Thorough Comparison of Warranties: Custom-Built PCs vs. BTO Computers

In custom-built PCs, each part comes with its own warranty, and the user is responsible for handling any issues that arise. On the other hand, BTO (Build To Order) PCs have a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the entire computer, so the user can simply send the faulty PC to the manufacturer for repair.

As shown, the warranty systems for custom PCs and BTO PCs are quite different when it comes to dealing with failures.

First, let’s look at a table summarizing the differences in warranties between custom PCs and BTO PCs, and then explain each point in detail.

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About Warranties for Custom PCs and BTO PCs

This section explains the differences in warranties between custom PCs and BTO (manufacturer) PCs.

Differences in Warranties for Custom PCs and BTO PCs

First, here is a table to help understand the overall differences in warranty systems between custom PCs and BTO PCs.

Details will be explained later.

About the Lifespan of PC Parts

Before talking about warranties, many people wonder if PC parts or computers actually break, and how long their lifespan is.

Since warranties are used when PC parts fail, it’s good to know how long it takes for parts to fail or reach the end of their lifespan.

With over 20 years of PC experience, using computers about 8–12 hours a day, and having used four desktops (three custom-built) and three laptops, I have experienced various part failures.

In conclusion, the only parts that failed were SSDs and HDDs; other parts never broke.

There was a time when I ran tools that pushed CPU and GPU usage to over 90% for 24 hours a day for about a year. Even though the power supply was under heavy load, the CPU, GPU, power supply, and other parts did not fail.

Storage devices do fail occasionally, but other parts are surprisingly durable.

In other words, in reality, most parts outlast their warranty period, so there aren’t many chances to use the warranty.

For more details about lifespan, see this article:

≫ Related article: Explaining the Lifespan of Custom PCs from Various Perspectives [About 3–10 Years]

Warranty for Custom PCs

First, let’s talk about warranties for custom PCs.

Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of warranties for custom PCs.

Warranties for Each PC Part

For custom PCs, each part has its own warranty period and conditions.

After building a custom PC, keep the following in mind:

• Check the warranty period for each part
• Understand what types of failures are covered
• Keep the warranty card

By knowing the warranty for each part, you can get support smoothly if a problem occurs during the warranty period.

To use the warranty, it is essential to keep the purchase receipt and warranty card, so be careful not to lose these documents.

Types of Warranty: Manufacturer, Distributor, and Retailer

There are three types of warranties for PC parts: manufacturer, distributor, and retailer.

A manufacturer warranty is provided directly by the part’s manufacturer and covers repairs or replacements for defects or failures due to manufacturing issues.

Since the manufacturer handles it directly, repairs and support are usually reliable.

However, some manufacturers do not have service centers in Japan, which can cause delays or require communication in English.

A distributor warranty is provided by the distributor authorized to sell the part.

Since domestic distributors handle it, language and time zone issues are minimal, and support is usually quick.

However, the warranty period may be shorter, and coverage may be more limited compared to manufacturer warranties.

A retailer warranty is a unique service offered by the store selling the part, often available for an extra fee.

This is usually offered in addition to the manufacturer warranty, and may extend the warranty period or provide extra coverage for certain failures.

Since the store handles it directly, the process is simple and fast.

Also, some retailer warranties cover issues not included in the manufacturer warranty, so they are recommended for those who want extra protection.

However, since the details vary by store, it’s important to check what is covered in advance.

For example, Dospara, a nationwide retailer, offers the Anshin Wide Warranty Plus.

The cost is 5% of the part price for 1 year, 10% for 2 years, and 15% for 3 years.

It’s a bit expensive, but for expensive parts, this can be a strong ally if something goes wrong.

It also covers user-caused damage such as bent CPU socket pins, water leaks, or fire damage.

Normal warranties usually only cover natural failures, so bent pins are often not covered by manufacturer warranties.

Even if you bend the pins when installing the CPU or accidentally break something, this warranty will cover it.

In this way, retailer warranties can cover failures that manufacturer or distributor warranties do not.

Warranty Periods Vary by Part

Warranty periods differ greatly depending on the type and grade of the part.

For example, core parts like CPUs and motherboards may have long warranties from some manufacturers, while parts like cases or cooling fans may have shorter periods.

Here is a summary of typical warranty periods for each part:

I checked about 10–20 products in various price ranges for each part to summarize these warranty periods.

However, sometimes only the manufacturer or distributor warranty is listed, or there is no warranty information at all, so this is a rough estimate.

So, please use this as a general idea of the typical warranty period for each part.

CPUs, CPU coolers, SSDs, and power supplies often have long warranties of 3 years or more, and memory often comes with a generous lifetime warranty.

