You can buy a computer that’s pre-built or customized. Some prefer to buy parts to build their own PC. Building your own PC is exciting since you get to know about the inner workings of hardware components and see how everything is put together. Because you’re aware of how components work, you’ll be able to troubleshoot problems with your computer, as well as upgrade it in the future.
Basic hardware parts that are needed to build a PC include a motherboard, a case, a central processing unit (CPU), and a graphics processing unit (GPU), among others. A printed circuit board, the motherboard is an important part that other computer components will be connected to. On the other hand, the case is the part where all components will fit into after you finish building your PC.
Without a CPU, your computer won’t be able to work because everything that you do on your PC is calculated by the CPU. In contrast, a GPU processes anything that has to do with visuals, bringing these images to the monitor.
If you’re planning to buy computer parts to upgrade your PC or replace malfunctioning ones, you can buy them online. You’ll find various components when you check out helpful resources like social media platforms and selling sites.
Though shopping online is convenient, it comes with its disadvantages. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of buying computer parts online.
- Availability
Pros
When you buy parts in person, you’ll have to visit one or more computer stores and compare their products and prices. Unlike shopping in store, buying computer components online helps you save time and makes the search easier. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, you can visit multiple selling sites and review product information.
In addition, you can easily verify whether the manufacturer has a stock of the hardware you’re looking for by simply checking the product section or making inquiries.
Cons
Even if the hardware you’ve found online is on sale, you can’t really be sure of the quality. To market the products, many sellers would only present the best version of the hardware they have in stock. So, there’s no guarantee that the product delivered to you will be in good condition. The only way to find out whether it works well is to inspect it in person.
- Queries About How The Hardware Works
Pros
If you have questions regarding computer components you want to buy, you can search for articles or videos created by technical experts that share valuable information about the hardware, its functions, how to assemble it, and motherboard compatibility.
You won’t have to deal with a retail employee that only focuses on how good the product is. The computer store may have a technician around, but most of them will only reassure you that the hardware works well.
Cons
The Internet may be an excellent source of knowledge, but not all the information it provides is credible. You might come across unreliable sources that will keep you misinformed and cause you to buy incompatible parts for your PC.
- Guarantees And Refund
Pros
Many manufacturers online provide guarantee and refund terms for their customers, just like how computer stores offer warranties. On their websites, you’ll usually find information about how they’ll take responsibility for any defective item they deliver, with a corresponding turn-around time. You can contact their customer service if you need to request a replacement, repair, or refund.
Cons
Some manufacturers, especially sellers on social media platforms, may claim that they do provide a refund or guarantee, but once you ask for it, they’ll refuse to address your concerns. After all, their priority is to sell, not provide quality parts.
- Payment Methods
Pros
When you buy parts online, you can choose different payment methods, such as Bitcoin, PayPal, and credit or debit cards.
Cons
There are many websites that are fraudulent, so you might end up paying for parts that never get delivered.
- Shopping Experience
Pros
You can avoid the crowds during sale and holiday seasons when you buy online. After ordering the parts on the website and completing the transaction, you just have to wait for the delivery.
Cons
If replacing old parts or repairing your PC is urgent, buying online will be inconvenient. Depending on the seller and product, there’s a delivery period. Delivery could take longer because of certain factors, such as low supplies, high demand, and customs.
Conclusion
Buying computer parts can be challenging if you’re not aware of the technical specifications of computer hardware. You might choose a product that’s incompatible or defective. But you can avoid problems by doing your research and making sure that the websites you visit are credible.