Budget-friendly gaming PC

[Techstorm970]

Is it more cost-effective to build you own computer, or would buying a pre-built system and then sticking a graphics card and (maybe) a new psu in it be better?

[King_of_Oz]

Build your own. For sure. Will save like 100$ in some cases.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, techstorm970 said:

Is it more cost-effective to build you own computer, or would buying a pre-built system and then sticking a graphics card and (maybe) a new psu in it be better?

Depends on what build

[Brooksie359]

8 minutes ago, techstorm970 said:

Is it more cost-effective to build you own computer, or would buying a pre-built system and then sticking a graphics card and (maybe) a new psu in it be better?

generally speaking you get a better deal by building your own but sometimes that's not the case. 

[yuriinfo]

Generally, build your own. You can focus your money on what's important for you.

[m0k]

depends on the build
if saving money is the goal then
www.dellrefurbished.ca

www.dellrefurbished.com

 

you can get a i5 mATX system with a full copy of win7 64bit for like $250-$300 CAD

then just add a GPU (and psu if needed)

[VirusStorm]

Here are the basics. Companies like intel, amd, nvidia, asrock, asus, etc. all make pc parts. These pc parts are then put on the market for consumers to purchase. Companies like dell, alienware, acer, etc. take these pc parts and make pc's. When these pc parts are put on the market, they add a premium to make money. Consumers however, can buy the parts directly off the counter. This saves money, and gives you customization, upgradability, and you don't have to worry about warranty 

[kelvinhall05]

I did a used prebuilt and new GPU, worked for me.

[manikyath]

2 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

I did a used prebuilt and new GPU, worked for me.

but was it cheaper?

--

in general, the only way a prebuilt can be cheaper, is because they used lower quality parts, so if you cheap out as much as the prebuilt, you can probably do it yourelf cheaper.

[kelvinhall05]

2 hours ago, manikyath said:

but was it cheaper?

--

in general, the only way a prebuilt can be cheaper, is because they used lower quality parts, so if you cheap out as much as the prebuilt, you can probably do it yourelf cheaper.

 

I could've saved $175 on the GPU if one of the fans on my 7950 wasn't broken, but otherwise it was a good price (I think).

[Techstorm970]

17 minutes ago, Brooksie359 said:

generally speaking you get a better deal by building your own but sometimes that's not the case. 

This is an exception...

Core i3 + GTX 1050 + WiFi build-your-own: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Kj633F ($650)

Lenovo IdeaCentre 300-20 @ MicroCenter: http://www.microcenter.com/product/472621/IdeaCentre_300-20_Desktop_Computer ($360)

IdeaCentre + GTX 1050 + 450w PSU: $530 (approx.)