And the Winner Is…

If you have money to burn, and are happy being dictated to by the PC builder, a rig from a big OEM might well be your bag. Certainly, they offer some slick and stylish options that give a very similar actual end-user experience in terms of performance compared to the other options.

But we think DIY and boutiquebuilt PCs are a better choice for the discerning enthusiast, and in terms of the overall proposition, we’re calling it a tie. Which you go for comes down to a combination of skill set and preference. The best boutique brands have a very good handle on what a well-informed enthusiast wants. They can likewise work with customers to create something bespoke and on point. And the big advantage is the comprehensive, rather than per-component, support.

On the other hand, for the very last word in personalization, a DIY rig can’t be beat. And there’s something special about a system built with your own hands; you’ll have a closer affinity with it, a better understanding. Like we said earlier, only by building your PC can you truly know it.