Thorough Comparison of Custom-Built PCs and BTO: Price, Cost Performance, Warranty, and Disposal Differences

This article thoroughly compares the differences between custom-built PCs and BTO (Build to Order) PCs from various perspectives such as price, customizability, design, required time, warranty, repair, and disposal methods.

Building a custom PC allows the user to choose and assemble each part, which can be enjoyable, while a BTO PC can be delivered quickly after ordering and usually comes with a solid warranty.

This article explains the key points for making the best choice by comparing the differences between custom-built PCs and BTO PCs.

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PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.

Basic Differences Between Custom PCs and BTO PCs

This section explains the differences between custom-built PCs and BTO PCs.

About Custom PCs and BTO PCs

First, let’s look at the basic differences between custom-built PCs and BTO PCs.

A custom PC allows the user to select and assemble each part, creating a personalized, customized computer.

Since all steps from selecting parts to assembly and setup are done by the user, it requires knowledge and time, but it offers excellent cost performance and a high degree of freedom.

Building a custom PC also helps users gain knowledge about parts and assembly skills, which can save on repair costs and reduce downtime if a failure occurs.

This blog explains knowledge about PC parts and whether building a custom PC is difficult. Also, a custom PC tool that allows users to estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power consumption just by selecting PC parts has been developed, so please make use of it: Custom PC Tool.

On the other hand, BTO (Build to Order) PCs are computers assembled by the manufacturer based on options selected by the user from available customization menus.

Compared to custom PCs, the range of customization is narrower, but BTO PCs offer solid warranty and support, making them a safe choice.

Since BTO PCs are purchased as finished products, there is no need for assembly time. For those who are not interested in assembling and just want a computer, a BTO PC is a good choice.

List of Differences Between Custom PCs and BTO PCs

To compare custom PCs and BTO PCs in more detail, let’s look at the differences by category.

After that, each item will be explained in detail.

Comparison of Custom PCs and BTO PCs

Let’s compare custom PCs and BTO PCs in detail by category.

By understanding the features of each category, it will become clear which is better for each person and what should be prioritized.

Price Comparison

As of May 13, 2024, for a mid-range configuration, a custom PC is about 40,000 yen cheaper, and for a high-end configuration, about 80,000 yen cheaper than a BTO PC.

BTO PCs are selected to match the market price for their performance, while custom PCs are built by choosing the cheapest parts that meet the specifications of the selected BTO PC.

If the detailed specifications and part model numbers are exactly the same, the price difference may not be clear, but with similar basic specs, custom PCs are generally cheaper.

Furthermore, if a custom PC is customized with a preferred design case or LED parts, the price will be about the same or slightly cheaper than a BTO PC.

The price difference can be considered as the budget for customizing functions and design as desired.

However, depending on the selected parts, the price advantage of custom PCs is not always significant.

If only cheap parts are chosen, the difference can be 40,000 or 80,000 yen, but when looking at parts, people often end up wanting higher quality, more expensive options.

Also, considering the time and effort to gain knowledge and assemble, building a custom PC just to save money is not recommended.

The prices of custom PCs and BTO PCs are compared for three configurations: standard PC (no GPU), mid-range PC, and high-end PC. The parts and specifications are summarized in a table, so please refer to it.

≫ Related article: Thorough comparison of price differences between custom PCs and BTO PCs in three configurations!

Also, with the Custom PC Parts Estimation and Compatibility Check Tool, users can easily estimate the price by selecting parts and check if their planned build is cheaper than a BTO PC.

Customizability Comparison

Custom PCs are overwhelmingly more customizable than BTO PCs.

Customizability in PCs means:

• The number of parts that can be changed
• The variety of choices for each part

The number of parts that can be changed refers to how many of the roughly 10 types of parts (CPU, GPU, power supply, etc.) can be customized.

For BTO PCs, basic performance parts like CPU, memory, GPU, and storage can be changed.

However, depending on the manufacturer, motherboards, power supplies, and PC cases often cannot be changed.

