ZisaLog: Beginner’s Guide to Building a Custom PC 
When building a custom PC, after selecting the necessary parts, the next step is to decide where to buy them. This article explains where to purchase PC parts and how to do it efficiently.
There are several ways to buy PC parts. One option is to visit a physical store, where it is possible to see the parts in person and get advice from professionals. Another way is to use online PC manufacturer sites or major online shopping sites like Amazon, which allow for easy and convenient purchases.
If saving money is a priority, it is important to use information about purchase timing and bundle discounts wisely.
This article provides detailed explanations about recommended ways to buy custom PC parts and tips for keeping costs down.
- PC parts can be purchased at physical stores, PC manufacturer online shops, and major online shopping sites.
- Buying at a store allows for consultation with staff and compatibility checks.
- At stores, it is possible to actually touch and check mice and keyboards.
- Online shops offer a large selection of parts and make price comparison easy.
- Large parts are easier to obtain online (it can be difficult to carry them home from a store).
- Limiting price comparison to 1-2 sites is efficient (checking all is time-consuming).
- It is important to choose a purchasing method that matches one’s needs and budget.
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
Table of Contents
How to Buy Custom PC Parts
When assembling a custom PC, it is necessary to select and purchase the required parts.
Understanding the features of each method and choosing the one that suits best is important.
Buying Parts at a Physical Store
The most common method is to buy PC parts at a store that sells them directly.
- Possible to consult with staff about part selection
- Excitement from seeing many PC parts lined up
- Can touch and choose mice and keyboards
- Some stores offer part warranties for a small extra fee
- A car is usually needed to carry parts home after purchase
The biggest advantage of buying at a store is that when taking parts to the register, the staff will quickly check compatibility.
For example, if the socket type is different, the staff may ask, “Are you sure you want to buy this? It can’t be assembled as is.” (based on real experience), which acts as a safety net.
Ken
However, not all staff will do this, so if there are concerns, it is a good idea to consult about both compatibility and performance.
When consulting, it is best to be able to explain the intended use and budget as basic information.
Ken
Also, visiting a store allows for seeing motherboards, PC cases, and graphics cards lined up, which is exciting.
It is also possible to touch mice and keyboards, so usability and comfort can be checked before buying.
Some part shops offer insurance that allows for replacement if a part is damaged during assembly, which is recommended for those who are worried about assembly.
Ken
However, even though many parts are available, there are fewer options than online shops, so it may not be possible to get exactly what was planned.
Therefore, it may be necessary to come back another day, order missing parts online, or consult with staff and adjust plans as needed.
Also, when buying a full set of PC parts, it is difficult to carry them on foot or by bicycle, so it is best to go by car.
Some stores offer delivery, so those who cannot go by car should check in advance.
Here is a summary of shops that sell PC parts:
| PC Parts Shop | Number of Stores | Main Locations |
|---|---|---|
| PC Koubou | 76 stores | Hokkaido, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa |
| Dospara | 46 stores | Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, Fukushima, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Tokushima, Ehime, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa |
| Applied | 26 stores | Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa, Hyogo, Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama, Aichi, Shizuoka, Ishikawa |
| Sofmap | 24 stores | Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo, Miyagi, Shizuoka, Aichi, Hiroshima, Okayama, Fukuoka |
| Tsukumo | 8 stores | Tokyo (Akihabara), Osaka (Nipponbashi), Aichi (Nagoya), Hokkaido (Sapporo), Fukuoka |
| PC SHOP Ark | 1 store | Tokyo (Akihabara) |
| PC Ones | 1 store | Osaka (Nipponbashi) |
PC Koubou and Dospara are nationwide chains with many stores, so there may be one nearby.
Applied, which started in Fukuoka, also has stores mainly in Kyushu and other regions.
Ken
Buying Parts from PC Manufacturer Online Shops
These are online shops run by manufacturers that mainly sell BTO (Build To Order) PCs.
They handle PC parts, BTO PCs, mice, keyboards, and other computer-related products.
- More parts available than at physical stores
- Easy to compare prices
- Delivery is convenient
Physical stores have many PC parts, but online shops have even more.
At stores, sometimes the selected parts are not in stock, so it may be necessary to change the build on the spot.
With online shops, there is no need to visit multiple stores, and it is possible to view many parts and compare prices in a short time.
As expected from online shops, delivery is convenient.
Especially for large items like graphics cards, PC cases, and motherboards, carrying them home is difficult, and since they are precision devices, they must be handled carefully. With online shopping, there is no need to worry about this.
Main PC manufacturer online shops include:
Most of these sites offer 1,000 to 4,000 parts, and their search functions make it easy to find what is needed.
Buying Parts from Major Online Shopping Sites like Amazon
These sites are similar to PC manufacturer online shops, but they sell not only computer-related products but also a wide variety of other items.
- More parts available than at physical stores
- Easy to compare prices
- Delivery is convenient
This is similar to PC manufacturer online shops.
