Seasoned PC gamers often assume that gaming computers always need to be assembled with their own hands, but this is not true – ready-made assembly is also much more affordable. You just need to know what to pay attention to when making a purchase so as not to fall into the hands of scammers and not to pay too much in vain. Howtogeek.com portal speakHow to choose the right ready-made PC.
Blurred characteristics
Sometimes descriptions of the features of finished PCs can be frustratingly unclear. And in a second, the characteristics are important, down to every little detail – not only the type, but also the model, the exact specifications. For example, some advertisements indicate that a power supply is included but do not state its brand or rating. This is the same with RAM: not only the volume but also other information – manufacturer, speed, clock frequency is also important. Trusted sellers always point out all the features, down to the smallest detail.
Power supply is not enough
A common mistake made by people who are not familiar with computers. A person buys a pre-made PC and it starts having problems loading. Most often, the reason is an inappropriate power supply: some systems use devices from unknown brands that barely meet the needs of the PC. Something like this might be fine if the computer is only needed for light Internet surfing, but games can easily reduce system stability. To avoid having to buy a new replacement power supply later, find out its characteristics immediately. The list of trusted brands includes, for example, Corsair, Seasonic, Be Quiet!, Thermaltake and Cooler Master.
Avoid proprietary parts
Some brands use proprietary components in their pre-built computers. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with them, but in the future you may encounter problems because updating such system units can be difficult. For example, proprietary motherboards or cases often do not comply with typical ATX or mATX standards, which can prevent other components from fitting inside. And proprietary processor coolers sometimes don't accept standard mounts.
Don't be fooled by the “gamer” brand
In any case, a finished PC should not be judged based on its case. Many assembled systems try to attract the attention of buyers with “gamer” aesthetics – lots of lights, flashy cases, logos of famous brands. But often this trick simply hides low-quality ingredients. Pay attention to the characteristics of your PC, not its appearance.
Look for a balanced combination of ingredients
A PC is only as good as its weakest component. Unfortunately, some sellers prioritize the most recognizable ingredients, while others are forgotten. For example, a PC with a modern graphics card may have an old processor or vice versa. Pay attention to this: all components must be quite modern. If you don't want to waste time searching for information then you can simply buy ready-made PCs from a trusted, reliable seller.
Do not buy parts with used components
Sometimes there are systems that combine new components with used ones to reduce the price. It is better to stay away from such offers. Buying components on the secondary market can indeed save money, but if you buy them individually, it's easier to avoid scams. And when purchasing an assembly with used parts, the buyer may not even know that the hardware was used.
Find a PC with good cooling
Even the most powerful PC is worth nothing if it's unstable. Sometimes builders install not very reliable coolers on powerful processors, and the results are often disastrous. Cheap systems can often be sold with a stock cooler, while any powerful processor should have a fixed fan or even a fan. Also, pay attention to airflow: the number of fans does not mean that the air will actually circulate effectively inside the case.
