Putting a new computer together is exciting, but it can also be just complex enough to put starters off. There’s a lot a fear that a little mistake could end in a big cost, and while this is sometimes true, the issue isn’t as pronounced as amateurs might think. Because of this fear, however, many users instead choose to go the direction of prebuilt systems.
Simply buy a finished system and you get all the good with none of the worries, at least that is the idea. Unfortunately, the truth is not quite so simple, and there can be complicating matters that make buying a prebuilt system not worth the effort. So, what are these concerns, when is buying a prebuilt a good idea, and when should users instead consider putting a system together themselves?
The Issues with Prebuilt Computers
The biggest problem with prebuilt computers is usually the cost. In most cases, building your own system from individual parts is almost always going to be cheaper than paying for the parts plus labor of a prebuilt system. Though, as this American article from PCWorld in 2018 notes, this is not always the case. Time and place can play a large part in how expensive individual components are, and if you’re in India as we are, these prices are rarely predictable.
The other common factor that can create problems with prebuilt systems is the reliability of build quality. There are many recorded cases, as experienced by PC channel GamersNexus, of prebuilts being incorrectly configured and thus unbootable. The fixes here were simple for PC enthusiasts but could be a problem for newcomers. While more of a problem with powerful systems than simpler ones, this should still be on buyers’ minds.
When Should you Buy a Prebuilt?
The most important components of this question come down to cost and the simplicity of the system you want. If cost is no object, or at least if you don’t mind spending more then there is often no problem with buying a highly-rated prebuilt.
Buying a prebuilt can also be a good idea for those with extremely limited electronic knowledge. While putting together a modern PC is fairly simple, there are those people with mental blocks for anything technical, and this is an entirely understandable problem.
Finally, prebuilts can also be a good choice for users with simple use cases. As an example of this, online casinos like those on CasinoWings have been gaining popularity in India for years now. With playing these requiring only simple steps from browsing, collecting bonuses, and playing the games themselves, any uses along these lines should fit prebuilts without issue.
When is Putting Together Your Own System a Good Idea?
There are two basic criteria that a person should follow before launching on building their own system. The first is whether this route is cheaper, which it usually will be. The second is whether the person has ever built a computer before, or is at least minimally comfortable with putting together electronic systems.
For anyone not aware, building modern systems is nearly as simple as plugging items into sockets, as this guide from NewEgg explains. A steady hand here is important, but as long as you’re not building a water-cooled system, most amateurs should be able to put a system together in just a few hours.
Aside from this, the other major concern is that of parts compatibility. Here, websites like PCPartPicker can ensure that every component will fit together, easily letting you know what works and what doesn’t. It might seem intimidating, but it’s not as complex as it looks.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the decision on whether to buy a prebuilt system is a personal one, and you shouldn’t feel too pressured one way or another. Just be sure to research the components beforehand, to make sure you’re getting the performance you want, and to be careful if you intend to build yourself. At the end of the day, it’s about achieving a task, and with these two different routes to choose from, you should easily be covered.
