For those in the market for a prebuilt gaming PC, finding the right combination of components, price, and performance can be daunting. Fortunately, there are a few places to turn to for gaming PCs built by reliable and trusted vendors. Here, we’ll outline four of the main places to explore when shopping for your next gaming computer.
1. Major Retailers
Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart all offer a variety of prebuilt gaming PCs. These are often some of the most cost-effective options as the retailers can pass some of their savings on to the consumer. Furthermore, many of these providers also offer financing and payment plan options, making it easier for those with tighter budgets or cash flow issues to secure a system. However, it’s important to be mindful of the specs on each system, as some vendors may market a gaming PC that is more capable of browsing the web than taking on intense gaming tasks.
2. Direct Manufacturer
Some of the most popular gaming PC manufacturers, such as Asus, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell, all offer their own pre-built systems. When shopping directly from the manufacturer you can rest assured that your system has the hardware and support necessary to handle the intensive graphics and gameplay required for today’s gaming. These systems tend to cost a bit more, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing your PC can handle whatever you can throw at it is worth it.
3. Boutique Vendors
For those who crave more customization and higher-end gaming PCs, boutique vendors may be the way to go. Specialty shops like iBuyPower and CyberPowerPC boast the most up-to-date components and offer excellent customer service. As such, they often cost a bit more, but the added performance and peace of mind can be worth the splurge. Furthermore, some of these shops offer financing and payment plans, making them more accessible to buyers who otherwise may not be able to purchase a gaming machine.
4. Used PCs
Those on a tight budget or looking to get a great deal may find buying a used or refurbished PC to be the best option. Sites like eBay and Craigslist offer a variety of different prebuilt gaming PCs, albeit with older hardware and out-of-date software. However, some of these machines can offer decent performance for gaming as long as you are willing to make a few tweaks and upgrades. Furthermore, most used PCs come with a short-term warranty, so even if your machine fails shortly after purchase, you can at least rest assured that you’ll get your money back.
1. System Customization
Another great thing about prebuilt gaming PCs is the level of customization available. Many of the vendors mentioned here offer a wide array of component and software options that can be tailored to suit your individual needs. Whether you are looking for a low-end machine for casual gaming, or a top-of-the-line machine with the latest technology, you will be able to find something to fit your requirements. The majority of these vendors also offer discounts and coupons, allowing you to squeeze out even more savings.
2. On-Site Service
One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a prebuilt gaming PC from a retailer or direct manufacturer is the on-site service that can be provided. Most of these vendors offer some type of on-site servicing or repair plan which usually covers the labor cost of the repair or the replacement of any defective parts. This can save you a lot of time and money down the road should any issue arise with your machine.
3. Easy Upgrades
If you are looking for an upgrade path with your prebuilt gaming PC, look no further. All prebuilt PCs come with expansion slots for GPUs, extra RAM, and storage, making it easy to upgrade as your budget allows. Also, many of the aforementioned vendors have upgrade programs available for their customers, allowing for a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade their machines over time.
4. Access to Support
Having access to support from a reliable vendor is an important part of purchasing a prebuilt gaming PC. All of the aforementioned vendors offer varying levels of support, likely ranging from online forums to 24/7 phone assistance. Knowing that you can turn to a knowledgeable person should an issue arise with your machine can be a reassuring feeling and make the entire ownership experience smoother.
1. Performance of Parts
It’s important to be mindful of the performance of each part installed in any prebuilt gaming PC you consider. Whether it’s the graphics card, processor, RAM, or the storage, make sure the parts can handle the workloads you plan to demand of them. Many of the aforementioned vendors have benchmark and spec sheets readily available for comparison purposes, making it easier to determine the optimal performance and longevity for each system.
2. Price-Quality Ratio
The price-quality ratio of a system is important to consider as prebuilt gaming PCs can come at a wide range of prices. It’s important to research each system thoroughly and understand the hardware you receive for your money. You should compare specs and benchmark results for each system you look at to make sure the price you pay is commensurate with the performance the system provides.
3. Software Installed
Comparing the software installed on each system you consider is also important. If a vendor offers a much more fully-fledged gaming suite as opposed to minimalistic game performance software, it may be worth the additional cost. This consideration should be taken on a case-by-case basis, as the difference in price may or may not be justified depending on your needs and budget.
4. Warranties
It’s also important to consider the length and conditions of the warranty included with each prebuilt gaming PC. Most vendors will offer varying lengths, and some may also provide additional services such as accidental damage protection, off-site pickup and delivery, and on-site repair options. Be sure to read through the terms of each warranty so you know exactly what is covered.
