The Question Every Gamer Asks
Whether you're getting into PC gaming for the first time or upgrading from a console, you'll inevitably face the same question: should I buy a pre-built gaming PC or have one custom built? It's a question I get asked constantly at the shop here in Letchworth, and the honest answer is - it depends. But let me lay out the facts so you can make the right call for your situation.
The Case for Pre-Built
Pre-built gaming PCs have come a long way. Companies like NZXT, Corsair, and even HP and Lenovo now offer some genuinely decent machines. The advantages are straightforward:
- Convenience - You order it, it arrives, you plug it in and start gaming. No research, no assembly, no troubleshooting.
- Warranty - You get one warranty covering the whole system. If something goes wrong, you contact one company.
- Financing - Many retailers offer payment plans on pre-built systems, which can make a higher-spec machine more accessible.
For someone who genuinely has no interest in the technical side and just wants to game, a pre-built can make sense. I'm not going to pretend otherwise.
Where Pre-Builts Cut Corners
But here's the thing - and this is where my experience building systems for customers across North Herts gives me a strong opinion. Pre-built gaming PCs almost always cut corners in places you can't easily see. The headline specs look great on the product page, but the details tell a different story.
The Power Supply
This is the biggest one. The power supply (PSU) is the component that feeds electricity to everything else in your system. Pre-built manufacturers routinely use the cheapest PSU they can get away with. A bad power supply doesn't just risk instability - it can damage other components and even be a fire hazard. In a custom build, we use reliable, rated units from manufacturers we trust.
Cooling
A lot of pre-builts come with the stock CPU cooler - the basic one that comes free in the box. It technically works, but it runs hot and loud under gaming loads. Proper aftermarket cooling keeps temperatures down, noise levels manageable, and your components lasting longer.
The Motherboard
Pre-builts often use proprietary or budget motherboards with limited upgrade paths. Want to add more RAM later? Might not have spare slots. Want a faster SSD? Might not have a spare M.2 slot. A good custom build uses a motherboard that gives you room to grow.
Cable Management and Airflow
Open up most pre-built gaming PCs and you'll find a tangle of cables stuffed wherever they'll fit. This isn't just ugly - it restricts airflow, which means higher temperatures and more fan noise. Every system we build at System Restore UK gets proper cable management as standard.
The Case for Custom
A custom-built gaming PC gives you complete control over every component. You decide exactly where the budget goes, and every part is chosen for a reason. Here's what that means in practice:
- Better value - You're not paying for a brand name or a marketing budget. The money goes into the components.
- Higher quality throughout - No corner-cutting on the parts you can't see. Every component is chosen for reliability and performance.
- Tailored to your needs - Play competitive shooters? We'll prioritise frame rates. Into cinematic single-player games? We'll push for visual quality. Do video editing too? We'll factor that in.
- Upgradeable - A well-planned custom build can be upgraded over time, extending its life by years.
- Built with care - Our systems are built individually in our Letchworth workshop with full cable management, proper cooling, and thorough testing.
What Should You Look For?
Whether you go custom or pre-built, here are the things that actually matter for gaming:
- GPU (Graphics Card) - This is the most important component for gaming performance. Prioritise this above everything else.
- CPU (Processor) - A modern mid-range processor is more than enough for most gaming. Don't overspend here at the expense of the GPU.
- RAM - 16GB is the sweet spot for gaming right now. 32GB is nice to have but not essential for most people.
- SSD Storage - Modern games are huge. Get at least a 1TB SSD. A hard drive for game storage in 2025 is going to cause load time problems.
- PSU - Get a properly rated unit from a reputable brand. Don't skimp here.
My Honest Recommendation
If your budget is tight and you find a genuinely good deal on a pre-built from a reputable brand, it can be a reasonable option - just go in with your eyes open about where they've cut corners.
But if you want the best performance for your money, the highest quality components, and a system that's built properly and built to last, a custom build is the way to go. I've been building gaming PCs for customers from Letchworth, Hitchin, Stevenage, and all over North Hertfordshire for years, and the feedback is always the same: they wish they'd done it sooner.
Have a look at our gaming PC builds page, or get in touch if you want to chat about what we can put together for your budget. No pressure, just honest advice.