NZXT Vs. iBUYPOWER: Which Is The Better Prebuilt Gaming PC?

When it comes to buying a prebuilt gaming PC, two of the biggest names are NZXT and iBUYPOWER. Both companies have a reputation for delivering powerful, high-quality systems at reasonable prices.

But which one is better for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll analyze the pros and cons of NZXT and iBUYPOWER to help you decide which brand is right for you.

A Brief Comparison Table

Features	NZXT	iBUYPOWER
Price	Mid-range to premium	Budget to mid-range
Performance	High-end components for max power	Great performance for the cost
Case Design	Clean, minimalist aesthetic	Diverse gamer-centric styles
Build Quality	Very high and consistent	Generally high but varies
Cable Management	Extremely clean routing	Clean overall
Lighting Effects	Subtle integrated RGB	Highly customizable RGB
Cooling Options	Air and AIO liquid cooling	Air and custom liquid cooling
Software	Proprietary BLD Kit	Proprietary Element 31
Warranty	1 year standard	1 year standard
Customer Support	Email and online ticketing	Phone, email, online ticketing
Upgradability	More proprietary limitations	Standard components, highly upgradeable
Starting Price	Around $899	Under $800

Overview Of NZXT

Founded in 2004, NZXT is an American computer hardware manufacturer headquartered in California. While they produce various PC components and accessories, NZXT has become highly regarded for their prebuilt gaming PCs and custom PC building services. Their line of prebuilt desktops and laptops are marketed under the BLD name.

Some key things to know about NZXT’s prebuilt systems:

• Customizable configurations – BLD gaming desktops and laptops allow you to select customized specifications to suit your performance needs and budget. You can configure CPU, GPU, RAM, storage and other components.
• High-end components – NZXT gaming PCs utilize premium quality components from leading brands like Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, and more. The systems are designed for power and performance.
• Streamlined building – By ordering a pre-configured system, NZXT handles component selection and system building for you. This saves you time compared to building it yourself.
• Clean, minimalist aesthetic – Most NZXT BLD PCs feature a clean, minimalist white case design accentuated by RGB lighting effects. It gives off a sleek, stylish vibe.

Overview Of iBUYPOWER

Founded in 1999, iBUYPOWER is one of the pioneering companies in assembling and selling gaming PCs. Based in California, they offer a wide selection of prebuilt desktops, laptops and workstations tailored specifically for gamers and power users.

Here are some notable facts about iBUYPOWER systems:

• Affordable pre-configured models – In addition to fully-customizable systems, iBUYPOWER offers many pre-configured models at different budget levels. This makes it easy to find one that matches your needs and price range.
• Diverse case designs – iBUYPOWER systems come in a variety of case colors and designs to allow more personalization compared to NZXT’s uniform aesthetic. You can select from flashier, gamer-centric styles.
• Liquid cooling options – For peak cooling performance, iBUYPOWER gaming desktops can be customized with advanced liquid cooling for your CPU and GPU. This allows for better overclocking.
• VR-ready configurations – Many high-end iBUYPOWER gaming PCs come optimized and ready for smooth virtual reality gameplay right out of the box.

Now that you know the basics about each brand, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of their key strengths and weaknesses.

Performance And Power

When it comes to sheer gaming performance and power, both NZXT and iBUYPOWER are excellent choices. Custom configurations from both companies allow you to select high-end components like processors, graphics cards, memory and storage. You really can’t go wrong performance-wise with either brand when you opt for their premium specs.

However, there are some differences to note:

• Overclocking – iBUYPOWER systems tend to offer more overclocking flexibility for pushing performance further, especially with their liquid cooling options. NZXT still enables decent overclocking, but iBUYPOWER caters more for PC enthusiasts who want to maximize speeds.
• Optimized configs – Out of the box, iBUYPOWER’s pre-configured models tend to offer slightly better performance optimization at each price point compared to NZXT’s base configurations. However, you can achieve parity by customizing an NZXT build.
• Upgradability – Both brands construct systems with future upgrades in mind. However, iBUYPOWER gaming PCs tend to use a more standardized selection of components that are easy to swap out later on. NZXT uses some propriety parts that may limit your upgrade paths.

