Should you buy a gaming PC or build one?

If you want to build a kick-ass computer lab in your home, you’ll need to start with a kick-ass PC. But with so many ways to get good PCs these days, you’ll need to make a decision:

Are you going to buy pre-built computers? You can either buy pre-built PCs or build it yourself.

Over the past 10 years I’ve made both of those choices, so I’m in a prime spot to guide you through this process. Let’s talk about what you’ll need to build your own PC, what it’s like to order a custom pre-built PC online, and which I recommend.

How do I build my own gaming computer?

It can be hard work but it can also prove to be extremely rewarding. This gives you total control over the entire process and makes your computer feel more like your creation. This makes updating your computer easier, as you can see exactly where each part and piece goes.

Speaking of parts, let’s start with everything you’ll need to build a complete computer and be able to test it on your own:

• The case
• The processor (CPU).
• Cooler for processors
• The motherboard
• Multiple memory sticks (RAM)
• A hard drive
• A graphic card (GPU).
• An electrical power supply (PSU).
• Thermopaste
• Flashlight
• Screwdriver
• Optional anti-static wrist band (recommended, though not required)
• A copy Windows, or any other operating system.
• The monitor
• A mouse
• The keyboard

PCPartPicker can be used to acquire parts. It’s a great resource for beginners and will let you compare different parts so you can get exactly what you want (and it also will tell you if any of your parts are incompatible with one another). You may also download our checklist and purchase the pieces online from Amazon.com or at your local Micro Center.

You need to be aware that computers are complicated and can change at any time. A wrong step could result in your PC not being able to be booted for the test. And if you aren’t careful about your static electricity buildup, you could end up accidentally frying one of your expensive components.

It takes hours of concentration and precision. If it’s your first time, I recommend bringing a trusted friend along with you — especially if they’ve built a PC before.

As for the build process, you’ll want a flat surface and either an iPad, laptop, or phone so you can watch a tutorial. A companion video will show you how to make a computer and the order in which it should be built.

This video from ECPU provides a great starting point. Before moving onto the construction, they first detail the components and explain why. The video also has timestamps that allow you to jump around. The tutorial at PC Centric was also great.

It’s worth noting that all PC builds are slightly different depending on the parts you select. If you’re struggling with a part you have that the person in your video tutorial doesn’t, try reading the instructions or — even better — looking for a build video with your particular case, motherboard, or processor.

What is the best way to get a pre-built custom PC?

You have two options: you can build your own computer or buy a prebuilt model from a retailer like Best Buy. Or you can custom-build one online at iBuyPower. Although the custom option can work, it is better than buying a pre-built one.

All you have to do is go to iBuyPower’s website (there are many websites like this, such as CyberPowerPC) and open up their PC customizer. Select your components from an extensive list, and you can even see how the build looks in popular games such as Elden Ring.

As long as all your parts fit together — it’ll warn you if the graphics card you want is too big for your case, for instance — you can check out. An expert will then gather the parts and build your computer. The computer is shipped to you. All you’ll need to do when it arrives is remove the weird, giant packing peanuts inside the case and plug it in.

It’s all very convenient, and it also made the massive financial burden that is a brand-new PC much easier for me to swallow. I was able to purchase my iBuyPower PC using the site’s built-in Affirm partnership. Affirm examined my credit report and provided me with a discounted rate and a 12-month repayment plan. My $2,324 computer cost me an additional $189, but I was able to upgrade my desktop one year earlier than expected.

If you have the cash on hand — or a really good credit card — you can of course buy the entire thing upfront. If the price of your PC is a major obstacle, you might consider getting a custom.

Which one do you recommend?

Photo by Ryan Gilliam/Polygon

After 10 years building computers, there has never been a problem with any machine I built. My PC never failed to boot on its first attempt. I have also never burned anything. Many more talented PC builders I know haven’t been so lucky, but I had great experiences. It was a great experience that I enjoyed, something I hoped would happen every few years.

However, after multiple builds and upgrades — as well as a pandemic — I wanted to try something simple and easy. I wanted a perfect build for both work and play, and that’s exactly what I got from the custom-order PC I got in 2021. I still picked all my parts, but I didn’t have to do any of the labor. The best part was that I could pay the entire cost over the year rather than upfront. That was great for me and my family as we dealt with the pandemic.

When I get a new PC many years from now, I’ll be buying a custom one again, without question. It’s just simpler in almost every sense, and I had an excellent experience with iBuyPower. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to build my PCs. I know how they tick, and I’ll eventually be able to upgrade my current PC because I know how to carefully install computer parts.

If this is your first PC and you love to learn, you’ll really value the experience of doing it yourself. If you are just looking to play with friends, or to take advantage of Steam’s sales, purchasing a custom-built PC is the best way to start gaming. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s effortless, and it just works.

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