
PCPartPicker Part List
StitchSix85@reddit
I've never even spent time around PC's that involved parts....I've used normal PCs but nothing like building a gaming PC......I watched a lot of videos , used PC part picker , searched videos on YT on the idea of my build to see if anyone had a video similar , after picking out my GPU , I looked at PCPartPicker estimated watts then went to the website to check my GPU suggested power supply just to be safe and actually went up another 100watts cause it was only 10 bucks more. I had a lot of fun building one ! I thought it was something I needed some hands on knowledge at least but know I got myself a wonderful 1440p beast , was proud of myself. Only problem is it's like a tattoo . I wanna do it again or upgrade mine even though it's only 5 months old 😂
PsnReBirthOfMac_HD@reddit
Build you will love the experience.
Artistic_Papaya21@reddit
Either way you will end up “building”. Replacing bs parts or upgrading is common in prebuilds. You can budget $500-600 to build the system you’re looking for. Maybe less if used parts don’t bother you.
dontuseyourreal_name@reddit
Asking r/buildapc if you should build or buy a pc? I wonder what the answer will be
Kloenkies@reddit
Building a pc is not that hard, so building.
gundam538@reddit
I would say it’s more worth it to build one. There are lots on people here on Reddit that can help you. I will say there are some good prebuilts that are for gaming if you can it on sale.
Here is an example of what a build could look like: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GmZCmC
The-Cinster@reddit
BUILD
JJ4prez@reddit
Always build.
Traditional-Lime1960@reddit
Building usually more fun and cheaper.
FIRExRIFE@reddit
If you have basic knowledge in building pc go build one. Like other say you can pick better pc parts that you like. You can also check review before choosing parts that is reliable or not costly too much. But if you dont have basic idea on building pc i suggest buy pre built because sometimes owners accidentally messed the parts by just incorrect mounting parts.
Kent_Knifen@reddit
Building a PC is always more cost-efficient than buying an equivalent PC.
Building a PC allows you to pick out the specific parts you want to use, instead of settling for pre-config options of a prebuilt.
Prebuilt companies tend to cut some corners to keep their profit margins wider. Non-modular power supplies, mATX boards in ATX cases, and using 120mm rads to advertise "water-cooling" are some of the common examples. Warranty and support can also be spotty depending on the company.
thepohcv@reddit
It is like Legos, the end result is just different. You will save money building it yourself and you will be able to control the quality of the parts inside of it. SOO much help on YT that walks you through step by step.