Timing is everything, especially when it comes to building a computer. The cost of components can fluctuate wildly throughout the year depending on new product releases, global supply chains, promotions, and holiday sales.
Knowing when to build your PC can save you hundreds of dollars and also help you get newer, more powerful technology for the same budget.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best times of the year to build a computer in 2025, what periods you should avoid, and tips for getting the most value for your money.
Why Timing Matters in PC Building
Building a PC is a serious investment, and like any investment, timing can make or break the deal. Prices for CPUs, GPUs, RAM, SSDs, and even peripherals like monitors and keyboards can vary by as much as 20% to 40% depending on when you buy.
Smart timing helps you:
- Maximize your budget.
- Avoid overpaying for outdated tech.
- Take advantage of promotions and bundled deals.
- Ensure availability during component shortages.
Understanding market trends is as important as knowing what parts to choose.
The Best Times of the Year to Build a PC
While it’s technically possible to build a computer any time, some seasons are undeniably better than others.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Late November)
By far the most famous and important shopping days for PC builders worldwide. These sales often feature huge discounts on almost every component you can think of:
- Graphics cards see price cuts.
- CPUs and motherboard combos are discounted.
- RAM and SSDs often have the lowest prices of the year.
- Power supplies, cases, and cooling accessories are heavily promoted.
Pro tip: Some deals actually start before Black Friday during the so-called “Black November” pre-sales.
Amazon Prime Day (Usually July)
Amazon Prime Day started as a celebration of Amazon’s founding but has become a major shopping event across tech industries.
Good deals you can expect:
- Storage devices like SSDs and external hard drives.
- RAM upgrades.
- Monitors and peripherals.
- PC gaming accessories.
However, deep discounts on GPUs and CPUs are rarer here compared to Black Friday.
Back-to-School Season (August to Early September)
Primarily focused on laptops and tablets, but desktop components also often go on sale to attract students setting up home office spaces.
Look for:
- Budget CPUs and motherboards.
- Entry-level GPUs.
- Monitors and keyboards.
While not as dramatic as other sales, it’s a good period for budget-conscious builders.
New Hardware Launches (Varies)
Whenever new GPU or CPU generations launch, prices on previous generations usually drop.
Examples:
- When Nvidia launches new GeForce RTX cards, previous-gen RTX cards get discounted.
- New Intel CPU releases push down the cost of prior generation Core i5/i7/i9 models.
If you don’t need the absolute latest tech, waiting for a new launch can get you an excellent deal on slightly older but still powerful parts.
Worst Times to Build a PC
Sometimes, it’s better to wait than to buy impulsively.
Early January
After the holiday rush, inventory can be low, and prices often rebound higher than normal as retailers reset. Deals are scarce, and popular items might be out of stock.
Pre-Launch Rumor Season
In the months leading up to major tech launches (e.g., Nvidia 5000 series rumors), anticipation can inflate prices artificially as people hold off buying. Meanwhile, early-adopter premiums on unreleased products make it a risky time to build.
Supply Chain Crises
Events like chip shortages or major global disruptions can send prices soaring unpredictably. During these periods, patience is key.
Should You Wait or Build Now?
This is one of the hardest questions to answer, and it depends on several factors:
- How urgent is your need for a new PC?
- Are major product launches coming soon (next 1–2 months)?
- Are prices currently inflated due to supply issues?
General rule: If you’re building a work-critical machine and need it now, don’t wait months chasing a hypothetical price drop. But if you can wait 4–8 weeks for a big sale event, it’s usually worth it.
Signs It’s the Right Time for You to Build
Even outside of sales events, there are signs that the time is right:
- Your current system is holding back your productivity or gaming experience.
- You find a bundle deal that includes key parts you need.
- You find multiple parts at or below historic low prices.
- You’re ready to invest in a system you can keep upgrading.
Life doesn’t always align perfectly with sale seasons, and sometimes you just have to make a practical decision.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals When Building Your PC
Use price tracking websites
- Sites like PCPartPicker, CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), and Honey browser extension can alert you to price drops.
Buy parts strategically
- It’s often smarter to buy components separately across different retailers rather than one-stop shopping.
Watch for refurbished or open-box deals
- Retailers like Newegg, Micro Center, and Best Buy often sell returns at heavy discounts with warranties.
Set a realistic price target
- Before shopping, set what you consider an “acceptable” price for each part so you don’t overspend emotionally when you see flashy marketing.
Join builder communities
- Reddit communities like r/buildapcsales can alert you to flash deals and hidden discounts you wouldn’t find on your own.
How Seasonal Trends Affect Different Parts
CPUs
- Discounts often align with new generation releases. Otherwise, prices are fairly stable most of the year.
GPUs
- Highly volatile. Best deals during Black Friday/Cyber Monday or immediately after a new GPU generation release.
RAM
- Prices fluctuate frequently based on global chip production but often dip during major sale events.
Storage
- SSDs and HDDs consistently see price cuts during every major sales event.
Motherboards
- Prices drop significantly during CPU launches to help push platform upgrades.
Monitors
- Often discounted during Amazon Prime Day and back-to-school season more than Black Friday.
FAQs About the Best Time to Build a PC
Is it cheaper to build a PC during Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Yes, especially for GPUs, storage, RAM, and cases. These two events typically offer the steepest discounts of the year.
How often should I check prices? During sales season, check daily. Outside of sales, weekly monitoring is sufficient.
What’s better: buying a bundle or individual parts? Bundles can save money if you need everything included. However, always compare the bundle price to separate purchases to ensure it’s truly a deal.
Can I reserve parts in advance for Black Friday? Some retailers offer early Black Friday access to subscribers or loyalty members. It’s worth signing up for newsletters.
If new hardware is coming, should I wait? If it’s less than two months away and directly affects the part you want (new CPUs or GPUs), it may be worth waiting. Otherwise, buy what you need now.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Time to Build Your PC
Building a PC is as much about patience and timing as it is about technical knowledge. Knowing when to buy can save you hundreds of dollars, letting you build a more powerful and satisfying machine without straining your budget. Whether you’re targeting Black Friday, Prime Day, or riding the wave of a new hardware launch, a well-timed build is a smart build.
Plan your timeline wisely, stay flexible, and always keep an eye out for the next big opportunity. The right deal is often just around the corner.