Major online shopping sites like Amazon and Rakuten are convenient options for buying custom PC parts.
They offer a wide selection, from essential parts like CPUs, memory, and motherboards to peripherals like mice, keyboards, and monitors.
User reviews provide information about actual performance and quality, which is helpful when making purchasing decisions.
Additionally, by taking advantage of regular sales and discount campaigns, it is possible to get parts at a good price.
Main online shopping sites include:
Especially Amazon, Rakuten, Bic Camera, and Yodobashi Camera are well-known. With so many products, it is unlikely that a needed part cannot be found, and even if it is not available, alternatives can be found easily.
Tips for Buying a Custom PC Cheaply
When purchasing parts, price is a concern, and most people want to buy as cheaply as possible.
Buying multiple parts as a set can sometimes be cheaper, and targeting special deals is also a good strategy.
Based on these points, here are detailed explanations on how to buy a custom PC at a lower price.
Basic Principle: There Is No Store or Site That Is Always the Cheapest
First, no single online shop or store is always the cheapest for all PC parts.
PC part prices change daily due to timing and exchange rates, so checking various online shops and stores is essential for those who want to save money.
However, since price competition is fierce, prices are often similar across sites.
Also, with so many online shops, comparing each one takes a lot of effort, and registering for multiple sites can be troublesome.
Considering this, it is best to narrow down to 1 or 2, at most 3, online shops and compare the selected parts.
This is the standard way to choose PC parts, and based on this, here are ways to buy PC parts cheaply.
PC Manufacturer Online Shops Are Often Cheaper
Comparing major online shops like Amazon and Rakuten with PC manufacturer online shops, the latter are often cheaper.
Sites like Amazon and Rakuten may include listing fees, which can make some parts more expensive.
On the other hand, PC manufacturer online shops do not have such fees, and since they purchase large quantities of PC parts for BTO PCs, they can offer lower prices.
Based on a quick check, the following online shops are generally cheaper and recommended:
However, not all parts are cheaper, and sometimes Amazon is less expensive, so it depends on the case.
Save Money by Buying Multiple Parts Together (Bundle Discounts)
Many parts are needed to build a custom PC, but buying main components like the motherboard, CPU, and memory together can qualify for bundle discounts.
Specialized PC part shops and online stores often offer flexible bundle discounts, allowing for customization based on individual needs.
For example, buying a CPU and motherboard together may save 1,000-2,000 yen.
The more parts included, such as memory and power supplies, the greater the discount.
Stores prefer customers to buy everything at once rather than shop around, so they offer these bundle discounts.
Look for flyers about bundle discounts in the store to check combinations and discount amounts.
Online shops sometimes offer bundle discounts, but it is rare to find the exact combination needed. For those who want to save with bundle discounts, buying at a physical store is recommended.
Take Advantage of Special Sale Timing
To get custom PC parts at special prices, do not miss sales and campaigns.
Year-end, New Year, Black Friday, and back-to-school seasons are times when retailers hold clearance sales, offering parts at much lower prices than usual.
Also, before and after new product launches, older models are often discounted, so checking information regularly helps save money.
Subscribing to email newsletters or following shops on social media is another way to get information about time-limited sales and exclusive coupons quickly.
However, special sale items often have limited stock, so quick decisions are needed when a desired part is found.
Custom PC Parts Estimate & Compatibility Check Tool also lists sale information, making it easier to find discounted parts.
Summary: Find the Best Way to Buy for Your Needs!
This article explained where to buy custom PC parts and how to get them at a lower price.
Here is a summary of the key points:
- PC parts can be purchased at physical stores, PC manufacturer online shops, and major online shopping sites.
- Buying at a store allows for consultation with staff and compatibility checks.
- At stores, it is possible to actually touch and check mice and keyboards.
- Online shops offer a large selection of parts and make price comparison easy.
- Large parts are easier to obtain online (it can be difficult to carry them home from a store).
- Limiting price comparison to 1-2 sites is efficient (checking all is time-consuming).
- It is important to choose a purchasing method that matches one’s needs and budget.
For those building a custom PC for the first time, it is natural to worry about whether the performance is sufficient for their needs, so consulting with staff at a store is recommended.
When I built my first custom PC, I was worried alone, but consulting with staff solved my problems quickly, so stores are good for those with concerns.
However, buying a full set of PC parts means carrying large and heavy items home, and since they are precision devices, care must be taken to avoid shocks and vibrations. This usually requires a car.
For those who cannot use a car, check if the store offers shipping, or consider buying from an online shop.
PC parts are sold at many stores and online shops, so it is tempting to compare prices and selection everywhere, but doing this too much can delay progress. It is best to narrow down to 1 or 2 stores or online shops and then look for parts.
Select PC parts and online stores to instantly generate an estimate, check compatibility, and calculate power requirements. You can save up to five different builds, making it easy to try out multiple configurations.
≫ Tool：PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool
