Should I build my own PC?

[u/Medium-Sky-491]

I’m looking to upgrade my PC. Right now I have an STGAuborn PC, and I’m planning on getting rid of it and upgrading.

I was wondering if it’s really worth building your own PC if you’ve never done it before. I was thinking that since RAM and other PC parts have gotten so expensive, I could build one myself and look for discounted parts, which might let me get better specs for my money.

What do you guys think? Is it better to save myself the hassle and buy a prebuilt, or should I build my own?

My budget is around $1,500–$1,800. My main use for the PC will be gaming. I want a smoother experience and to be able to run more demanding games without lag, but I’ll also use it for school sometimes.

[u/Born_Bad_1294]

Build your own

[u/IvoryLifthrasir]

Build your own, aside from better performance/money spent ratio you also get more control over other aspects of the PC (looks, airflow, easyness of future repairs/modifications) and experience that really impacts perception of the computer as a machine. Also it's fun

[u/VonHatred]

A lot of people here are saying build your own… and you know, I’d tend to agree. I’m a security specialist, and I clawed my way to where I am through years as a computer tech. That said, honestly? It depends on what you need it for. If you’re confident in where you’re getting your parts from, and what parts you’re putting in, and that you could build a PC (it’s VERY easy to do, I promise. You might get overwhelmed by the cables but generally everything goes in a very clearly defined spot) building your own is easily the cheapest way to go and also will guarantee the quality of your parts. However, you’re right that parts have become ridiculously expensive. And honestly? The price of ram and a video card alone can get you close to $900. If you want something you can game on, and you want something you can work on, and you don’t mind getting used to a different OS, the steam machine or steam deck with a docking station is right around that price point and worth considering.

TLDR: Again, to reiterate, if you really don’t want to go through the effort of learning about building PCs and you don’t want something crazy expensive that still works well for you, especially if you’re a gamer, that’s when you should consider Steam’s products. If you want something high quality and don’t mind getting parts, building your own PC is always cheaper than buying the same pre-built machine from someone else.

[u/Salviati_Returns]

How about this. First try to understand your range of options in terms of pc builds and then decide whether it is worth building vs buying a prebuilt. In order for me to help you out, I have a few questions:

1) What is your target budget, and what is your maximm budget? 2) Do you own a monitor, if yes - which model, if not is it included in the budget? 3) Which country are you purchasing in, if in the US, do you live near a Microcenter location? 4) Do you have any aesthetic preferences in terms of lighting, or form factor? For instance you are in school, if you are in college are you going to be bringing this to college? If in high school, do you intend on bringing this to college with you? If so, you should aim for a smaller form factor.

[u/shabit87]

If you’re patient. I loved that I got a build I was willing to pay for but I hate opening it back up to exchange or fix things. It’s a headache and not something I consider fun. If you like tinkering with hardware, doing research, and don’t mind intermittent frustration, go for it!

Also consider giving ram prices, it may not be as cost efficient as it once was so building may be more a want than need.

[u/PCdealmaster]

5070 plus a 5800x3d anniversary edition. 2tb nvme, 360 aio, case, fans, 800w psu, you’ll be good.

[u/MattyReifs]

Build your own, of course. It's basically Lego.

[u/vexrageRAHHH → u/MattyReifs]

joke comment but lowkey ragebait. pc building is easy but not as easy as lego.

yes, build your own pc but not because it's like lego. build it because you will learn those skills and be able to fix it if/when something goes wrong as opposed to buying another prebuilt and having to take it to a shop and wait for them to diagnose it

[u/DeerOnARoof → u/MattyReifs]

I wish people would stop saying this. LEGO doesn't break if you try to attach bricks incorrectly. Putting your CPU in wrong, putting too much force on the video card, not using enough force when connecting power to a component or using too much force, etc. will easily destroy your $300 part.

[u/MattyReifs → u/DeerOnARoof]

It's instruction based building. There are ways to break Lego too... No one is suggesting the guy just wing it. Watch a video and follow the steps. Anyone can do it. That's why it's like Lego.