Comparison of Prebuilt and Custom Built Computers
Before purchasing a computer system for company or personal usage, an individual must take numerous variables into account. These criteria range from price to computer specifications and might affect whether a person should buy a prebuilt computer or a custom built one for their primary needs. The examination of a prebuilt computer and a custom manufactured computer follows.
Shared Specifications
The only thing that the two computers have in common is the processor, security software, and operating system. The prebuilt Dell computer includes a 7th generation Intel Core i5 processor that can be overclocked to 3.5GHz. The specification of the processor is similar to that of the custom built computer. However, the custom built computer has an added advantage in that its operating system is OEM instead of the usual English version. In both the custom built and the prebuilt computer, the security software being used is the McAfee antivirus.
Differences in Hardware and Components
On the other hand, these computers differ in every other aspect. First, the power supply used in the prebuilt Dell computer is the commonly approved Alienware 460 Watt, while the custom built uses HP 460 Watt common slot High-Efficiency Hot-Plug Power Supply. Another key difference is the video card used in the computers. The prebuilt computer uses the 8GB Nvidia GeForce video card, while the custom built computer uses the 8GB MSI GeForce GTX video card. The custom built computer also has larger memory than the prebuilt Dell. The prebuilt computer was installed with a 16GB DDR4 at the speed of 2400MHz, while the custom built is installed with a crucial 32GB DDR4 at the speed of 2400MHz, hence, the prebuilt computer is faster than the custom built. Other specification differences between the two computers are in hard drive, optical drive, wireless, keyboard, and mouse.
Summary of the Findings
After considering the specifications of these two computers, one can conclude that the prebuilt Dell computer is less powerful compared to the custom built system. The processor together with the memory of the custom built computer makes it faster and more efficient than that of the prebuilt system. Comparing the two systems, it is evident that the custom built computer is aimed at improving the gaming experience of an individual because of the customized parts such as the keyboard and mouse for the computer.
Recommendations
Both of these computers are reliable due to the processing power and other specifications of the computers. However, before making a recommendation on the computer to use, one has to determine the primary use of the computer. In case, the computer is needed for normal word processing, video streaming or office operations, a regular prebuilt computer will be efficient (Graziano para. 4). However, in the case that the computer is needed for an individual to enjoy the full gaming experience, the computer to be used has to meet several specifications. After comparing the two computer systems proposed, I would recommend the custom built computer.
Rationale
The custom built computer offers the owner several advantages such as picking the exact parts that they require for the computer (Knapp para.4). However, the custom built computer is assembled with the parts which the individual believes are useful for gaming activities. As a result, specific parts have been chosen and used by the individual in building the computer (Villas-Boas para. 6). Consequently, the price difference between the two computers has been compensated with parts that have improved specifications hence making the custom built computer efficient than the prebuilt Dell (Villas-Boas para. 7).
Works Cited
Graziano, Dan. “The Pros and Cons of Building your own Computer.” CNET, https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-pros-and-cons-of-building-your-own-computer/. Accessed 31 Aug. 2017.
Knapp, Mark. “Building vs. Buying a PC: Why you Should do one and not the Other.” Cheat Sheet, https://www.cheatsheet.com/gear-style/buying-vs-building-a-pc-which-is-right-for-you.html/?a=viewall. Accessed 31 Aug. 2017.
Villas-Boas, Antonio. “Here’s 3 Reasons you Should Build your own PC instead of Buying one.” Business Insider, http://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-should-build-your-own-pc-instead-of-buying-one-2016-6?IR=T. Accessed 31 Aug. 2017.
