The recent release of the Nvidia RTX 3090 graphics card has opened a wide array of possibilities for custom PC setups. For professionals and gamers, having the right setup is very important to meet all their needs. A lot of times, a pre-built setup might just not cut it. Even if the pre-built PC is able to do everything the user wants, custom might be more cost-effective.
A lot of users also want custom paint jobs, RGB lighting, and specific cooling systems that pre-built systems are just not able to provide. That said, a first-time custom PC buyer might get confused with all the options out there. Luckily, these websites help a lot!
Origin PC
Interestingly, Origin PC was founded by three former employees of Alienware, this also reflects in the products and customer service they offer. Origin PC has some of the best user experiences on its website where consumers can not only configure but also learn more about the PC they are building. The website is quite easy to navigate and use, as well.
Origin PC also caters to workstation laptops and PCs which are again, fully customizable. Users can strike the right balance between aesthetics and performance, while also managing the overall budget. One thing to note is that the lowest price starts at around $1,300, so it is definitely not on the cheaper side. But with this, they offer lifetime tech support and a one-year warranty, which can be extended to three.
iBuyPower
iBuyPower is one of the best custom PC-building websites for beginners. Their user interface is quite easy to use and includes a feature called "Easy Builder," where users can input their use or the type of games they intend to play, and the website will configure a PC for their needs. This is quite an interesting feature for users who are not that well-versed in the technical details surrounding different components.
iBuyPower custom PCs start at $899, which makes it much more affordable compared to the other competitors and users also have the option to pay through Affirm using smaller monthly payments. Users can expect a huge jump in graphic quality, as well as frame rates, with even the entry-level PCs that they have to offer.
CyberPowerPC
CyberPowerPC was founded in 1998 and offers some of the lowest entry-level prices in the market, with custom PCs starting as low as $769, with an additional option of paying through Affirm. CyberPowerPC offers some entry-level PCs on Amazon for as low as $469.
All the PCs and laptops come with a one-year warranty, lifetime tech support, and a three-year service plan. From professional cable management to water cooling, users can choose from a wide array of options at all price points. Because of their aesthetic customizability, a pair of sleek Bluetooth headphones can really make a setup pop, especially if they match the style.
Xidax
Xidax is a relatively new name in the market, started in 2014 by a group of enthusiast gamers, and the website offers custom laptops, workstations, and gaming PCs. Their entry-level price starts at $549, making it very affordable for casual users. Xidax also updates its hardware very often, making sure to offer the latest cutting-edge systems.
Xidax has brilliant customer service with an option for a lifetime warranty, custom branding, and plenty of financing options. Reviews suggest there can be delays in shipments sometimes and there have been some issues with the compatibility of graphic cards, but the excellent team usually solves these issues quickly.
Build My PC
Build My PC is one of the most well-known custom PC building websites on the market, and a lot of veteran custom PC users tend to use this website. One of the best features of the website is its compatibility check while users are building their PCs, and the website can give real-time suggestions about compatible components.
It also offers Amazon price tracking, so users can see the cost of the individual hardware components as they are customizing their system. One drawback is the complicated UI of the website, which is not much of a problem for advanced users. Their PCs come with a lifetime limited warranty and their laptops have a two-year warranty. Opening sequences of games like Mass Effect 3 would look breathtaking on some of their systems.
BLD By NZXT
BLD By NZXT is one of the most well-known names in the gaming PC hardware industry, and also one of the best websites catered towards gaming PCs. The website takes into account the type of games the user is going to play and optimizes the build to make sure those games can be played easily.
They provide a two-year warranty and their builds are assembled by trained professionals. One alleged downside, though, is their customer support, which can reportedly be quite slow, at times.
Falcon Northwest
Falcon Northwest is a veteran in the custom PC industry and for a reason. The website offers some of the most versatile customizability options, ranging from RGB lights to custom-painted hardware pieces. Falcon Northwest also has some of the most experienced teams, so users can expect a quality finish with every build.
One thing to note is that currently there are no financing options available, which can make this option pricey for a lot of users. The service is also more expensive than the competition, with entry-level systems starting at $2,200, but it is to be noted that their entry-level machines are quite powerful.
MainGear
Main Gear has been operational since 2002 and has built quite an impressive reputation among custom PC veterans. The website offers customizability of most of the components, including RGB lighting, custom cases, and branding, along with CPUs, GPUs, storage devices in RAID configuration, etc.
Gamers can also find some Main Gear configurations on Amazon if they wish for a quicker delivery. Their custom PCs come with a one-year warranty that can be extended to three.
AVADirect
Ava Direct has arguably the largest collection of hardware components and custom PCs on the market. The website offers everything from custom PCs for gaming, workstations, overpowered tablets, laptops, and even individual hardware components.
Users can also buy storage drives, headsets, keyboards, etc. There are also multiple financing options available to help out consumers. Custom desktops start at $919 and custom laptops start at $1,099. Their PCs can handle even some of the most amazing video game graphics with ease.
Digital Storm
Digital Storm started back in 2002 and over time has built an impressive loyal fanbase. They offer customizability on gaming PCs, workstations, custom laptops, etc. The baseline starting price there is $699, which is on the more affordable scale for beginners.
Digital Storm offers a three-year warranty which can be upgraded to four or even five years. They also have a number of financing options available.