The 10 Best Custom PC Builders You Need To Know

Most people will say that building a custom PC on your own is cheaper, more fun, and more satisfying than having someone else build it for you. While it can be confusing at first due to the different components involved, building a PC is not that difficult, even if you are a beginner and not very knowledgeable about computer stuff. However, some people simply don’t have the time to build a PC from scratch, while others are too lazy and don’t mind paying more money for someone else to do the work for them.

That’s where custom PC builders come in. With custom PC builders, you simply need to customize your PC – either completely from scratch or from a template or base model – using an online configurator. The company will build your PC based on your exact specifications, including the custom case design if the company offers laser engraving and custom painting. Going to custom PC builders is more expensive, but keep in mind that you are also paying for technical support and warranty.

If you are looking for custom PC building services, the following companies are the 10 best custom PC builders of 2019. Some of the companies listed below are obviously geared toward gaming PCs, while others offer solutions for both professionals and gamers. This is not a ranked list; the companies are simply listed in alphabetical order.

AVADirectAVADirect

Established in 2000, AVADirect is an Ohio-based custom PC builder known for its reliable customer support and good quality control. The American company offers custom PCs for both professional use and gaming, including liquid-cooled PCs and mini PCs.

AVADirect boasts extensive customization options and features a user-friendly configurator with an easy-to-browse list of components that streamlines the process. You can include other devices or accessories in the package, such as a monitor, a keyboard, a headset, and a gaming controller. There is no bloatware installed in your custom unit; only the software specified during the customization is included. You can also include some games, with the company offering a decent selection of recently released titles.

If you care about aesthetics, AVADirect also offers wire management options, RGB lighting systems, and custom case designs with personalized etching and decals. And as for warranty, the company has multiple options to choose from, with the most basic one including two-year labor and one-year parts warranty. Whether you are looking to build a budget gaming PC, a VR-ready PC, or a powerful workstation, AVADirect is one of the best PC builders out there.

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BLD by NZXTBLD by NZXT

BLD is the custom PC builder of NZXT, an American company based in California. The service launched in 2017, although the company has been around since 2004. BLD is more inclined toward gaming PCs, which is obvious from the moment you start the configuration process. Unlike with AVADirect, the parts warranty (which is two years) for custom PCs is fixed, with no option to buy an extended warranty as of this writing.

Once initiated, the custom PC building process starts off by displaying a list of games and asking you to choose which of those games you usually play. The list includes popular games such as Battlefield V, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Overwatch, PUBG, and Fortnite. You also need to choose between 1080p and 1440p for your preferred gaming resolution. (Unfortunately, 4K resolution is still not an option at the moment.)

The next part of the process requires you to choose the budget range and the CPU brand, and then after that, the site will load a base PC that meets your criteria. From there, you can start customizing your build, from the graphics card and RAM to the storage and chassis color scheme. While you are changing some of the components, the predicted FPS for the games you specified at the beginning – which is displayed on the side – will adjust, giving you a quick preview of your setup’s performance.

You can also choose how fast you want your unit to be shipped. The standard package, which costs $99, ships your custom PC within 48 hours. The “Blitz Mode!” package, which costs $199, ships your unit the same day, but only if your order is placed by 11 AM PST. If you are looking specifically for a custom PC building service for gaming PCs, check out BLD by NZXT.

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CyberPowerPCCyberPowerPC

Operating since 1998, CyberPowerPC is one of the more popular custom PC builders, offering good customization options whether you are building an entry-level PC or a powerhouse PC designed for serious gaming. The California-based company puts more focus on gaming PCs, with the company also selling pre-built gaming PCs at good prices.

While not as good as BLD’s, CyberPowerPC’s custom PC building process is fairly easy to follow and includes a good selection of products at each category. You can also add different peripherals or accessories in the package, including a gaming headset and a mouse pad. If you want a custom PC with a more personalized case, the company also offers a laser engraving service, with the option to send in your own design.

