Building your own PC is a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor your system to meet your specific needs and budget. However, choosing where to buy the parts can be confusing. Think of building a PC as assembling a high-performance puzzle; finding the right components at the best prices is essential.This guide aims to simplify your search by highlighting the top online retailers for PC components. We will explore the strengths of each retailer, from the vast selection and competitive pricing offered by Newegg and Amazon to the reliable shipping and in-store support provided by Best Buy.
Additionally, we’ll help you choose the right retailer based on important factors such as price, availability, and customer service.Finally, we’ll introduce you to PC Part Picker, an invaluable tool for planning your build. This tool helps ensure compatibility among parts and allows you to maximize your budget. With this information, you will be well-equipped to navigate the online market for PC components and create your ultimate custom PC.
Let’s break down the top online retailers for PC components.
Top Online Retailers for PC Parts
Building a PC is an exciting endeavor, but finding the right parts at the best prices can be a challenge. Here are some of the most popular and reliable online retailers for all your PC component needs:
1. Newegg
- Wide Selection: Newegg boasts a massive inventory of PC components, peripherals, and electronics.
- Competitive Pricing: They often have some of the lowest prices and regularly offer sales and deals.
- Customer Reviews: Extensive customer reviews help you make informed decisions.
- Newegg Shuffle: Offers a chance to purchase high-demand components like GPUs at MSRP.
2. Amazon
- Convenience: Easy checkout, fast shipping with Prime, and excellent customer service.
- Competitive Pricing: Amazon often matches or beats competitor prices.
- Wide Variety: Beyond PC parts, you can find everything else you need for your setup.
- User Reviews: A vast number of customer reviews provide valuable insights.
3. Best Buy
- Reliable Shipping: Offers fast and reliable shipping options, including in-store pickup.
- Competitive Pricing: Price matches competitors and offers frequent sales.
- Physical Stores: If you need help or prefer to see items in person, you can visit a local store.
- Geek Squad Support: Provides tech support and installation services if needed.
4. Micro Center
- In-Store Focus: While they have an online presence, Micro Center excels with its physical stores.
- Excellent Prices: Known for having the best in-store prices, especially during sales.
- Knowledgeable Staff: In-store staff can offer expert advice and assistance.
- Open Box Deals: Offers great deals on returned or open-box items.
5. B&H Photo Video
- Customer Service: Renowned for its exceptional customer service.
- Competitive Pricing: Offers competitive prices and bundles.
- Specialty Focus: While they have a wide selection, they specialize in photography and videography equipment, making them a good choice for content creators.
Choosing the Right Retailer
Consider these factors when deciding where to buy your PC parts:
- Price: Compare prices across different retailers to find the best deals.
- Availability: Check if the components you need are in stock and ready to ship.
- Shipping: Factor in shipping costs and delivery times.
- Customer Service: Look for retailers with good customer support in case you encounter issues.
- Return Policy: Make sure the retailer has a reasonable return policy in case you need to return or exchange items.
PC Part Picker: Your Build Planning Ally
Building a PC involves more than just choosing parts from your favorite retailer. You need to ensure compatibility and find the best value for your budget. That’s where PC Part Picker comes in.
This website offers:
- Compatibility Checking: Helps you select parts that work together seamlessly.
- Price Comparison: Finds the best prices for your chosen components across multiple retailers.
- Build Lists: Provides inspiration and guidance with user-created build lists for various budgets and purposes.
- Forums: Connect with other PC builders for advice and support.
By using PC Part Picker in conjunction with online retailers, you can streamline your build process, avoid compatibility issues, and get the most out of your PC building budget.
Where to Find Great Deals on Computer Components
The Most Popular Retailers
Here are some of the biggest and most popular names in the PC parts business:
| Retailer | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | Great selection, frequent sales and combo deals | Shipping speeds can sometimes be inconsistent |
| Amazon | Fast shipping for Prime members, wide variety of products | Prices can fluctuate, be sure to price compare |
| Micro Center | Excellent in-store selection, knowledgeable staff | Limited to locations with a physical store |
| B&H Photo Video | Reliable retailer, often has competitive prices | Selection can be slightly more limited than specialists |
Finding the Best Prices
Don’t just settle for the first store you see! Here are some tips to score the best deals on your PC components:
- Price comparison tools: Websites like PCPartPicker let you compare prices across multiple retailers at once.
