Pre-built Versus Custom Built Computers

Advantages of buying a pre-built computer.

The main advantage of buying a pre-built computer is price. You can purchase a pre-built computer for as little as $400 complete with everything the average user needs. That often includes a monitor, speakers and sometimes a printer. To sweeten the deal, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer - a misnomer since most computer vendors do not actually manufacture the parts they use) vendors will often bundle software so that you can began using your computer right out of the box. Finally, you can generally contact vendor for warranty repairs if the computer misbehaves during the warranty period, as long as you dont mind talking to someone from overseas that you can hardly understand. That, however, is about where the advantages end.

Disadvantages of buying a pre-build computer.

There are two major disadvantages of buying a pre-built computer. The first and most common is that some OEM's will use proprietary parts. That means the parts can only come from the OEM. In some cases, that is not an issue. However, Murphy's Law will dictate that the computer will misbehave as soon as the warranty period is over. Often, when you attempt to replace or upgrade a part you will find yourself at the mercy of the OEM. OEM's will charge as much as 5 times the cost for replacement parts. A part that may cost $10.00 for a custom built computer could easily cost over $50.00 from the OEM. You may also find that the failed proprietary part is no longer available. (Most often this is true with power-supplies that fail and a certain companies motherboards.) Support is generally provided through the OEM, and it is not unheard of for vendors to decline repairs depending on the proprietary sub-systems on the computer. As a result, it can be difficult to find the correct replacement parts and you may have to ship the computer away for repair. Shipping costs are your responsibility too, along with the jacked up prices of the parts from the OEM.

The second disadvantage is that you cannot be sure about the integrity of the parts used. Some OEM's will buy defective lots at a substantial discount and integrate them into the computer. As long as the computer pass the OEM's benchmark and quality test the machines will ship to the end users with the defective part. My experience has been that some OEM's will provide users with very nice and well built external computer case, but will include a cheap motherboard, and an extremely low-end computer processor along with a proprietary power supply. Many well know OEMs often develop specifications that require proprietary memory and in some cases proprietary hard drives. Since computers have almost no moving parts the chances of failure drops dramatically. However, cheap parts will increase the chances of failure or "glitches" as we [techies] like to call them.

Advantages of buying a custom built computer.

The main advantage of buying a custom built computer is that you get exactly what you pay for. Custom built computers allow you to specify anything from the brand name of the motherboard to the type and size of the case. Every part in it is standard so that repairing and upgrading it is easier and cheaper. You will have the option of building one that fits your budget and if you elect an inexpensive motherboard it's your decision. Support generally can be obtained from most local 3rd party sources, or directly from the parts manufacturer. When it comes to upgrading it will generally be cheaper and easier.

Disadvantages of buying a custom built computer.

The major disadvantage with buying a custom built computer is that generally there is no software bundled with the computer. Most pre-builts come with bundled software packages that can be quite useful. Is it really a disadvantage though when most of the software is trial versions anyway? Only you can decide.