Memory has no moving parts and a very simple structure, so there is little physical wear or aging.

As a result, it can maintain stable performance for a long time, which is why lifetime warranties are possible.

Also, due to intense competition in the memory market, manufacturers offer lifetime warranties to differentiate themselves and gain user trust.

Now, many brands offer lifetime warranties, so it’s not much of a differentiator, but it’s still great for users.

Especially when choosing expensive parts, selecting those with longer warranties provides peace of mind.

Users Must Identify and Repair Faults Themselves

With custom PCs, if a failure occurs, the user must first identify the faulty part.

Then, the user contacts the manufacturer or distributor, ships the part, and receives repair or replacement under warranty.

If the identification is incorrect, a working part may be sent by mistake.

When the manufacturer or distributor receives the part, they usually test it to confirm the failure and identify the cause.

If the part is found to be working, it will be returned, as there is no failure.

This wastes shipping costs, inconveniences the other party, and extends the time the PC cannot be used, so be careful.

To identify the cause, each part must be tested individually.

This can be difficult; sometimes it’s as simple as swapping parts, but if you don’t have spare parts, it can be hard to check.

For a first-time custom PC builder, not having spare parts can make identification difficult.

Also, with custom PCs, users do the repairs themselves.

It takes effort, but if you built the PC yourself, installing parts should not be a problem.

One of the attractions of custom PCs is the high degree of customization, but this also means users must take responsibility for maintenance.

Warranty for BTO PCs

Next, let’s talk about warranties for BTO PCs.

Here is an easy-to-understand explanation of warranties for BTO PCs.

Send the PC to the Manufacturer for Fault Identification and Repair

If a BTO or manufacturer PC fails, just contact the seller and ship the PC.

The manufacturer will identify the faulty part, repair it, and send it back. All that’s left is to set it up and turn it on.

With custom PCs, users had to identify faulty parts and repair them themselves, but with BTO PCs, this is not necessary.

If within the warranty period, the manufacturer usually diagnoses and repairs failures for free.

If the warranty has expired, diagnosis and repair are available for a fee.

Depending on the manufacturer, diagnosis may cost a few thousand yen.

Then, the manufacturer provides a repair estimate, and the user decides whether to proceed.

If the repair is too expensive and declined, the PC is returned as is; if accepted, it is repaired.

I once had a Japanese desktop PC that failed after the warranty expired, so I paid for repairs.

The warranty was 3 years, and the HDD failed about 3.5 years in.

It was a standard PC costing just over 100,000 yen, but HDD repair cost about 55,000 yen, which was very expensive.

PC Cannot Be Used for 1–2 Weeks During Repair

When sending a BTO PC for repair, it usually takes several days to 1–2 weeks, during which the PC cannot be used.

Shipping, identifying the issue, and actual repair all take time, and there may be a queue for repairs, so this period is unavoidable.

With custom PCs, contacting support and replacing parts takes time, but installation and repair can be done the same day, so downtime is shorter.

Some warranty services offer loaner PCs or fast repairs, but not all BTO manufacturers provide these services.

Therefore, check the warranty details before purchase and understand how long you might be without a PC if something happens.

Since repairs can take time, it’s important to prepare a backup PC or regularly back up data, not just rely on the warranty.

Standard Warranty is 1–3 Years, Extended Warranty is 3–5 Years

BTO and manufacturer PCs usually come with a standard warranty of 1–3 years.

This standard warranty is included in the purchase price.

If you want a longer warranty, you can purchase an extended warranty.

Depending on the manufacturer and the original warranty, the warranty can often be extended to 3–5 years.

For more details about BTO PC warranties, see my blog Pasolog:

≫ Related article: Thorough Comparison of PC Warranty Contents and Periods! [For Those Who Value Warranty]

≫ Related article: Is a PC Warranty or Extended Warranty Necessary? How Many Years Should It Be?

Summary: Custom PCs Require Some Effort, But Are Great for Those Who Enjoy the Challenge!

This article explained the differences in warranty systems between custom PCs and BTO/manufacturer PCs.

Here are the key points again:

The biggest difference is that BTO/manufacturer PCs have a single warranty for the whole computer, while custom PCs have separate warranties for each part.

This also changes the repair process: with BTO/manufacturer PCs, just send the PC to the manufacturer and they handle everything.

With custom PCs, users must identify and repair faulty parts themselves.

Personally, I enjoy choosing and assembling parts for custom PCs, and after experiencing a repair bill of 55,000 yen, I realized that having the knowledge and skills to repair my own PC after the warranty expires is a big advantage.

Warranty periods and coverage are important, but consider the effort involved when deciding between a custom PC and a BTO or manufacturer PC.

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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.