Custom Build vs Big Box Prebuilt

Big box prebuilts are convenient, but here is what you get when a local builder puts your PC together.

Monterey Bay PCs

Standard retail parts from known brands, listed by exact model.
Clean Windows install with no extra trial software.
BIOS updated and memory speed (EXPO/XMP) turned on.
Stress-tested before handoff.
Talk to the person who built it, and upgrade any part later.

Typical big box prebuilt

Parts often listed vaguely, like "16GB memory" with no brand or speed.
May come with trial software preinstalled.
Support usually through a phone line or mail-in service.
Some use custom-shaped parts that are harder to upgrade.