CyberPower and iBUYPOWER are two of the most popular providers of prebuilt high-performance gaming PCs. With over 20 years of experience each, they both offer a wide range of customizable machines packed with the latest hardware. But which company builds the better gaming rig? In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll analyze all aspects of these PC manufacturers to help you decide.
Overview and History
CyberPowerPC was founded in 1998 and has grown into one of the largest gaming desktop providers in North America. Beyond prebuilt PCs, they also offer notebook computers, workstations, peripherals and components focused around gaming and high performance needs.
Comparatively, iBUYPOWER was established in 1999 with a sole focus on gaming computers. They design high-end rigs packed with premium components to provide power users, streamers and competitive esports players with leading specs and performance.
Both companies have over two decades of experience building PCs that pack the latest processors and GPUs into innovative cases and cooling configurations. This expertise provides a rock-solid foundation no matter which vendor you choose.
Product Range
CyberPower offers three main categories of desktops:
- Gaming PCs: High performance rigs focused on gaming with options spanning from budget builds to extreme water-cooled PCs.
- Content Creation PCs: Powerful workstations for video editing, 3D modeling, animation and graphics design.
- Office PCs: Affordable home and business computers for basic needs.
Meanwhile iBUYPOWER exclusively sells gaming-focused desktops ranging from inexpensive configurations capable of smooth 1080p gaming up through 4K-crushing behemoths.
So while CyberPower has a wider range of computers for various budgets and needs, iBUYPOWER pours all of its efforts into gaming machines.
Pricing and Customization
CyberPower generally has more affordable pre-configured model starting prices, whereas iBUYPOWER excels in high performance configurations packed with premium parts.
CyberPower PC gaming desktops span from around $800 up to $4,000+ for heavy duty liquid-cooled rigs. Gamers on a tight budget can get capable 1080p machines while performance enthusiasts can go all out.
Their customization tool allows you to get precisely the specs you want, but having a human sales representative build the PC for you over the phone is recommended for beginners.
iBUYPOWER systems range from roughly $1,100 to $5,000+. While their lower-end configurations may not compete on price, their high-end build quality and components excel.
An outstanding online customization tool enables easy self-guided building with clear performance metrics to compare component selections. For first-timers unsure about parts compatibility, calling their sales team brings peace of mind.
Overall iBUYPOWER specializes in premium rigs with vast customization while CyberPower offers more variety including cheaper starter options.
Hardware Components
Given their overclocking pedigree and indie roots, iBUYPOWER tends to partner with cutting edge vendors to deliver the absolute latest hardware across CPUs and graphics cards in their systems. With a narrower focus on just gaming PCs, they can stay on the bleeding edge more nimbly.
However, CyberPower also incorporates new GPUs and CPUs into their gaming desktops rapidly as well. Core component quality is outstanding from both vendors even if iBUYPOWER has an early adopter edge at times.
Beyond processors and graphics, areas like RAM capacity and speed, SSD solutions and rear I/O connectivity are also highly customizable when building your PC. Niceties like RGB case lighting and closed loop CPU coolers give you plenty of ways to personalize.
Build Quality & Reliability
Hands down iBUYPOWER has a reputation for tighter quality control and reliability over CyberPowerPC. From their cable management to proprietary diagnostics stress testing before systems ship out, reviewers frequently praise their craftsmanship.
By contrast, being a larger company dealing with a higher volume of PCs leaves CyberPower more prone to cut corners at times. While deficiencies are rare, slightly higher complaint levels point to inconsistencies.
However, for most buyers who understand configuring capable components that match their intended use offers smooth sailing regardless of vendor. Opting for name brand parts from reputable vendors ensures rewarding performance for years.
Customer Support
With so many complex components cooperating together, gaming rigs greater likelihood of needing technical support over a lifespan than say, a laptop or tablet. All it takes is a faulty RAM module or glitchy software update to trigger crashes or strange behavior.
Again iBUYPOWER pulls ahead in customer satisfaction here due to in-house, US-based support teams passionately dedicated to gaming. They quarterback interactions with component manufacturers to proxy advanced troubleshooting and RMAs for streamlined case resolution.
Meanwhile CyberPower leans more heavily on outsourced assistance that follows rigid scripts less equipped to tackle intricate high-performance PC issues. Thankfully support is still adequate from CyberPower too for less exotic problems.
Shipping and Delivery
The desktop assembly, stress test and quality assurance add about 1-3 business days onto orders from both companies compared to DIY computer building. Once complete, shipping and delivery takes another 3-7 days based on location, selected shipping speed and other variables.
CyberPowerPC seems able to churn out more builds more rapidly owing to their larger size and wider distribution channel. So if getting your new gear the absolute fastest is critical, they may ship systems a day or two quicker on average.
iBUYPOWER maximizes stability and craftsmanship during assembly and testing instead of hyper optimizing for speedy order fulfillment whenever possible. But in terms of shipping duration to your doorstep it’s a minimal difference.
Warranties
Both CyberPower and iBUYPOWER provide industry standard 1 year limited hardware warranties covering defects of components in your gaming desktop. This protects your investment if say, an exhaust fan starts clicking after 3 months of use or RAM fails during an intensive game.
For extra peace of mind, iBUYPOWER also gives you the option to extend coverage for 2 to 4 additional years at reasonable rates relative to the total PC investment. This reflects confidence in their build quality reducing the likelihood you’ll actually need to make a claim.
CyberPowerPC simply sticks to the 1 year default coverage. But rest assured all the name brand parts in your rig like the PSU, GPU and SSDs carry warranties too if issues pop up later down the road.
Final Verdict: Which is Better?
For shoppers prioritizing affordability above all, CyberPowerPC gaming desktops provide reliable 1080p gaming performance at cheaper price points for budget conscious buyers.
Alternatively iBUYPOWER is the clear recommend brand if you desire bleeding edge premium components assembled meticulously into a state-of-the-art battlestation built to last for years to come.
Of course with ample customization available from both companies, as well as similar core hardware options, you truly cannot make a wrong decision here. Building a gaming PC with an experienced partner equipped to handpick parts perfect for your needs greatly simplifies getting awesome experiences without breaking the bank.
So focus on the specs, aesthetics and options matching your use case then place your order with confidence! Both CyberPower and iBUYPOWER propel PC gaming enjoyment to new heights backed by over 20 years of refinement. Game on!
