I CAN build a PC from scratch, but why would I want to? Too much work, no real reward. I’ll do it at work, where I’m paid to keep my test machines running. But if I’m not getting paid to, I’m paying somebody else to. My wife’s computer went wonky last month, I had the choice between sacrificing the day Googling on my machine to try stuff on hers, or unplug it and take it to my favorite shop. 3 days and $60 it was fixed and I got to enjoy my weekend. One of the nice parts about adulthood is running out of things to prove.
It is an amazing stress reliever.
>>I CAN build a PC from scratch, but why would I want to? Too much work, no real reward.<<
Agreed — the issue is capability, not ROI.
A typical store bought computer has the absolute cheapest parts that can be sourced. With an eye on quality hardware a home made machine is simply better, and that is a reward. After you've done it a few times it's not a lot of work either.