Should You Buy A Pre-Built PC Or Build Your Own In 2025?

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Depends on your preferences, priorities, budget, and technical expertise...

Story Highlights
  • Building your own PC allows you to have freedom over the PC components, is much cheaper, and you can upgrade parts easily later.
  • Getting a pre-built PC saves you tons of time and effort, and some even let you put custom parts.
  • But it also means you could be getting cheaper parts, and pre-built PCs have temperature and noise issues. 

Ever since gaming PCs have begun to grow, the age-old question still remains even in 2025: whether to buy a pre-built PC or to build one on your own. Both have their pros and cons, so let’s dive into them. 

Gaming PC
Gaming PC (Image Credits – Apex Gaming PC)

Advantages Of Building Your Own PC

Building a PC yourself has much to do with timing; it also comes with many advantages that vary according to your schedule, budget, and technical expertise. Let’s examine these advantages that apply to most users. 

Reduced Cost 

One of the most prominent benefits of building your own PC is that you can control the cost of it and usually build it at a much lower price compared to pre-built ones. Typically, there are more discounted deals on separate PC parts. 

Gaming PC Parts
Cheaper PC Parts (Image Credits – Modern Gamer)

This means that you can browse around and get separate components from different places, saving tons of money in the process. This is especially great for users who are on a budget and are looking to build a PC at an affordable price.

For these users, the barrier to entry is lowering despite the rising cost of the PC components. Now you can easily go with a mid-range PC because AI upscaling technology will handle the rest for you. 

Flexibility

With your own PC, you have the freedom to choose which parts you want and which ones to reject. This means you’ll get everything that you like, which isn’t the case in pre-built PCs, where you could dislike having some of the parts in it. 

XPG Levante II 360 White - RGB 5
Custom Built PC (Image By Tech4Gamers)

This means that you aren’t compromising with your build, and every part, according to your expertise, will complement the setup. This eliminates any bottlenecking that a pre-built PC could potentially have.

Easier To Upgrade Or Add Other Parts

Once you’ve got the hang of it and built your first PC, you now have an added skill. This means that even if you have to install or replace any part, let’s say an SSD, you could easily do it on your own without relying on others.

Joy Of Building Something With Your Hands

For most users, this point hits home. Many people love the joy they get from building a PC entirely. They feel accomplished, and then using their PC feels like they’re eating the fruits of their own labor.

Building Your Own PC
Joy Of Building Your Own PC (Image Credits – Airtasker)

Downsides of Building Your Own PC

With many advantages, there are downsides to building your own PC. Some of which can be avoided, but are still worth mentioning,  especially to those who’ll be building their first ever PCs. 

Difficulty

PC building is actually complex and you need to have the proper knowledge on it. This means that you have to be constantly reading manuals, instructions and watching YouTube videos to set your PC up the right way.

PC Issues
PC Issues (Image Credits – YT/The PC Rehab)

Tidious Process

This process is tedious and requires way more time than people may expect. Moreover, if you bump into a problem, you have to diagnose it yourself and figure it out, which could be annoying if it happens after you’ve set up everything. 

Pre-Built PC

People who don’t have the time to learn how a PC is built could just get a pre-built PC. It saves you time and effort and has other benefits, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before getting one. 

Wait Times & Potential Damage

Some pre-built PCs could have long wait times, especially if you have a custom request. Your PC could also be damaged in transit because typically Pre-built PCs aren’t shipped, especially if they have AIO coolers.

Wait Times
Wait Times (Image Credits – YT/Braethorn)

Cheaper Parts

Since you don’t have control over many pre-built PCs, there is a chance you get outdated or cheaper parts, such as an outdated PSU. Since you don’t know about PC parts, you won’t realize it, so avoiding cheap pre-built systems is better.

Pre-Built From Big Brands

If you get one from big brands like HP, Corsair, Aser, and Alienware, you need to be extra cautious. Despite being extremely overpriced and having high-end components, these builds could have temperature and noise issues. 

Since they’re built on custom cases that appear unique from standard pre-built PCs, they’re sometimes prone to high temperatures and could also be noisier. So, it’s best to look for these things from YouTube videos beforehand.  

Big Pre Built Brands
Big Brands (Image Credits – TheGamer)

Which One Should You Go For?

It depends on your budget, priorities, technical expertise, and passion. If you think you have the budget but not the time to go through the hassle, you should go for pre-built ones. If not, feel free to build your own.  


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