The standard warranty for custom PCs includes one-year parts replacement and three-year labor. Unlike with AVADirect, there is no option to buy a longer warranty. While CyberPowerPC is not that great regarding after-sales support – with some people criticizing the customer support for being non-existent at times  – the American company is one of the best custom PC builders, especially if you are looking to build a gaming rig.

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Digital StormDigital Storm

California-based Digital Storm is a recommended company if you are looking to put together a high-performance desktop PC for serious gaming. The outfit has been in business since 2002, initially starting out as an online seller of computer parts. While mainly focused on gaming PCs, Digital Storm also sells workstations and gaming laptops.

The Digital Storm custom desktop PC configuration process is fairly easy, thanks to a simple process in which you start by choosing from a selection of base models. The configurator has a clean layout, which makes it less confusing to go through. Most of the base models are on the expensive side, though, with the most expensive one – the “Aventum” – starting at $3,274. The most budget-friendly of the bunch – the “Vanquish” – starts at $699, but the customization options for that one are limited.

The standard warranty includes three-year labor and one-year parts replacement, which is right in line with most custom PC builders. You have the option to get an extended warranty, though, with the maximum being a five-year limited warranty, which costs an additional $399. Digital Storm also offers financing options if you want to pay for your (presumably) very expensive gaming rig in installments.

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Falcon NorthwestFalcon Northwest

Falcon Northwest is one of the oldest custom PC builders out there. The Oregon-based company started out in 1992 and was one of the first to truly specialize in custom gaming PCs. Falcon Northwest is known for its intensive quality tests, good after-sales support, and custom paint jobs. But on the other hand, the company’s products are on the expensive side, with all of its base models starting out at around $2,000, including the popular “Mach V.”

While relatively limited regarding component choices, the Falcon Northwest configurator is easy to go through. Some of you might find it a bit difficult to compare products in each category, though. Falcon Northwest offers custom painting for the case, allowing you to get a unique unit with a personalized color scheme and custom artwork. But keep in mind that the cost for the custom paint job is not covered by the company’s 30-day money back guarantee and is non-refundable once the painting has started.

For each unit, Falcon Northwest includes a unique “RescueDrive” USB that restores your unit to its factory state, which is useful when your system becomes compromised or if you simply want a clean slate. The standard warranty for desktop PCs includes three-year parts and labor. In addition, all desktop PCs include one year of Falcon Overnight Service. With the Falcon Overnight Service, you can return your defective unit – provided the hardware-related issue can’t be solved through technical support – back to Falcon Northwest for repair and further testing and have it sent back to you for free, with the company using overnight courier both ways.

Overall, Falcon Northwest is one of the most reputable custom PC builders, boasting over two decades of experience in the business. If you have the money to burn and don’t have the time to build a custom gaming PC, check out Falcon Northwest – especially if you want a small-form PC that is easy to move around.

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iBuyPoweriBuyPower

A familiar brand for those who are into esports, iBuyPower is a recommended custom PC builder if you know your way around PCs but simply don’t have the time to build one yourself. The California-based company offers a good selection of pre-built gaming PCs, which you can freely customize to fit your gaming needs. Unlike Falcon Northwest, iBuyPower has relatively affordable options, with some of the base models selling for around $1,000 or less.

The iBuyPower configurator is good, but it’s not targeted toward beginners who want more detailed descriptions about each component. The configurator has a lot of options to choose from, including software and accessories. The prices for each product are displayed outright, which makes it easy to compare prices. You can also use the “Easy Builder” configurator, which produces recommended setups based on your preferred CPU brand and the kinds of games you usually play.

All desktop PCs include a standard three-year limited warranty (three-year labor and one-year parts), along with a 30-day money back guarantee (excludes shipping and handling costs). While you can get an extended warranty, the option is not included in the configurator. The standard shipping time for desktop PCs is 5-10 business days, but if you can’t wait to get your hands on your new toy, iBuyPower also offers rush shipping options.

