The rise in smartphones, tablets, and other forms of media and technology have made the need for a personal computer less prevalent than was the case a generation ago. Even video gaming consoles are contributing to this, if gaming was the last thing anyone still did on their PC. Still, if you want one, or just need one, you eventually have to make the choice between buying a retail computer that’s already preassembled or having a custom built PC made for you. There are pros and cons to doing both. Keep reading to learn what some of them are.
Pro) Choose Your Own Case: When you have a customized personal computer built for you, or do it on your own, then you can pick whatever case you might want. That means you can choose the size, shape, and color, and maybe even have see-through panels and flashing lights or whatever gear and tweaks that interest you. You can also add many fans and liquid cooling for better performance and longer lifespan.
Con) They Take More Space: You could choose a small case, but if you’re looking for something custom, then you want parts with power, and they tend to be bigger. This isn’t likely to be a small case you can tuck into a corner.
Pro) Picking Your Own Components: The processor, the RAM, the sound card, the GPU, and even the motherboard, you get to pick it all as you see fit. A preconfigured PC won’t leave you many options.
Con) They’re Expensive: Getting all the parts independently will add up in terms of the price tag, even when you get budget parts.
Pro) Easier To Upgrade: Custom PCs are easier to upgrade over time, given their modular construction. Preconfigured rigs won’t have so many expansion slots, the chips might already be maxed out, power supply connections can be limited, and integrated motherboard cards might have been used to avoid having free expansion slots or bays in the case. There’s just not room!
Con) They Use More Power: Bigger parts and more parts instead of smaller and integrated components are going to mean a bigger power supply. That’s more on your utility bill over time.
Pro) Dedicated Purpose: Looking to do CAD work? Intense AV or photo editing? Hardcore gaming with high FPS? A custom rig can be dedicated to a single purpose. Retail rigs can be used, but the high-end ones cost thousands of dollars, so while a custom rig is more expensive than a general retail PC, it’s still a much cheaper way to have a focused purpose or application.
Con) Lack Of Support: Shop right, and all your parts will have their own warranties, but who covers the custom built computer in its entirety? If you built it yourself, you’re on your own. Having said that, many custom PC builders to provide their own warranties and tech support.
Now that you know the pros and cons of getting a custom built PC versus buying a mass-manufactured one, you can make the right choice for your needs, situation, and budget.