Custom PC stores compared
Last checked
All five stores will build a PC from parts you choose, test it and send it out with Windows installed. The parts cost about the same across them, so the differences are in the fees, the wait and the warranty. Each figure links to the store's own page and is re-read in our daily price check.
| Item | Umart | Scorptec | PC Case Gear | PLE | Mwave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly fee | $198.50 (opens in a new tab) Customise your PC & have Umart build it! | $219 (opens in a new tab) Custom System Parts Assembly 7 to 11 Parts | $199 (opens in a new tab) PCCG Full Custom System Assembly Service, 2 Year Warranty | $257 (opens in a new tab) PLE custom PC builder base price | $199 (opens in a new tab) Mwave Custom PC Assembly and Testing Service |
| Windows 11 Home | $189 (opens in a new tab) Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64bit Retail USB (HAJ-00090) | $179 (opens in a new tab) Microsoft Windows 11 Home, 64 Bit, OEI DVD (KW9-00632) | $199 (opens in a new tab) Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM DVD | $199 (opens in a new tab) Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM 64-bit DVD (KW9-00632) | $179.94 (opens in a new tab) Microsoft Windows 11 Home 64-bit OEM DVD |
| Windows install fee | None The build fee includes installing the operating system and drivers. | $29 Windows is installed for a separate $29 Custom System Software Installation fee. | None No separate Windows install fee is listed. | None No install fee; the builder shows Windows 11 as installed. | None No extra fee: Windows is set up when it is bought on the same order as assembly. |
| Fee + Windows on top of parts | $387.50 | $427 | $398 | $456 | $378.94 |
| Build time | Ready in 5–7 business days. | Normal build time 7–10 business days, after the deposit has cleared and parts are in stock. | Allow a week from compatibility confirmation for assembly, testing and despatch. | Standard build 5–7 working days once all stock is in (the product description says 7–10 working days). | Usually 7–14 business days after stock is allocated to the order. |
| Warranty | 2-year labour guarantee; parts keep their manufacturer warranty. | Standard 2-year return-to-base warranty, at no extra cost in the cart. | 2-year return-to-base warranty on labour; parts keep their manufacturer warranty. | 24-month return-to-base warranty. | 2-year return-to-base warranty. |
| What the fee includes | Installation of all parts, the operating system and drivers, plus benchmarking and a stress test. | Assembly of 7 to 11 parts. Staff check the parts for compatibility and contact you to confirm them before building. | A compatibility check, installation of your chosen parts with the latest drivers, a testing regime, and foam packaging for transit. | Assembly and testing, plus a PLE mousepad and a 4-way surge board. | A compatibility check, assembly, stress testing and benchmarking. If Windows is on the same order, the PC is set up with Windows and drivers. |
Reading the table
Counting the assembly fee, Windows 11 Home and any separate install fee, Mwave adds the least on top of the parts ($378.94) and PLE the most ($456). A lower fee doesn't always mean a cheaper PC, because part prices differ between stores; each budget page prices the whole build at every store.
Return-to-base means you send the PC back to the store for repairs under warranty. The glossary explains this and the other terms. For the fees in more detail, and how they compare with buying a prebuilt or building it yourself, see PC assembly fees in Australia.