Gaming PCs have come a long way in recent years. With components like graphics cards and processors advancing rapidly, desktops built specifically for gaming are more powerful and capable than ever.
Two of the biggest names in pre-built gaming PCs are Skytech and iBUYPOWER. But which one offers better value for gamers? This comprehensive guide examines the key strengths and weaknesses of both brands.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Skytech | iBUYPOWER |
| Pricing | Lower upfront costs | Higher pricing |
| Performance | Top notch for gaming | Top notch for gaming |
| Build Quality | Very good | Excellent |
| Cases | Basic 3rd party cases | Custom designed models |
| Customer Support | Good remote support | Very good with in-house repair |
| Customization | Wide range of options | Very flexible options |
| Overall Value | Excellent value for money | More expensive but more features |
Overview of Skytech and iBUYPOWER
Founded in 2017, Skytech Gaming is a relatively new player in the pre-built PC market. Located in California, the company focuses solely on assembling high quality, affordable gaming desktops.
Skytech uses off-the-shelf components from leading brands like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Samsung, and Western Digital.
iBUYPOWER has been around much longer, since 1999. Also based in California, iBUYPOWER offers a wider range of desktops, laptops, and workstations, not just gaming PCs.
In addition to using branded internal components, iBUYPOWER also designs and manufactures its own line of Element cases to house the systems.
Both Skytech and iBUYPOWER back their desktops with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. Tech support and customer service are available by phone, email, and online ticketing.
Also Read: Comparison Between Skytech And NZXT Gaming PCs
Comparison Between Skytech and iBUYPOWER
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming speeds and graphics, Skytech and iBUYPOWER desktops are evenly matched. They can be configured with the latest CPUs from AMD or Intel, plus high end GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD. Memory capacities up to 128GB DDR4 RAM are available.
For storage, choices range from SATA SSDs to ultra fast PCIe NVMe M.2 solid state drives. Most systems include both an SSD for the operating system and applications, and a traditional hard drive for data storage.
With the ability to equip their gaming computers with cutting edge components from industry leaders, both Skytech and iBUYPOWER can provide the power needed to play modern titles at maximum settings in 1440p or 4K.
Performance ultimately comes down to the specific components selected when customizing a PC. Finished systems are also overclockable for even more speed.
Design and Build Quality
This is one area where iBUYPOWER pulls ahead slightly. By engineering its own Element cases in various configurations, iBUYPOWER can offer improved cooling, power supply mounting, cable management, and part compatibility.
For example, the Element CL Pro has a spacious interior layout that leaves room for upgrades and makes swapping parts easy. There are also removable dust filters on the intakes.
That’s not to say Skytech desktops are poorly designed. They use quality third party cases from reputable brands like Deepcool, Cooler Master, and Thermaltake.
But the focus is more on function over form. The cases themselves tend to be basic and understated, without many of the creature comforts and customizations iBUYPOWER brings.
Build quality for both brands is excellent. Components are assembled neatly and securely by experienced technicians. As industry veterans, Skytech and iBUYPOWER have refined their production and testing processes over many years. Either brand will provide a solid, reliable gaming machine.
Price and Value
When it comes to price tags, Skytech gaming desktops are notably cheaper than comparable systems from iBUYPOWER. Even maxed out with the best components, a top of the line Skytech PC will cost several hundred dollars less than a similarly equipped iBUYPOWER.
Of course, prices fluctuate frequently based on component costs and availability. But Skytech generally has a price advantage.
That gives Skytech an edge in overall value. You can often get the same performance from a Skytech system for less money upfront. iBUYPOWER compensates with extra features like custom cases and liquid cooling radiators.
But most of the core components are interchangeable between brands. If your priority is getting strong gaming performance for the lowest cost, Skytech has an advantage in value.
Also Read: The Ultimate Prebuilt Gaming PC Showdown: Xidax Vs. Digital Storm.
Customer Service and Tech Support
An often overlooked aspect of buying a pre-built PC is the included customer service and tech support. Hardware issues or OS problems can happen, even with a brand new computer. You want to know the manufacturer stands behind their products.
For customer service, Skytech and iBUYPOWER are on fairly even ground. Both offer lifetime US based tech support via phone, email, remote access, and online ticketing. Standard phone support hours are about 12 hours on weekdays for each company.
iBUYPOWER does have an advantage for more serious issues–they provide a dedicated technical support team and a system repair facility at their headquarters. Skytech relies primarily on remote troubleshooting or individual part replacement.
Based on online reviews, Skytech and iBUYPOWER both receive praise for helpful, knowledgeable support staff. But iBUYPOWER’s in-house repair capabilities give them a small edge for difficult to diagnose problems. Either brand will handle basic issues competently.
Customization and Configurability
A major benefit of buying a pre-built gaming PC from Skytech or iBUYPOWER is the wide range of customization options. Both brands allow customers to select the exact components like CPU, GPU, RAM, storage drives, power supply, and cooling method.
This ensures you get a system tuned precisely for your needs and budget.
For configuring and ordering customized desktops, Skytech and iBUYPOWER again are pretty comparable. Their websites make selecting parts easy with clearly laid out categories and specifications. One advantage of iBUYPOWER is a bit more flexibility in certain areas like RGB case lighting and extra cooling fans.
Skytech streamlines options to keep pricing low. But both vendors allow ample customization for a personalized gaming machine.
Also Read: How to Choose the Best Affordable Gaming Rig: Cyberpower Vs. Skytech?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most gamers, Skytech currently provides better value, since they offer similar gaming performance and quality for lower upfront prices. iBUYPOWER charges more for extras like custom chassis and liquid cooling. But the core components that impact gaming are largely equal between brands.
Yes, both iBUYPOWER and Skytech can be trusted to deliver high quality, reliable gaming PCs. As established players in the pre-built computer industry, they have years of experience and refine their production processes continuously. Thousands of satisfied customers attest to the dependability of both brands.
Skytech competes with other mainstream gaming PC brands like iBUYPOWER, CyberPowerPC, CLX Gaming, and NZXT. Competition is primarily based on price, performance, quality, and customization options for a given budget.
Among gaming PC companies, iBUYPOWER is considered one of the top tier brands, competing closely with other leaders like Alienware and CyberPowerPC. While not the cheapest option, iBUYPOWER systems are known for excellent performance, quality, and configurability.
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Final Recommendation
Based on this detailed comparison, for most gamers, Skytech provides the better overall value. The combination of cheaper upfront pricing, top notch performance, and decent case options is hard to beat.
iBUYPOWER justifies its higher costs with extras like custom chassis, liquid cooling, and dedicated tech support teams. But for pure gaming prowess, it’s hard to argue with what Skytech offers.
Also Read: Comparison Between HP OMEN and Lenovo Legion Desktop
Of course, either brand will supply an excellent ready-to-go desktop capable of playing the latest games. For many buyers, deciding between Skytech vs iBUYPOWER will come down to the specific configuration, pricing, and promotions available at the time of purchase.
But generally speaking, if saving money is your main goal, Skytech gaming PCs have the advantage.