With a custom PC, all parts are selected and assembled by the user, so every part can be customized.

In other words, there are more types of parts that can be modified.

The variety of choices is also important. Even for the same CPU, how many options are available matters.

For BTO PCs, depending on the manufacturer and part, there are usually about 3 options, and up to about 10 for some parts.

On the other hand, with a custom PC, users can choose from dozens or even hundreds of options, greatly expanding the range of customization.

For BTO manufacturers, increasing the number of parts and options increases inventory and management costs.

Also, they need to check compatibility in advance, so the number of combinations increases exponentially.

Basically, more parts mean more complexity, so options are limited.

Therefore, if maximum customization is desired, a custom PC is overwhelmingly better.

BTO PCs can be customized for satisfactory performance for the intended use, so there is no problem in that regard.

However, if there are particular preferences that cannot be satisfied with just performance, a custom PC is recommended.

Design Comparison

When it comes to PC design, the most important aspect is the PC case.

If the case is transparent, the design of each part also becomes important.

For example, users can choose as many white parts as possible for a white-themed PC, or select parts with LED lighting for visual effects.

With a custom PC, users can choose from about 500 types of PC cases, and there are far more options for other parts compared to BTO PCs, allowing users to get much closer to their desired design.

On the other hand, BTO manufacturers usually have only 1–3 case options per brand, such as gaming or creator PCs.

Also, many manufacturers do not list part model numbers, so users generally choose based on a few specs. Even if a user wants all white parts, it is rare to be able to select exactly as desired.

Even if possible, it is almost impossible to unify the design for the entire PC.

Therefore, if design is as important as performance, a custom PC is recommended.

The Custom PC Parts Estimation and Compatibility Check Tool allows users to view images, specs, and prices of PC cases, so those who want to narrow down by design should try it.

Required Time Comparison

Let’s look at the time required to get a PC with a custom build or BTO.

BTO PCs require time to consider options and study the necessary knowledge.

However, since they are already assembled, no assembly time is needed.

To choose a PC, it is necessary to determine if the performance is suitable for the intended use.

Basically, users check the main specs (CPU, memory, GPU, storage), but knowledge is needed to understand these specs and judge if they are sufficient.

Those who want to skip this step can visit a BTO shop or electronics store and consult with staff.

If the intended use and budget are communicated, the staff will suggest suitable options.

However, choosing by oneself requires some knowledge and judgment, so it takes a bit of time.

For custom PCs, knowledge of about 10 types of parts is needed, such as CPU coolers, motherboards, power supplies, PC cases, and case fans, so it takes even more time.

Also, not only performance but also compatibility of the selected parts must be checked.

For example, CPUs have socket types, and if these do not match the motherboard, assembly is not possible.

This knowledge is necessary, and users must choose from a much larger number of options than with BTO PCs.

Finally, assembly time is also required, so overall, it takes much longer to get a custom PC than a BTO PC.

Time estimates for part selection and assembly are explained here.

≫ Related article: Overview and time estimates for building a custom PC

Warranty and Repair Comparison

There are significant differences in warranty and repair between custom PCs and BTO PCs.

BTO PCs come with a standard warranty (included with the PC) for about 1–3 years, and an optional extended warranty for about 3–5 years.

The warranty usually covers only natural failures. If a failure occurs within the warranty period, just contact the manufacturer and send the PC for repair.

Repairs are done by the manufacturer, and there is no repair cost.

Natural failure refers to defects or malfunctions caused by product quality or manufacturing issues, such as part or port defects.

In other words, if the PC fails despite normal use, it is covered.

Failures caused by user error (intentional damage, etc.) or external factors (dropping, impact, water damage, etc.) are considered accidental damage and are not covered by standard or extended warranties.

If accidental damage coverage is desired, it is necessary to purchase from a manufacturer that offers such a warranty.

On the other hand, for custom PCs, each part comes with its own warranty, usually covering only natural failures.

Warranty periods vary by part, and contact information and procedures differ by manufacturer, so managing warranties and handling multiple failures can be troublesome.

