A pre-built gaming PC is a fully assembled machine aseembled by manufacturers using the most compatible hardware. A custom gaming PC is built by choosing and assembling hardware from the ground up. Building a gaming PC on your own requires you to have some technical knowledge of hardware compatibility. The main differences between a pre-built and custom-built gaming PC are convenience, ease of setup, upgradability, and cost.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-built gaming PCs come assembled and are ideal for users with zero knowledge of PC building.
- Custom gaming PCs offer you more freedom for hardware selection and budget.
- Custom gaming PCs are easier to upgrade as compared to pre-built gaming PCs.
- Pre-built PCs offer limited customization when compared to custom-built PCs.
- Pre-built PCs are backed by warranty and technical assistance.
What Are the Key Differences Between Pre-Built and Custom-Built Gaming PCs?
There are many things in common when we compare a custom gaming PC with a pre-built one, each build type has advantages and disadvantages. But your decision to pick between these two depends on your convenience and customization freedom. Below are the factors to help you decide which built type is better for you.
| Pre-Built Gaming PC | Custom Gaming PC | |
| Hardware | Already selected by manufacturer | Selected by the buyer |
| Assembly | Fully assembled | Already selected by the manufacturer |
| Budget | Requires more budget | Already selected by the manufacturer |
| Aesthetics | Limited Customizability | The overall cost is cheaper than a pre-built PC |
| Support & Warranty | The overall cost is cheaper than a pre-built PC | Discounts based on the overall system |
Hardware
Both pre-built and custom-built gaming machines are backed by high-end hardware. No matter which one you choose based on the hardware, you will have a decent gaming machine on your desk.
Pre-built PC
Pre-built computers are best for someone who doesn’t want to peek into every little detail (like what RAM or PSU brand is used in building that machine). In simple terms, pre-built gaming computers are best option if you have zero knowledge of PC building.
The main downside of pre-built PCs is limited freedom to choose hardware. Rather, the pre-built machine comes with pre-installed hardware installed by the manufacturer.
Custom PC
A custom gaming PC gives you more control over hardware management. From choosing the best CPU to an aesthetically appealing PC case, build your dream gaming machine from scratch.
However, building your gaming PC requires some technical knowledge. Without any know-how of hardware compatibility, you may end up with performance issues.
Assembly
Another difference between a pre-built and custom-made gaming PC is the time it takes to assemble them.
Pre-built PC
You don’t have to buy a screwdriver set to assemble a pre-built computer. Everything is constructed by the manufacturer, saving you a lot of time. Sometimes, you don’t have to buy a separate mouse and keyboard as everything is included in the package.
Custom PC
Building a new gaming PC from scratch takes a lot of assembly time. Even if you order a custom-built PC from a manufacturer, it will take some time to build and ship it depending upon the nature of the build.
Budget
There’s no sense in spending a lot of money buying a PC that doesn’t meet your gaming needs.
Pre-built PC
Keep an eye on the hardware prices when you go with a pre-built gaming PC. Watch out for the online retail stores that offer discounts on pre-built PCs. There’s no sense in spending cash buying a PC that is just “aesthetically pleasing”.
Black Friday or Cyber Monday is the best time to get pre-built computers at a discounted price.
Overall, when it comes to budget, pre-built computers are priced a bit higher than custom-built computers.
The extra costs associated with a pre-built PC are the lump sum of assembly fee and shipping. Remember that manufacturers charge you for the time and effort they put into building a PC.
Custom PC
A custom-made gaming machine gives you more budget freedom. The inflow of budget decides how your PC perfomrs in gaming. Adjust your budget based on your gaming needs and habits.
Build a cheap gaming PC or spare more cash to build a powerful gaming rig. That being said, a custom gaming PC is the right option for someone with a specific budget. Search for online discounts on gaming hardware on marketplaces like Amazon, NewEgg, or eBay to buy PC hardware under your preferred budget range.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the most demanding element in the reign of gaming PCs. Most people judge a gaming PC by its look. RGB-illuminated fans and tinted glass panel chassis make a PC aesthetically appealing to your eyes.
Pre-built PC
Modern pre-built gaming PCs come with a pleasant look making them different from non-gaming PCs. As everyone has their taste when it comes to the “looks of a PC case”, you may or may not like the design of a pre-built gaming PC.
Custom PC
Custom-built PCs stand apart from pre-built PCs in terms of aesthetics. As the gaming PC industry is flooded with aesthetical PC cases one after another, PC builders have numerous alternatives to choose from.
Choose PC cases with a side glass panel for showcasing your gaming rig in full glory. Though you will find pre-built gaming PCs with a transparent PC case, the main thing is whether that will catch up to your eyes or not.
Building a custom gaming PC allows you to choose a design that best suits your preferences.
Tech Support & Warranty
Electronic devices are vulnerable to damage or internal errors. A bad chip or transistor on motherboard may prevent your PC from running smoothly. Contact tech support incase your run into performance issues.
Pre-built PC
I admire pre-build rigs when it comes to technical support. Most pre-built gaming PC brands like HP Omen, iBuyPower, Alienware, etc, offer technical assistance if you encounter any hardware or software issues.
In addition, most pre-built PC manufacturers offer at least 1 year of hardware warranty to replace faulty hardware.
Custom PC
Regarding warranty, pre-built and custom-built gaming computers share the same fate. Manufacturers like Intel, AMD, Nvidia, etc offer return or replacement warranty if anything goes wrong with the hardware.
However, building a custom gaming PC lacks external technical assistance unless you are building one from a reputed manufacturer.
What Are Advantages & Disadvantages of Prebuilt & Custom Built Gaming PCs
| Aspect | Prebuilt Gaming PC | Custom-Built Gaming PC |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | – Ready to use immediately – Comes with support – Time-saving | – Customizable – Better performance for the price – Easier to upgrade |
| Disadvantages | – Higher cost for similar specs – Limited upgrade options | – Requires technical knowledge – Time-consuming to build |
| Best for | Users who want convenience and support | Enthusiasts who want control and customization |
| Cost | Typically more expensive for similar specs | More cost-effective for higher performance |
| Performance | Uses mid-range components | Optimized for better performance with chosen parts |
Verdict: Which One to Choose
According to my PC building experience, a custom gaming PC offers you more flexibility in terms of customization and budget. The only hurdle in building a custom PC is the “technical knowledge”. Learn how to assemble a gaming PC if you want to go “custom”.
A pre-built gaming PC is the right option if you don’t know how to build computers. Lastly, remember to go with reputed brands like HP, Dell, iBuyPower, CyberPowerPC, etc who offer warranty and technical assistance.
Editor’s Recommendation:
Mosaab Jamal Ahmed brings 12+ years of PC Hardware experience to the table. His journey began in 1998 with a Pentium 1 PC, igniting his lifelong fascination with computer hardware and video games. Over the years, Mosaab has honed his skills in upgrading and building gaming PCs. He has built dream gaming machines for multiple brands and local businesses throughout his career. Mosaab’s areas of expertise are building custom gaming PCs, in-depth PC hardware analysis, and PC hardware reviews.