Yes, building your own PC is generally cheaper than buying a prebuilt machine. The reason for this is that if you buy a prebuilt machine, then you're paying for all of the parts as usual, as well as labor for building, testing, and support.

You can build a basic PC for about $150 if you're happy with used parts and are just looking to use it for browsing the internet and streaming TV, but for a Gaming PC using all new parts you need to budget at least $600 for a basic Gaming PC, $1000 for a mid-range Gaming Rig, and $1500+ for something high-end.

Generally, a $1000 gaming PC can provide a good balance of performance and affordability, allowing you to play many modern games at high settings. However, the value ultimately depends on your budget, gaming preferences, and whether the PC meets your specific requirements.