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.

It's possible to build a gaming PC for $1000 that offers excellent performance for most games. However, the specific components you choose and the prices you find can impact the final result. It's essential to do some research, compare prices, and plan your build carefully to get the most value out of your budget.

The adequacy of $800 for building a good PC depends on your specific requirements and expectations. As of my last update in September 2021, $800 could generally get you a decent mid-range gaming PC or a good all-purpose PC for everyday tasks.