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Why I’m Not the Cheapest PC Builder in Singapore (And What to Compare Instead)
My video about why I don’t price match got far more views than my usual posts. People asked the obvious follow-up: “So why aren’t you the cheapest PC builder in Singapore?” Here’s my honest answer, and what to look at besides price when you compare builders.
Why I’m not the cheapest, and why I say so
Big PC shops buy parts in bulk, so they can price very competitively. I’m one builder at Link@AMK in Ang Mo Kio. I can’t beat that on price, and I won’t pretend I can. When someone tells me another shop is cheaper, my answer is: “Ya, can be.” Bigger brands like Aftershock have their own strengths, such as scale and showrooms. If another quote is genuinely better for you, take it.
What I compete on is something a price list doesn’t show.
What a price list doesn’t show
Every shop’s price list shows the same things: CPU, GPU, RAM. That’s not the full story. Here’s what’s included when I build for you:
- Planning. I ask what you play or work on, so you don’t overspend on parts you’ll never use.
- Every part explained. Why this PSU, why this RAM. You know what’s inside your own PC.
- Setup and testing before you collect. Windows, drivers, cable management, and testing for stability, thermals and noise. You plug in and play.
- A direct line. You WhatsApp me, not a bot or a ticket number, and I check in after you collect.
- No upselling. If a cheaper part does the job for your games, I’ll tell you.
5 questions to ask any PC builder before you pay
Whoever you buy from, at Sim Lim or online, ask these. Any good builder can answer all five, me included.
- What exact brand and model is every part? Not just “RTX card”. The full model.
- What PSU brand? A cheap power supply is where corners get cut.
- After I collect, who do I WhatsApp if there’s a problem? A person, or a ticket number? This is the one most people forget.
- Who handles warranty? The builder, or you running around to each distributor?
- Will you explain why you picked each part for my games or work?
Cheapest quote vs best value
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Two quotes with the same GPU can differ in the PSU, motherboard, SSD or case, and those parts decide how quiet the PC is, how long it lasts and whether you can upgrade it later. Compare part by part, and ask what’s not on the price list: testing, setup, after-sales support and who picks up when something goes wrong.
How to compare two quotes fairly
Put both quotes side by side and go line by line. Check that the GPU and CPU are the exact same models, then look at the parts people skip: the PSU brand and rating, the motherboard, the SSD model and the case airflow. Next, ask each builder what happens after you collect. Is the PC tested before handover? Who sets up Windows and drivers? Who do you contact if it won’t boot next month, and how fast do they reply? Once you know the answers, the gap in price usually makes a lot more sense, in either direction.
Why I don’t publish fixed build prices
Part prices in Singapore change too fast for a fixed price list to stay honest. Instead, I quote each build based on what you play or work on and the parts in stock that day. My fixed service fees are simple: S$150 assembly, Lalamove delivery usually about S$20–S$30, and up to S$500 trade-in credit for your old PC. My custom PC price page explains what drives the cost, and the upgrade and trade-in page covers older systems.
Who this suits
If you want the lowest number and you’re comfortable sorting things out yourself, a bigger shop or DIY may suit you better. If you want someone who explains everything, builds fast (within 1 day when parts are in stock) and stays reachable afterwards, have a look at my custom gaming PCs, workstation PCs or PCs for businesses. You can also read more about me.
FAQ
Do you price match?
No. I’d rather be honest about what I offer: planning, explanation, testing and direct after-sales support.
Why don’t you list build prices?
Part prices change too often. I quote each build based on your needs and current stock.
Which fees are fixed?
Assembly is S$150, Lalamove delivery is usually about S$20–S$30, and trade-in credit is up to S$500.
How fast can you build?
Within 1 day if the parts are in stock. More in my FAQ.
Talk to me on WhatsApp
Tell me what you play or work on and your budget. I reply personally, 9am–11pm daily, on WhatsApp +65 8338 8695. I’m at Link@AMK, 3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62, Singapore 569139, and if the parts are in stock, your PC is ready within 1 day.