Warranty periods range from 1–3 years for short-term, 5–10 years, or even lifetime for long-term warranties.

Also, users must identify faulty parts themselves, and after repair or replacement, must perform the repair themselves.

However, in my experience of using PCs for 8–12 hours a day for over 20 years, only storage has failed, and that was after the warranty period, so I have never used a warranty for a custom PC.

≫ Related article: Thorough comparison of warranties for custom PCs and BTO PCs!

≫ Related article: Explaining the lifespan of custom PCs from various perspectives [about 3–10 years]

Disposal Comparison

To dispose of a BTO PC, options include collection by the manufacturer or retailer, municipal recycling programs, or specialized recycling companies.

PCs with a PC recycling mark can be collected free of charge, as the recycling fee is included in the purchase price.

Many BTO PCs have this mark, so check for it and refer to the manufacturer’s website for disposal instructions.

Some municipalities offer PC recycling programs. In this case, users can bring the PC to a designated location or request collection, so check the local guidelines.

On the other hand, to dispose of a custom PC, disassemble it and dispose of each part or case as non-burnable or bulky waste according to local rules, or sell to a recycling shop or used parts dealer.

However, some parts may be subject to recycling, so check the local recycling guidelines in advance.

For both custom and BTO PCs, special care is needed when disposing of storage devices.

When disposing of SSDs or HDDs, be sure to completely erase any stored data, as personal information may remain.

Simply deleting files is not enough, as they can be recovered, so use dedicated data erasure software or physically destroy the device.

Summary of Custom PC and BTO PC Comparison

This section summarizes the comparison between custom PCs and BTO PCs and explains which type is suitable for which users.

For Custom PC: For Those Who Value Romance, Freedom, and PC Knowledge

Although building a custom PC takes time to study parts and assemble, it allows users to focus not only on performance but also on design, part manufacturers, and specific products.

Mainly, it is recommended for those who enjoy the process of learning and assembling, want to customize every aspect of their PC, and want to experience the romance of building their own machine.

The biggest advantage of a custom PC is the ability to customize it for one’s own use.

By selecting and assembling the necessary parts, users can achieve designs and deep customization not possible with BTO PCs.

BTO PCs can be customized for performance, but it is usually not possible to choose specific part manufacturers or products, so custom PCs are recommended for those who want to go that far.

Also, since users can keep track of part prices, it is possible to adjust the build to fit the budget, offering excellent cost performance.

By handling everything from part selection to assembly and OS installation, users gain deep knowledge of PCs and parts.

Therefore, future part replacements and upgrades are easy.

Especially, expanding memory or storage is easy for those with custom PC knowledge.

Also, knowledge of parts and assembly skills allow users to buy and replace parts themselves even after the warranty period.

For example, when I used a manufacturer PC costing about 100,000 yen with a 3-year warranty, the storage failed after about 3.5 years.

At that time, the repair cost was about 55,000 yen, but with custom PC knowledge, it would have cost only about 10,000 yen for the part.

However, the disadvantages are that part selection and assembly require a certain level of knowledge and skill, making it challenging for beginners.

Also, since warranties are per part, dealing with problems can be complicated.

To efficiently plan a build, a custom PC tool that allows users to estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power consumption just by selecting PC parts has been developed, so please make use of it: Custom PC Tool.

For BTO: For Those Who Prioritize Ease, Warranty, and Support

BTO PCs require some basic knowledge of CPU, memory, GPU, and storage, but less than custom PCs, so they are recommended for those who want to get a PC quickly and easily.

Also, BTO PCs are good for those who want to rely on the manufacturer for warranty and support in case of failure or questions.

BTO PCs allow users to customize their PC from options prepared by the manufacturer according to their needs.

Although not as flexible as custom PCs, users can get a PC that suits them without specialized knowledge, making it suitable for those who value ease.

The balance between customizability and ease is a merit.

Also, since the PC is assembled by professionals, there is no need to select parts or have technical skills as with custom PCs.

Warranty is for the entire PC, not just individual parts, so users can feel secure.

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PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.