As people become more familiar with computer components through upgrades, repairs, and other channels, they are starting to venture in to the custom pc world. Custom PCs are becoming increasingly popular as part manufacturer’s produce new and improved components often not found in off-the-shelf systems.
Building a custom computer allows you to select only the parts you want, and helps avoid the design traps implemented by the big builders (Dell, HP) that ensure you must buy most of your parts from them. Often the off-the-shelf systems don’t allow for much expansion or upgrade and as your PC ages, and reaches the limit of its performance, you won’t be able to adequately upgrade your existing PC and will have to buy a new one from them. (crazy how that works huh, almost like they planned it that way…..)
Another benefit of building your own PC is its a good way to learn the inner workings of a computer if you are unfamiliar with the components. There is a sense of accomplishment after you build your first PC and its definitely not a bad skill to be familiar with.
Perhaps one of the biggest questions when building your own system is: what are the costs differences between OEM and DYI? Typically a OEM PC is built from cheaper components. The OEM Dell and the custom built pc may share the same type of processor, but that’s usually where the similarities end. They will list the specs. of their components but usually not the brands they use, and it does make a difference. The motherboard, RAM, power supply, and video card(s) of the cheaper OEM PC usually will not compare to quality custom components.
Most lower priced OEM PCs contain mostly generic hardware. The custom PC may cost a little bit more for quality components but in the end you get more performance for your money. Another thing to take into consideration is if you have the time to invest into building your own computer. Some people decide that they just don’t have the time to put into it and would rather buy a pre-built PC. If you want the performance of a custom computer but don’t have the time to invest then there are several companies out there that build custom PCs.
Customer support is another area you may want to consider when deciding on what type of PC to choose. Typically OEM systems will come with a warranty that covers the whole system for a length of time. If you build your own PC each component will carry its own individual warranty so your fully covered, but you can’t just send in your whole case if you have an issue. However if you want the warranty and support of the big builders but you want the performance of a custom build, then there are several companies that provide custom computers.
In the end it comes down to what you as the consumer want to do. You can buy an off the shelf system, with quality support and warranty coverage, but it will probably lack capability for expansion or upgrading leaving you with no option but to purchase another cheaper system few years down the road. (BTW: all those obsolete PCs are creating an environmental disaster) Furthermore, it will usually contain some generic components and will not perform as well as the custom pc. The other option is you can spend a little more, build your own PC, or purchase a PC from a custom pc builder and have a system that will perform well for years to come and has the capability to upgrade in the future to keep your system relevant for several years.
About the author: John Chilton is co-founder of Platypus PCCustom Computers