Custom PCs
Cheaper AND Better?? Surely not!!
There are many reasons why it makes sense to have a custom desktop computer built for you, particularly if you are after a bargain or you’re an avid gamer/photographer/architect/accountant etc. A custom-built computer gives you a rock-solid system, which is ready to go straight out of the box. Every one of my own PCs has been custom built – by my own fair hands of course!
The best reason to buy a custom-built computer is that they are often cheaper. With pre-built computers, manufacturers increase upgrade prices considerably because many of the premium components (motherboards, graphics cards and RAM) carry high mark-ups. This in turn boosts profits, covers their building costs and funds post-purchase support. A custom-built PC can indeed include premium components but without the mark-ups.
Most off-the-shelf computers come with pre-selected specifications and components; therefore customers often need to choose between needs and price. Custom PCs, on the other hand, are flexible since you can choose your own quality components – motherboard, graphics card, storage devices, memory, processor and even the power supply (many manufacturers cut costs by including a generic power unit which can severely limit the machine’s upgrade potential).
In fact, many manufacturers won’t let you upgrade your pre-built computer without voiding the warranty, meaning that you will need to buy a new one once it starts to slow down. However, with a custom-built PC, you can upgrade individual components (graphics card, memory, case, optical drive, power supply, processor, motherboard, mouse, monitor, keyboard, and speakers) as and when you need to. Think Trigger from Only Fools and Horses – “I’ve had this broom for 20 years; it’s had 17 new heads and 14 new handles”. Which is exactly what a custom PC is all about – you don’t need to buy a new one, you simply remove the parts that are dated and put the upgrades in. Moreover, each part then has its own warranty.
All pre-built PCs come installed with loads of useless junk, also known as “Bloatware”. This can range from PC “optimisation” software to unwanted demo versions of other programs and games. Bloatware, although not dangerous, does slow things down by running in the background of your device and taking up unnecessary space on your hard drive. However, buying a custom-built PC will not include any unnecessary applications that compromise the performance of your computer.
If you want to buy a generic PC from an appliance salesman who doesn’t know one end of a PC from a fridge, so be it. However, if you want it big, fast, small, very fast, flashy lights, ridiculously fast, matte black, phenomenally fast or just plain nippy, then custom is, and always has been, the way to go!
