At Entry-Level, you save more than 110 USD if you assemble the PC yourself. Even includes a better processor (AMD Ryzen 5 7600 vs 7600X), so you'll get more bang for your buck if you choose the same chip.
Budgets for mid-range gaming PCs range from $2,000 to $2,500. With this amount of money, you can choose a major PC brand, so the article chose Acer Predator Orion 5000 for comparison. At this price, you can comfortably play most of the games you want.
When within this budget, you can flexibly choose components without worrying about exceeding the budget. However, careful consideration is still needed to make the most of your hard-earned money. That's why you should take a look at the 5 specifications to consider when buying a gaming PC before choosing the components to install in your machine.
As you can see, you will save a lot of money if you build your own mid-range computer. You save over $500 on parts that are on sale, and even if no parts are on sale, you still save $324.08. You can then use this money to buy yourself a nice monitor.
High-end gaming computer
You will get great gaming performance at this level. However, you should also be prepared to spend more than $3,000, which is what you pay for the Alienware Aurora R16. The article chose the most expensive pre-configured desktop model that Dell offers to gamers, then compared the cost of similar parts from Newegg.
|
Alienware Aurora R16 |
Newegg |
Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Processor |
Intel Core i9-14900KF |
Intel Core i9-14900KF |
$442.99 ($540.99) |
|
Graphics card |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super |
Asus TUF Gaming RTX 4080 Super |
$1,029.99 |
|
Memory |
32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-5600 |
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGV 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 |
$112.99 |
|
Storage |
2TB M.2 NVMe SSD |
Samsung 990 EVO 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 SSD |
$139.99 ($239.99) |
|
Motherboard |
Not Indicated |
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II |
$429.99 |
|
Source |
1000W Platinum |
Thermaltake Toughpower PF3 1050W 80+ Platinum ATX 3.0 Full Modular |
$198.99 ($219.99) |
|
Cooling equipment |
240mm AIO |
NZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360 |
$299.99 |
|
Case PC |
ATX Case |
Corsair iCUE Link 6500X RGB Mid-Tower Dual Chamber |
$269.99 |
|
Total price |
$3,199 |
$2,942.92 ($3,143.92) |
Although the price difference at this level between a pre-built PC and a custom PC is no longer more than $500, you still save more than $275 if you choose to build your own, which is still quite a lot of money. However, the savings mainly come from discounts and promotions. So if you eliminate all of that, the difference drops to a little over $56. At this time, it is recommended to choose a pre-built PC because the labor costs and expenses incurred when assembling the PC yourself will be higher.
Super high-end gaming computer
This is the point where performance is the only factor you need to consider, regardless of price. This is the kind of computer that most gamers can only dream of, and budgets start at $4,000. The article chose the Corsair Vengeance i8300 as the pre-built representative, especially because it is one of the first pre-built computers to use Intel's next generation desktop processor (codenamed Arrow Lake). Intel's new CPU naming scheme.
|
Corsair Vengeance i8300 |
Newegg |
Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Processor |
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
$629.99 |
|
Graphics card |
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 |
MSI Gaming X Trio RTX 4090 |
$1,999.99 |
|
Memory |
64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6400 |
Corsair Dominator Titanium 64GB (4x16GB) DDR5-6400 |
$329.99 |
|
Storage capacity |
6TB (4TB+2TB) M.2 NVMe SSD |
Crucial T705 4TB + 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD |
$506.99 ($563.99) + $399.99 |
|
Motherboard |
Intel Z890 |
MSI MPG Z890 Edge Wifi7 |
$369.99 |
|
Source |
1000W ATX 80+ Gold |
Asus ROG Thor 1000W 80+ Platinum |
$304.99 ($359.99) |
|
Cool |
AIO |
NZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360 |
$299.99 |
|
PC Case |
ATX Case |
MSI MEG Maestro 700L Project Zero |
$369.99 ($399.99) |
|
Total price |
$4,799.99 |
$5,211.82 ($5,353.91) |
Pre-built PCs in the high-end segment are significantly more affordable than custom-built computers. This may be because component prices at this performance level are often uncontrolled, especially when manufacturers know that buyers of these products can afford it.
However, although you will save money when using a pre-built PC, you cannot be sure what the manufacturer will put in your computer unless they specify the information. This means that if you want the best bang for your buck, you might not get the performance you want with a pre-built computer.
Is it cheaper to buy a pre-built computer or assemble it yourself?
According to the data, pre-built computers will save you money at both ends – when you're on a limited budget and when cost isn't an issue. But for every other case in between, custom-built computers are actually cheaper.
However, you should note that the price here does not include additional costs such as thermal paste and screwdrivers. Furthermore, you have to spend time assembling the computer yourself or find someone to do it for you. These are additional costs you need to consider, especially since time costs vary from person to person.
However, one advantage you get when using a pre-built computer is customer service. If you have problems with your computer, you can call the manufacturer and they can help you fix the problem. Pre-built computers are also important if you don't know anything about the specs, as the manufacturer can simply ask your budget and what you want to accomplish, and then you will get a recommended computer. export.
If you know how to use a computer, the only thing you need to consider is the price difference. If the price difference is less than $100 and you trust the quality of your pre-built PC provider, then choose that option. But if not, a custom PC is the way to go.