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MaingearMaingear

Maingear is one of the most notable custom PC builders, boasting an impressive track record that includes collaborations with HP and Coca-Cola. The New Jersey-based company is known for its good customer support and intensive quality testing. Maingear offers customizable gaming PCs and workstations, along with laptops.

The Maingear online PC configurator is straightforward and has a clean design, with all the product prices on full display, which makes it easier to compare prices. You can go for a complete set and add a gaming monitor, a gaming keyboard, a pair of speakers, and a PC gaming chair, among others. Unlike with iBuyPower, the warranty extension options are included in the configurator.

If you are not satisfied with your unit upon delivery, Maingear offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but that comes with a 20 percent restocking fee. In addition, shipping and custom paint job costs are non-refundable. The company also offers financing options for those who prefer to pay for their custom computer in monthly installments, but the option is only for US residents.

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Origin PCOrigin PC

Like BLD, Origin PC is one of the newer custom PC builders listed here, although the company has been around since 2009. Currently headquartered in Florida, the company was founded by former Alienware employees and is not related to games publisher Electronic Arts’ Origin platform. Origin PC sells pre-built gaming PCs, workstations, and desktop PCs for corporate use, along with laptops.

Origin PC offers a list of base models that can be freely customized – including both small-form and full tower PCs for gaming and professional use. While product options in some categories are a bit limited, the Origin PC configurator is well designed. You can easily go through each category and see the current total price with every component you add or change. If you care a lot about aesthetics, you can also get a casing with a custom paint job or logo, along with RGB lighting.

All in all, Origin PC is one of the best custom PC builders, offering good customer support and thoroughly tested custom PCs with great build quality. The company offers a one-year standard warranty for all custom PCs, with an option to buy an extended warranty.

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Puget SystemsPuget Systems

Founded in 2000, Puget Systems is a top-notch custom PC builder that offers solutions to both gamers and professionals. The Washington-based company is known for its high-quality computers with great cable management, high-quality parts, and quiet performance. Puget Systems is also notable for its excellent customer service – both before and after purchase – which easily sets it apart from the competition.

You have different ways to customize your PC on the Puget Systems website. You can either choose from the base models or check out the recommended computers for specific tasks such as video editing and computer-aided design (CAD) software – and then customize from there. You can also build from scratch if you want full control over every component. The company’s online configurator is very easy to use, featuring a clean design with a price counter that also displays the amount if you prefer to pay in monthly installments.

The standard warranty for all desktop PCs includes at least one-year parts replacement, along with lifetime labor and technical support. You also have the option to extend the warranty, which is nice. In addition to the usual 30-day money back guarantee, Puget Systems also offers free two-way shipping for units that need to be sent back for repairs, provided it’s within the first 30 days of the warranty.

While Puget Systems is on the expensive side, there aren’t many other custom PC builders that can match it in terms of customer service and build quality. Whether you are a professional photographer, a gamer, or just a regular person looking for a custom PC for general use, the company will be able to accommodate you.

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XidaxXidax

Utah-based Xidax is another custom PC builder with good customer service, which can’t be said for some companies. The company has good shipping times and offers lifetime limited warranty, a policy that makes it unique among the companies listed here. Xidax also offers monthly payments through Affirm, which is convenient for those who prefer to pay in installments.

The Xidax custom PC configurator is straightforward. It’s not as good as other online configurators regarding the layout, not to mention the options are a bit limited in some categories, but it’s easy to go through. You can customize the aesthetics of your unit, with options for colored cable sleeves, case lighting, and laser engraving. You can also include accessories such as a headset, a webcam, and a card reader, among others.

Of the custom PC builders listed here, Xidax is one of the more budget-friendly ones, offering a base model that starts at just $530, with a couple more base models starting at less than $1,000. While the company’s return policy isn’t very accommodating, Xidax is a good company overall. The customer service is good while the build quality is great. It’s not as popular as BLD and Maingear, but it gets the job done.

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