- Deal alerts: Set up alerts on websites or use browser extensions to get notified when prices drop on the parts you want.
- Timing your purchase: Keep an eye on seasonal sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday for big discounts.
Other Factors to Consider
Price isn’t everything! Here are other important factors when choosing where to shop:
- Return policy: Make sure the retailer has a good return policy in case you need to exchange or return a part.
- Shipping costs: Factor in shipping costs when comparing prices, as these can add up.
- Customer support: If you’re a new PC builder, consider a retailer with good customer support in case you run into questions.
Top 10 List Of Places to Buy PC Parts Online
| Rank | Retailer | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newegg | Vast selection, competitive prices, frequent sales | Huge inventory, user-friendly platform, excellent customer service | Shipping costs can add up, limited stock on some items |
| 2 | Amazon | Fast shipping, Prime membership benefits, wide range of payment options | Vast selection, convenient returns, user-friendly platform | Not always the cheapest, counterfeit risk with third-party sellers |
| 3 | Microcenter | In-store deals and bundles, expert advice | Fantastic in-store discounts, excellent customer service | Limited online selection, not widely available |
| 4 | B&H Photo Video | Competitive prices, excellent customer service, broad product range | Frequent sales, good selection of popular components | Less user-friendly website, limited niche component selection |
| 5 | Best Buy | Decent selection, bundled deals, physical stores for hands-on experience | Convenient stores, good customer service, frequent promotions | Prices might not be as competitive, selection not as vast |
| 6 | Adorama | Frequent sales, competitive prices, excellent customer service | Bundle deals, good selection of popular components | Less user-friendly website, selection not as vast as dedicated retailers |
| 7 | GameStop | Budget-friendly options, convenient physical stores, frequent sales | Competitive prices, decent selection of popular components | Selection not as vast, website can be less user-friendly |
| 8 | NZXT BLD | Premium pre-built PCs, customization options, excellent customer service | High-quality components, user-friendly configuration tool | Higher prices than DIY builds, limited customization options |
| 9 | Skytech Gaming | Budget-friendly pre-built PCs, good value for money | Competitive pricing, decent selection of pre-built options | Limited customization options, less control over components |
| 10 | CyberPowerPC | Good value pre-built PCs, diverse configuration options | Frequent sales, wide range of pre-built models, custom configuration tool | Prices might not be as competitive as some rivals, website navigation can be complex |
Bonus:
- PC Part Picker: Not a retailer, but a fantastic tool for building your PC, comparing prices, and ensuring compatibility.
Key Takeaways
- Consider your budget, needs, and preferences when choosing a retailer.
- Compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.
- Look for deals and promotions, especially around holiday seasons & Black Friday
- Check return policies and warranty options before buying.
Overview Of The Best Websites To Buy PC Parts
Finding the best online retailers for your PC parts hunt can be overwhelming. Worry not, tech enthusiast! This list curates the top 10 online destinations to score the best deals and quality components for your dream build:
1. Newegg:
A titan in the PC parts scene, Newegg boasts a vast inventory, competitive pricing, and frequent sales. From CPUs and GPUs to motherboards and peripherals, you’ll find everything you need at Newegg. They also offer excellent customer service and a user-friendly platform.
Pros:
- Huge selection of parts
- Competitive prices and frequent sales
- Excellent customer service
- User-friendly platform
Cons:
- Shipping costs can add up
- Some limited-edition items might be out of stock
2. Amazon:
The e-commerce giant, Amazon, needs no introduction. Its PC parts selection is immense, with competitive prices and fast shipping options thanks to Prime membership. However, deals might not be as consistent as dedicated PC parts retailers.
