Gaming (and school) computer

Forums › Desktop computing › Gaming (and school) computer - Build or Buy?

duckDecoy

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#318191 24-Dec-2024 12:22

We need to get a gaming / school computer for a member of the household.

The first thing we want to get an idea around is whether its better to build one from scratch (we have no donor parts) or just buy one.

Will we get it significantly cheaper (or alternatively more bang for our buck) if we build it ourselves, or do the computer shops get wholesale prices on components so it won't work out being worth the effort. Is building one tricky for a complete novice and/or young teenager, and perhaps related is it easy to damage something while installing it making the risk on us bricking something outweigh the upsides.

Total novice, so bear that in mind.

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#3324177 24-Dec-2024 13:10

It’s a great project to build your own, it was actually pretty easy to actually build. The hard part is deciding on parts. The team on here are amazing I got excellent advice. We looked at purchasing one but didn’t get everything we wanted spec wise. Highly recommend to diy as a project. We sourced parts mainly from pb tech sales and Amazon AU. Just to add my son was 12 at the time great learning experience

cddt

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#3324184 24-Dec-2024 13:41

Depends entirely on the young person involved. Building a PC is a hobby, and as such he may run into problems even before the first boot. Could be a great learning experience, or not if he would prefer just to purchase the tool without assembly required.

You won't save a huge amount by building it yourself. Maybe 5-10%.

If you do decide to build it yourselves, then as always I recommend checking out www.pyronic.al for suggested builds at different price points (NZ pricing and availability).

My referral links: BigPipe | Mercury

SpartanVXL

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#3324224 24-Dec-2024 14:52

By picking your own parts you avoid pre-built ‘whatever’ parts they put in aside from the main specs you see e.g. 750W power supply, ok what model?

It may not be any cheaper nowadays but it avoids having to buy something you’re not entirely sure on.

Qazzy03

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#3324226 24-Dec-2024 14:53

It is always cheaper to do DIY builds however it always carries a certain amount of risk putting it together.

Youtube is a wonderful resource that basically teaches you how to do it.

Pricing between a prebuilt, custom and DIY can be pretty variable. You may need to reach out to computer shops to see if they have a fixed price build option or if it is variable .

Easiest would be to know budget min and max and the specs or what the pc needs to do.

The smaller your budget the more I would personally recommend DIY, this is because prebuilds try and offload the cheapest RAM, power supply, SSD and Motherboard.

Tbh, building a gaming PC is very expensive and is not something I recommend going for if bang for buck is your priority.

However budget builds can be done, if you are okay with compromises, I.e last generation parts or 2nd hand.

Earbanean

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#3324228 24-Dec-2024 15:04

Doesn't a school computer really need to be a laptop? If so, then build not an option.

OldGeek

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#3324358 25-Dec-2024 10:12

Not mentioned by previous responders is that with a build-your-own you are on your own when you first power it up, and your rights in respect of warrantees and the CGA are fractured over the various hardware vendors for the components bought.

I recommend a ready-built PC as a first computer. If there are any issues with hardware or software (assuming an OS is pre-installed) you are covered by a single warrantee or the CGA with the retailer you bought it from. You can then open the case and understand the component parts of the hardware - power supply, case, motherboard, disk storage, memory, CPU, accessory boards etc. You may well replace some components, or in future years use your experience with this PC to build your own replacement. However I would only ever recommend build-your-own if there is a specific reason why this is needed.

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SpartanVXL

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#3324377 25-Dec-2024 11:35

The best option is to to make a list and get someone to build it for you :)

It is usually the most expensive option, and you’re generally restricted to what the shop has in stock, but at least you get what you want, plus warranty on the whole pc.

Qazzy03

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#3324385 25-Dec-2024 12:37

OldGeek: You may well replace some components, or in future years use your experience with this PC to build your own replacement.

This is assuming the prebuilt is using standard parts.

Prebuilds from HP, Dell etc can use proprietary parts meaning that replacements can be impossible

duckDecoy

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#3324406 25-Dec-2024 15:30

Thanks for the contributions everyone, and based on the comments I think we'll go down the purchase route.

Someone mentioned computer lounge (perhaps in a different thread), so below is a link to their "Core" series. Does anyone think any of these stand out as a good buy?

https://computerlounge.co.nz/collections/core-series-gaming-pc?sort_by=price-ascending

Budget would probably top out at $2500, but I could be talked into going higher if someone had a good reason. The purpose is mainly for teenager gaming and some school work. I'd like it to last as long as possible rather starting super budget than needing to upgrade down the line.

Aside: Most models have 1Tb SSD, could this be too small?

SpartanVXL

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#3324409 25-Dec-2024 15:57

duckDecoy:
Thanks for the contributions everyone, and based on the comments I think we'll go down the purchase route.

Someone mentioned computer lounge (perhaps in a different thread), so below is a link to their "Core" series. Does anyone think any of these stand out as a good buy?

https://computerlounge.co.nz/collections/core-series-gaming-pc?sort_by=price-ascending

Budget would probably top out at $2500, but I could be talked into going higher if someone had a good reason. The purpose is mainly for teenager gaming and some school work. I'd like it to last as long as possible rather starting super budget than needing to upgrade down the line.

Aside: Most models have 1Tb SSD, could this be too small?

As a quick tip, if you get a solid platform for cpu+mobo+ram then it will last longer with GPU upgrades over time. Conversely it means you will have less to spend on gpu which may mean lower settings.

Storage is generally very easy to add, if not nvme at least sata ssd.

Jase2985

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#3324410 25-Dec-2024 16:00

Can you please state if the $2500 includes Monitor, Keyboard and mouse and anything else, or is it just for the PC case and hardware?

32GB of ram would be where you are looking given you dont want to upgrade in the future. Id look at AMD as at least the platform will be round a little while longer

1TB is fine for most things, and you would get 4-5 games installed on it along with other software/files before it starts to become full. I recommend having a second drive for games to be installed on, this way its separate from everything else

This one looks ok, would prefer a 4070 in it though.

https://computerlounge.co.nz/products/yukon-rtx-4060-ti-ryzen-5-7600x-gaming-pc

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duckDecoy

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#3324411 25-Dec-2024 16:06

Jase2985:

Can you please state if the $2500 includes Monitor, Keyboard and mouse and anything else, or is it just for the PC case and hardware?

Just the PC, we already have a monitor and keyboard and a mouse.

SpartanVXL

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#3324414 25-Dec-2024 16:20

duckDecoy:
Jase2985:

Can you please state if the $2500 includes Monitor, Keyboard and mouse and anything else, or is it just for the PC case and hardware?

Just the PC, we already have a monitor and keyboard and a mouse.

Do you know what resolution and refresh rate the monitor is?

GPU usually depends on target output and type of games you play

duckDecoy

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#3324420 25-Dec-2024 16:38

SpartanVXL:

Do you know what resolution and refresh rate the monitor is?

GPU usually depends on target output and type of games you play

Its pretty crappy, its basically this one except the curved model (couldn't find a link for the curved model)

https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/veon-27-inch-monitor/R2827699.html

Says 75Hz

I assume this monitor will be replaced by the teen as they save up, so I should assume that it will be a good one eventually. If you have any tips on a good monitor that would be really helpful.

Qazzy03

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#3324422 25-Dec-2024 16:49

Pb tech have a custom build option and are only charging $109 for the put together.
Which is reasonable imo.

I have put together something on the low mid range but has extra ram and a hdd for storage.

You can play with the parts.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/build/60710

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