Building your own PC can be a daunting task for many folks, but it can also save you a significant amount of money. By selecting your own components and assembling them yourself, you can avoid the markup that manufacturers and retailers add to pre-built computers. I have been building PCs since 2012, and I’m going to show you just how much money you can save by building your own PC, instead of buying a pre-built one.
In the early days when I first started building PCs for myself and my clients, I usually depended on buying used PCs off the shelf. It didn’t matter what was inside, as long as the PC did the most basic tasks my clients and I wanted to achieve. Then I made the bold move in 2012 of attempting to build my first PC, and it paid off because I was able to save some money. You can too if you follow this guide.
In summary, how much can you save by building your own PC instead of buying a pre-built one? You can save you anywhere from 10% to 40% compared to buying a pre-built computer. For example, if you were to purchase a low-budget pre-built gaming PC for $1,000, building the same PC yourself could cost as little as $600 to $700.
Here’s a picture of my first PC build. I bought all the components on Amazon, except the PC case which I didn’t buy then.
As you can see, some of the components are not here because I lost most of those pictures due to a hard disk crash. But then, I managed to salvage these ones above.
Let’s look at some advantages of building your PC by yourself compared to a pre-built PC.
Some advantages of building it yourself
One of the biggest advantages of building your own PC is the ability to customize your components. When you purchase a pre-built computer, you are limited to the components that the manufacturer has selected. This means that you may be paying for components that you don’t need, or you may not be getting the best value for your money. By selecting your own components, you can choose the best parts for your specific needs and budget.
Another advantage of building your own PC is the ability to upgrade it in the future. With pre-built computers, the components are often proprietary, which makes upgrading them difficult or even impossible. When you build your own PC, you can choose components that are easily upgradable, allowing you to extend the life of your computer without having to purchase a new one.
I compiled a list of all the advantages of building a PC by yourself vs buying a pre-built one. I strongly recommend that you read it up as a matter of necessity.
Breakdown of major components for a self-built PC
Let’s take a look at the cost breakdown of building a mid-range gaming PC. We will use the following components as a use case:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- Motherboard: ASUS Prime B550M-A/CSM
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD
- Power Supply: EVGA 600W 80+ Bronze
- Case: Fractal Design Focus G
The total cost of these components comes to about $900+, depending on the current prices of the components. As you can see, compared to purchasing a pre-built gaming PC with similar specifications, which can cost around $1,500 or more, building this PC by yourself can save you hundreds of dollars.
It’s important to note that the cost of building a PC can vary depending on the components you choose. If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by selecting more budget-friendly components, such as a lower-end CPU or GPU. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-end gaming PC, you may need to invest more money into your components.
When building your own PC, it’s also important to consider the cost of peripherals, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. These items can add up quickly and should be factored into your budget. However, even with the cost of peripherals, building your own PC by yourself can still save you money compared to purchasing a pre-built computer. I did it and so can you!
While building your own PC may seem intimidating, you can always reach out to me on this website if you run into problems. Simply send me a message or an email and I will reach out to you asap.
Concluding thoughts
In conclusion, building your own PC can save you a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a pre-built computer. Not only can you select the best components for your specific needs and budget, but you also have the ability to upgrade your PC in the future without having to purchase a new one. By customizing your components and assembling them yourself, you can avoid the markup that manufacturers and retailers add to pre-built computers.
I strongly suggest that you build your own PC today. It can really be a cost-effective and rewarding experience, with the ability to customize your components and upgrade your PC in the future, you will definitely get the most value for your money.
I’ve written guides on most use cases and you should check them out. By the way, what is your main purpose for building your next PC? Gaming (very popular lol), video editing, music production? Let me know in the comments below. Go ahead and take action today. It’ll be fun!
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