Pros:
- Vast selection of parts
- Competitive prices with Prime membership
- Fast shipping and easy returns
- Wide range of payment options
Cons:
- Not always the cheapest option
- Deals might not be as good as dedicated PC parts retailers
- Counterfeit risk with third-party sellers
3. Microcenter:
With a smaller online presence but a strong brick-and-mortar network, Microcenter shines with in-store deals and bundles. If you have one nearby, visiting can be a treasure trove of discounts and expert advice. However, online selection might be smaller compared to other retailers.
Pros:
- Fantastic in-store deals and bundles
- Great customer service and technical expertise
- Competitive online prices
Cons:
- Limited online selection compared to some retailers
- Not as widely available as online-only stores
4. B&H Photo Video:
B&H offers a surprisingly robust selection of PC parts alongside their photography and videography equipment. They often have competitive prices and excellent customer service, but their website can be slightly less user-friendly than some.
Pros:
- Competitive prices and frequent sales
- Excellent customer service
- Wide range of products beyond PC parts
Cons:
- Website can be less user-friendly than some competitors
- Limited selection of some niche components
5. Best Buy:
Best Buy caters to a broader audience but still offers a decent selection of PC parts, often with bundled deals and promotions. Their physical stores also present an option for hands-on experience and immediate purchase.
Pros:
- Decent selection of parts with good bundle deals
- Convenient physical stores for browsing and purchase
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Prices might not be as competitive as dedicated PC parts retailers
- Selection not as vast as some competitors
6. Adorama:
Another photography and videography giant, Adorama surprisingly boasts a competitive PC parts section. They offer frequent sales and bundle deals, but their selection might not be as extensive as dedicated retailers.
Pros:
- Frequent sales and competitive prices
- Good selection of popular components
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- Selection not as vast as dedicated PC parts retailers
- Website not as user-friendly as some competitors
7. GameStop:
While primarily known for gaming consoles, GameStop surprisingly offers a decent selection of PC parts, often at competitive prices. They also have frequent sales and promotions, making them a worthwhile option for budget-conscious builders.
Pros:
- Competitive prices and frequent sales
- Decent selection of popular components
- Convenient physical stores for browsing and purchase
Cons:
- Selection not as vast as dedicated PC parts retailers
- Website can be less user-friendly than some competitors
8. NZXT BLD:
For those who prefer pre-built PCs, NZXT BLD offers a premium experience. They use high-quality components, offer excellent customization options, and provide outstanding customer service. However, their prices might be higher than DIY builds.
Pros:
- High-quality pre-built PCs with customization options
- Excellent customer service and after-sales support
- User-friendly website and configuration tool
Cons:
- Prices might be higher than DIY builds
- Limited customization options compared to building your own PC
User Perspectives From The Web
A Reddit thread on r/buildapc offers valuable insights into where enthusiasts prefer to shop for PC parts. Popular mentions include:
- PCPartPicker: Highly recommended for its price comparison feature.
- Amazon: Known for fast shipping and hassle-free returns, especially in the USA.
- NewEgg: Offers a wide range of components and has a good shipping policy.
- Microcenter: Noted for great deals on CPUs and in-store experiences.
Top Online Retailers for PC Parts
Based on content from top Google search results, here are some of the best online retailers:
- NewEgg (NewEgg.com): A favorite among tech enthusiasts for its vast selection and Shell Shocker deals.
- Micro Center (MicroCenter.com): Known for competitive prices on CPUs and a wide range of components.
- Amazon and eBay: Great for finding deals, especially for Prime members or those looking for used parts.
FAQs
What are the best websites for buying PC parts?
NewEgg, Micro Center, Amazon, and eBay are highly recommended.
Is it better to buy new or used PC parts?
New parts offer warranties and return policies, but used parts can be cost-effective for budget builds.
How do I ensure compatibility when buying PC parts?
Use tools like PC Part Picker and consult forums like Reddit for advice.
Can I find good PC part deals outside the US?
Yes, many online retailers offer international shipping, but always check shipping costs and policies.
