The Worst Prebuilt PC Mistakes We've Seen (So Far)

We've reviewed a lot of pre-built gaming PCs lately, and although we've found 2 that did well in our challenging test suite, most of them make common mistakes. This video shows that.

Between single-channel RAM configurations, bloatware (preinstalled software), and proprietary parts, we'd have enough to condemn any prebuilt gaming PC -- but there's more still that the worst of the worst manage to screw-up. The ABS Challenger and Skytech systems we tested have both passed our grueling test suite, but with the scattered remains of their adversaries on our lab floor, it's time to recap exactly what it is that the others are doing wrong.


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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - This Shouldn't Be Hard
03:08 - Proprietary Parts
05:52 - Bloatware
08:52 - RAM
11:40 - Screws
12:54 - Coolers
15:10 - Power Supplies
17:06 - Conclusion

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Host, Test Lead: Steve Burke
Testing: Patrick Lathan
Video: Andrew Coleman
Video: Keegan Gallick

[GamersNexus]

There were too many bad prebuilt mistakes to list in one video, so please add your own experiences below!

[arch]

the competition for the disappointment pc is really strong this year

[PoEDeathIsHere]

"These companies ensure that their shit is perpetually at the top of the landfill." best sentence of 2021

[heatherswanson]

“Mcafee is speeding up your app” is the best joke a software makes, I love their sense of humor!

[facksmasheen]

I worked in a 3d printer factory, and one of the steps the QC guy took for every printer was to literally pick it up and shake/rotate it around and make sure there were no loose screws... lol.

[BrianCroweAcolyte]

A prebuilt classic that's always happened to me and my family: Specifically order a configuration with two sticks of RAM, open the PC up at some point and see both sticks in the first two or last two RAM slots.

[DrearierSpider]

I really want to commend Steve and the GN crew for adapting their content to the current GPU craze. I know many tech channels have been struggling given that type of content is effectively off limits for much of their audience right now, but I'm really enjoying the focus other components that don't usually get enough testing or attention.

Keep up the good work guys.

[Muscleduck]

I loved it when Steve flipped the motherboard over, throwing the case to the floor, and he didn't even skip a beat.

[Piketom]

The last time I purchased a dell laptop, I had to do a clean install of windows to get rid of the bloatware. Not only did that dramatically improve the system performance but it also added 3 hours to the battery life of the laptop. That is a 20% improvement in battery life just from running a clean install of windows.

[mistyanabrus]

"Form factor defined as f*ck you and the cost to repair is a new computer" lmao I'm dying

[TriccyViccy]

“Since they’re burdening a new NVMe SSD to the point of simulating Seagate’s best efforts”
Holy shit, Steve.
I knew you were savage, but this is another level. That’s absolutely fucking hysterical

[electrospank]

I'll never forget working on a prebuilt where one of the unused molex connectors had pins extending beyond the housing, not a lot, but just enough to arc when resting against bare metal within the case. I'm not against naming the company but honestly I don't remember. I'll never forget how much that has impacted me and I always make sure to keep any unused power connectors safely wrapped and ensure they're situated to keep them reliably away from the case.

[retrosean]

Here's one, and it covers most of the models you reviewed: inherently illogical configurations are possible when putting it together on their web site. The 'almost but not quite as good as a crappy Intel stock cooler' on a Ryzen 7 8 core CPU is an example of something that you shouldn't even be able to order.

[apocalypse]

The fans that do absolutely nothing has to be my favourite part of a pre-build

[DragoSmash]

"they are who knows inches wide, by who cares inches long"
😂
you should make more content like this, Steve

[mattiOTX]

Tbh watching your pre builds helped me pick things to put in my custom build. I wanted a fractal case but microcenter was out of the one I wanted but I found one I really liked. I just wanted to let y'all know how much y'all helped me pick out my parts and how grateful I am.

[biffwellington]

I think I might know why single-channel RAM is so weirdly common. My guess is, a lot of system integrators specialize in higher-end machines, where they put in at least 32GB dual-channel, so they keep a huge supply of 16GB sticks in stock. Then they decide to try offering a cheaper model, and they want to use what they've got on hand, so that "budget" prebuilt gets a single 16GB stick.

[pking]

When I'm forced to fight Gore the conqueror in the Thunderdome my armor will be made of Dell cases.

[scottrader]

6:02 damn, I haven't heard a WinME mention in YEARS, totally forgot about that one

[TestECull]

This sorta thing is why I love these prebuilt reviews. They're almost invariably a train wreck in some way and it's amusing to watch you tear them a new asshole.