Should you build your own gaming PC or opt for a pre-built option? The answer is challenging, especially for those who want the right balance of performance, cost, and convenience.
On one hand, building a custom gaming PC allows you to select each component, tailor performance to your specific needs. If you prefer the flexibility in building your own PC, Newegg’s Custom PC Builder makes the process much easier. However, a pre-built gaming PC comes ready to run, complete with full warranty support.
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both choices, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
What Is a Gaming PC?
A gaming PC is built for performance: fast graphics, smooth refresh rates, and no stuttering. Whether pre-built or custom, a gaming PC is perfectly designed to handle modern gaming. Key features include:
- High-performance graphics card (GPU)
- Multi-core processor (CPU)
- Fast memory (RAM)
- Enhanced cooling (multiple case fans or liquid cooling)
- RGB lighting, gaming peripherals
Benefits of a Custom Gaming PC
- Complete Control Over Parts
You choose every single part: CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, power supply, case, and more. This lets you prioritize what matters most, like better graphics for high-resolution gameplay or more storage for your game library. - Potential Cost Savings
Buying parts individually—especially during sales or promotions—allows you to stretch your budget further. You can focus on key hardware like the graphics card or processor and skip the extras, such as flashy cases. - Deep Understanding of Hardware
Building a PC from scratch forces you to learn how each part works, how to fix it, and how to upgrade it later. You will be more comfortable in the future every time you troubleshoot or replace a part. - Easier to Upgrade Over Time
As new tech comes out, you can upgrade individual components of your custom gaming PC without replacing the entire machine. This extends your system’s life and allows you to spread out costs over time.
Disadvantages of a Custom Gaming PC
- Risk of Damage
If you are new to PC building, there is a strong chance you might damage sensitive parts, including bending CPU pins, misapplying thermal paste, and skipping anti-static precautions. Mistakes like these can void manufacturer warranties because of incorrect handling. - Takes Time to Learn
Finding compatible parts, learning how to assemble them, and troubleshooting potential issues (like BIOS incompatibility) takes time. If you need a gaming system quickly or lack confidence with hardware, this process can become overwhelming. - Potential Incompatibility
Without careful research, you might select components that do not work well together to meet your gaming needs. For instance, pairing a powerful GPU with a weak power supply or slow RAM can lead to performance bottlenecks. Everything should pair perfectly for a stable, high-performance system.
Benefits of a Pre-built Gaming PC
- Convenience
Pre-built gaming desktops arrive fully assembled and tested. You simply unpack, plug in, and play. No need to research individual parts, handle delicate components or troubleshoot assembly-related issues. Perfect for gamers who can’t wait to get started.
Discover Newegg’s best-selling pre-built gaming PCs for ready-to-go play
- Full Warranty and Support
Most reputable brands back their pre-built PCs with warranties that cover both parts and labor. If a component fails, just contact the original manufacturer. Many also provide live hotlines and chats to help diagnose problems, ideal for customers who need that extra peace of mind. - Professionally Optimized
Pre-built systems are designed and tested by professionals, ensuring all components work smoothly. That means fine-tuned BIOS settings, stable fan curves, and updated firmware to ensure stability and performance. This reduces hardware conflicts, giving you more confidence to begin your game.
Looking for help finding your next pre-built gaming PC? Newegg’s Gaming PC Finder uses your favorite games and resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) to generate PC recommendations. You can use the estimated frame rates and performance scores to compare potential systems. It’s a fast way to narrow down options that match your performance needs and budget.
Newegg Gaming PC Finder
Disadvantages of a Pre-built Gaming PC
- Potential for Unwanted Pre-installed Software
Some manufacturers preload their systems with trial software, promotional offers, or utilities that take up storage and slow performance. Removal requires additional effort after unboxing, negating some of the plug-and-play advantages of a pre-built PC. - Price Comparison: Cost for Pre-built vs. Custom Gaming PCs
To track where your money goes, compare custom and pre-built gaming PCs. Mid-range custom PCs often cost around 33% less than pre-built models with similar specs. As we move up the performance-tiers, the gap continues to grow. High-end GPUs and CPUs can carry significant markups. Even though pre-built PCs offer warranty coverage, you can find deals on individual parts or reusing older components to save more on your custom build.
Newegg is a popular choice for pre-built gaming PCs with choices for a wide range of budgets and performance needs, with frequent discounts on products as well. We offer a wide selection from brands like ABS, Skytech, MSI, and iBUYPOWER. When shopping, check product reviews and specs and consider buying products sold directly from Newegg for better support.
ABS Pre-built Gaming PCs
Choosing the Ideal Pre-built or Custom Gaming PC
Deciding between a pre-built and custom-built gaming PC ultimately depends on your preferences, technical skills, and budget. Custom builds provide flexibility and potential savings. Alternatively, pre-built gaming PCs offer convenience, warranty coverage, and professionally optimized components. By carefully considering your comfort level with hardware assembly, your future upgrade plans, and the comparative costs of each option, you can make an informed choice that enhances your gaming experience and meets your specific needs.