For serious computer gamers in Canada, the decision between a pre-built system and a custom PC could significantly impact their gaming experience. While convenience often drives consumers to store-bought options, a growing number of enthusiasts are discovering the advantages of custom-built machines tailored to their specific needs.
The Custom PC Advantage
Unlike generic pre-built systems designed for mass appeal, custom PCs are assembled by experts who select individual components to match your gaming requirements, budget, and even aesthetic preferences. Kevin Jia, CEO of Quoted Tech, a custom PC company based in north Toronto, explains that most Canadians buy off-the-shelf computers out of convenience or lack of technical knowledge.
"A custom PC, on the other hand, has handpicked components, all tested to work together and optimized for peak performance," says Jia, who co-founded Quoted Tech more than four years ago with partner Michael Meissner.
One significant benefit Jia highlights is the absence of "bloatware" - unwanted preinstalled software that consumes system resources and storage. Manufacturers often receive payments from software companies to include these programs, sharing revenue if users sign up for subscriptions.
Longevity and Cost Considerations
Custom PCs typically offer greater longevity than pre-built systems, which Jia suggests are often designed for "planned obsolescence." The modular nature of custom builds allows for easy upgrades over time, whether installing a better graphics card, adding more RAM, or expanding storage.
Contrary to common assumptions, building a custom PC usually proves more cost-effective than purchasing a premade gaming machine. It also provides access to the latest components as they become available.
Quoted Tech offers pricing starting at $1,399 for their Shield product line, with their high-end Great North series beginning at $4,399. The company provides a substantial warranty coverage - three years for components and five years for labor - significantly exceeding the standard one-year warranty offered by most manufacturers.
What to Look For in a Gaming PC
Building an optimal gaming computer requires careful component selection beyond what typical everyday computers offer. For processors, aim for high clock speeds and multiple cores, such as Intel Core Ultra 7 or 9, or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 series.
Graphics performance demands a dedicated GPU from manufacturers like NVIDIA GeForce RTX/GTX or AMD Radeon RX family, rather than integrated graphics. For memory, 16GB of RAM represents the current sweet spot for modern games, with 32GB providing additional headroom for demanding titles and multitasking.
Storage should prioritize SSDs (Solid State Drives) over traditional HDDs for significantly faster loading times, with at least 1TB capacity recommended. Gaming monitors should feature high refresh rates - 144Hz provides much smoother performance than standard 60Hz displays.
While custom PCs offer numerous advantages, they do involve tradeoffs. The convenience of immediate purchase from retail stores contrasts with the approximately two-week turnaround time for custom builds from companies like Quoted Tech. Most custom PC companies specialize in desktop towers rather than laptops, and typically don't include peripherals like monitors, keyboards, or mice.
For Canadian gamers, purchasing from domestic custom PC companies avoids potential border delays, unexpected duties, custom fees, and unfavorable exchange rates. "My business partner and I had terrible experiences in the past with deliveries stuck at the border," Jia recalls. "Plus, it's nice to just support the local economy."
