To go for a DIY or pre-built gaming PC? That truly is the question.
If you can’t decide whether you want to create your own or chose a PC that is already built, we’ve created this handy blog post just for you! We identify everything there is to know about DIY and pre-built gaming PCs, including the pros and cons, along with our top pre-built system recommendations.
DIY Gaming PC:
A ‘DIY’ gaming PC allows you to select every component and built the system yourself!
Advantages:
- Can pick and choose the hardware
- Reuse hardware you already own
- DIY PCs can be cheaper, especially if you shop around for discounted hardware
- Completely bespoke
- Building it yourself is an accomplishment!
Disadvantages:
- Can be challenging and complex to build, especially if it’s your first time
- More likely to have faults/issues (fault finding can also be difficult without additional tools or hardware)
- Isn’t covered by a singular warranty, meaning you will need to send individual parts back
What do I need to build my own gaming PC?
A basic list of all the components you will need to build your own gaming PC is:
- A PC case
- CPU
- CPU cooler
- Motherboard
- RAM
- Graphics Card
- PSU
- Fans
- Storage drive
- A copy of an operating system, such as Windows 11
This is just a basic list. If you want to experiment and add things such as water cooling, hard or soft tube loops, and RGB lighting, then you will require a few more components.
If you would like more info on building your own gaming PC, check out our ultimate guide. It’s got all the information you could need, plus plenty of extra reading!
Can I configure a gaming PC?
Yes! You can easily configure your own gaming PC. In fact, building your very own PC allows you to completely customise your system. From selecting the perfect hardware, modding your case, braiding your cables, and so much more.
There are dedicated websites, such as PC Part Picker, which can help you to select the best hardware.
If you do decide to build your own DIY PC and want some top tips from PC experts, then check out our blog post all about PC building for beginners! Plus, the Overclockers UK Academy has tons of helpful tips and video guides about PC building and testing. We’ve included the whole playlist to show you what it’s all about.
Pre-Built Gaming PC:
A pre-built gaming PC, on the other hand, has been designed and built by a retailer. You won’t have to do anything and the system will arrive complete and ready for you to use.
Advantages:
- Covered by a singular warranty
- Plug in and play ready
- Professionally built and tested
Disadvantages:
- Limited customisation available (only on configurable pre-built PCs)
Can I customise a pre-built PC?
You can customise a pre-built PC! In fact, at OcUK we have a range of configurable pre-built gaming PCs. These systems are built by our team of expert PC technicians but you can customise and configure the hardware to suit your individual preferences, favourite games, or gameplay styles. These configurable PCs also come with our standard three-year warranty.
Top Pre-Built PCs:
If you want to purchase a pre-built gaming PC, then look no further! We have a full range of powerful pre-built systems.
Refract Gaming Amber Pre-Built PC
A part of the Refract Gaming range, the Amber comes fully equipped with quality hardware designed to deliver you peak performance for casual and entry level gaming. Perfect for those looking to get into PC gaming and enjoy playing games such as Fortnite or Apex Legends. Armed with an AMD Ryzen 5 7500F CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, enjoy ultra-fast performance and smooth FPS in all your favourite games. Plus, unlock cutting-edge realistic graphics with support for Real-Time Ray Tracing and AI DLSS.
This pre-built gaming PC comes with a three year parts and labour warranty.
Refract Gaming Amber
- Pre-built gaming PC
- Fixed specification
- Includes an AMD Ryzen 5 7500F CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
- 1TB SATA SSD
- Three year warranty
Refract Gaming Ultraviolet Pre-Built PC:
At the other end of the scale, we have the Refract Gaming Ultraviolet. It has everything you need to enjoy playing the latest AAA titles in stunning 4K resolutions. Armed with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, experience intelligent workload management, effortless multitasking, and a streamlined performance. Thanks to the RTX 4090 graphics card, enjoy playing games such as Marvel’s Spider-Man at 110+PFS at 4K, with vivid photo-realistic lighting and shadows.
This pre-built gaming PC comes with a three year warranty that also covers parts and labour.
Refradct Gaming Ultraviolet
- Pre-built gaming PC
- Fixed specification
- Includes an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
- VR ready
- Enjoy games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator at 165+FPS at 4K
- Three year warranty
Refract Gaming PCs: Built to Play the Games You Love
Each PC in the incredible range of Refract Gaming pre-built systems has been carefully curated to meet different gameplay skills and skills. If you want to read more, then check out our dedicated blog post!
Top Configurable Pre-Built PCs:
OcUK Gaming Enigma Enthusiast PC:
Just as the name suggests this gaming PC has been expertly designed for enthusiasts. As standard, the OcUK Gaming Enigma Enthusiast includes an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU to deliver outstanding performance in both gaming and content creation. However, since it is a configurable PC, you can customise this to suit you! With the OcUK Gaming Enigma Enthusiast, you can configure the CPU, RAM, storage drives, GPU, and operating system.
OcUK Gaming Enigma Enthusiast
- Configurable gaming PC
- Perfect for gaming enthusiasts looking for an upgrade
- As standard, comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU
- Flexible storage options are available
8Pack Meteoroid MK2 PC:
Designed by legendary overclocker, 8Pack, the Meteoroid MK2 might be a Mini-ITX PC, but it boasts exceptionally powerful gaming hardware. Including an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. Both of these come with pre-configured overclocks to ensure mind-blowing performance and blisteringly fast speeds in gaming, streaming, and content creation. Keeping this hardware performing at optimum temperatures is the fully custom water-cooling loop which includes high-quality EK Water Block components. This stylish and powerful gaming PC is complete with its black and blue aesthetics, along with its custom made Mini-ITX case.
With the 8Pack Meteoroid MK2, you can customise the CPU, RAM, storage drives, case customisation, and even the material the case is made from!
8Pack Meteoroid MK2
- Elite tier gaming PC
- Designed by 8Pack
- Mini-ITX form factor
- Includes an AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. Both with overclocks pre-configured
- Fully water cooled
- Black and blue aesthetic
- Customisable case
Get the Best of Both:
If you want to harness the benefits of a pre-built PC, whilst still being able to build your own system, then take advantage of our dedicated hardware bundles. Each bundle has been expertly configured, tested, and can come overclocked ready to plug in and play.
8Pack Elite Tier X670E AMD Ryzen 9 Overclocked Bundle
- Overclocked gaming upgrade bundle
- Configurable options
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU overclocked using OC Switcher
- ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E ATX motherboard
- Up to 64GB DDR5 AMD EXPO RAM
- Selection of AIO coolers
- Fully tested
Genome A6 ATX Gaming Bundle:
- Overclocked gaming upgrade bundle
- Configurable options
- Intel Core i9-14900K CPU overclocked using TVB
- ASUS ROG Z790 Dark Hero ATX motherboard
- Up to 96GB DDR5 RAM
- Selection of AIO coolers
- Fully tested
Do You Have a Preference?
Do you prefer building your own or pre-built gaming PCs? Let us know in the comments below.
PC specs are subject to change.
- 7 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
Read More >>