That's what I hear all the time and it may be true. The Alienware Alpha i3 that I purchased is around the same price many suggest spending on building a PC or far less than gaming Laptops. So for that price, I don't have to build anything (only upgrade RAM which was simple). I'm certain building one would be more powerful but that's not something I'm too worried about nor want/know how to do myself. I was jut sharing my AWAi3 experience for others who may be interested or dig the whole console look of the AWA systems. I wanted something to fit with my PS4 and XBOX One and to use on my TV. If asked, I'd recommend an i5 or i7 but the i3 works.