Also Read: Comparison Between Lyte And NZXT.

Design And Build Quality

Aesthetics and build quality are other key factors that differentiate these two brands:

• Case designs – As mentioned earlier, NZXT systems feature a clean, minimalist case design that looks sleek in any gaming setup. iBUYPOWER cases are a bit more aggressive and “gamer”-focused by default. This comes down to personal preference.
• Build quality – Both companies deliver excellent craftsmanship and use high-grade materials like steel frames and tempered glass panels. iBUYPOWER offers a wider variety of case designs, which can vary slightly in quality, while NZXT’s is more consistent.
• Cable management – Attention to interior cable management is stellar across both brands, making upgrades and maintenance easy. NZXT cases might have slightly cleaner cable routing overall.
• Lighting – For ambient lighting effects, NZXT provides unified RGB accents. iBUYPOWER allows you to configure different colored case fans and strips for more customization.
• Size & form factors – NZXT focuses more on standard mid and full towers designs that take up ample desk space. iBUYPOWER also offers small and mini-ITX compact system for more placement flexibility.

Customer Service And Support

Having responsive customer service support is important when investing in a high-end gaming PC. Here is how NZXT and iBUYPOWER compare:

• Warranties – Both companies provide a standard 1 year warranty on systems. Extended warranties up to 3 years are available as upgrades.
• Tech support – iBUYPOWER offers phone, email, and online ticketing for tech support. NZXT relies primarily on email and online ticketing support.
• RMA process – The return and replacement processes are fairly straightforward for both brands, though some users report quicker turnarounds with NZXT.
• Community forums – NZXT has an edge here with very active community forums where you can get peer support and advice for issues. iBUYPOWER’s forums are less populated.
• DIY-friendly service – While designed for beginners, NZXT gaming PCs also appeal to advanced users. iBUYPOWER caters a bit more exclusivity to PC gaming newbies.

Also watch this video about NZXT!

Gaming-Centric Software

Prebuilt systems come with pre-installed software to enhance the gaming experience:

• NZXT BLD Kit – NZXT gaming PCs feature the company’s BLD Kit software for monitoring system performance and one-click overclocking.
• iBUYPOWER Element 31 – Equivalent one-touch performance boosting and custom lighting effects are provided through iBUYPOWER’s Element 31 software.
• Additional software – Both brands offer added software like proprietary RGB lighting control, gaming device drivers, and integrated streaming apps.

Pricing And Value

Lastly, let’s talk dollars and cents. How do NZXT and iBUYPOWER compare cost-wise?

• Hardware value – When you compare the hardware specs alone, iBUYPOWER systems tend to edge out NZXT in overall value at most price points. You get slightly better hardware for the money.
• Starting prices – Entry-level pre-configured iBUYPOWER models start under $800, giving you more budget options compared to NZXT’s starting pre-builds at around $899.
• DIY building cost – If choosing premium components yourself, the final cost difference between an NZXT Vs. iBUYPOWER system is minimal. You’ll spend about the same for the same parts.
• Sales and coupons – iBUYPOWER tends to offer more discounts and coupon codes, especially during holidays. This allows more opportunities to save.

Also Read: Comparison Between HP OMEN and Lenovo Legion Desktop

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Comparison Between Xidax And Digital Storm.

The Verdict

In the end, which brand reigns supreme – NZXT or iBUYPOWER? The truth is, there is no single right answer that applies to every gamer and budget.

For those who prioritize design, consistent premium quality, and service, NZXT gets the edge. Gamers who want max performance for money spent may be better off with iBUYPOWER.

By weighing the pros and cons outlined in this guide, you can decide which brand’s strengths line up with the type of gaming PC that matters most to you. Either way, you really can’t go wrong in terms of getting a powerful, reliable prebuilt system that will handle the latest games with ease.