Micro Center — Attraction in Columbus

Update: After seeing my review, the store manager reached out empathetically and resolved my issues completely. They swapped out the back panel of my PC & refunded the motherboard service fee apologizing for the mistakes made by newer employees. I appreciate their corrective action and attention to customer satisfaction. It means a lot to see that some businesses still pay attention.

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I regret to say that I was extremely dissatisfied with my experience at Micro Center. While most of the staff I encountered while shopping and at the cash registers were very helpful, I had significant issues with the service after purchasing a faulty motherboard.

As a newer PC builder, I took my build to Micro Center for diagnostic testing after the motherboard I purchased from them, which still had lighting, failed to boot my system or show any lights with issues of other components. The diagnostic test cost me $43 and confirmed that the motherboard was faulty and the cause of my issues with the system booting. Initially, a staff member reached out to get my password because my storage drives were reused and still had a copy of Windows, which was limiting what they could do. I had already told this to the person who took my PC when I dropped it off, but I explained again that the storage drives had old copies of Windows from my old build. I gave them the password and explained that if needed, they could format the drives.

He informed me that my suspicion of an issue with the motherboard was correct. Everything else appeared to be fully functional as he was actively in my system with a different board. He let me know I had placed one of the fan cables for my AIO in a similar spot that wasn’t intended for it so I'd know in the future. He stated that this made sense, as they looked the same and served similar purposes. They assured me the faulty motherboard was likely the core cause of the issues with my build, but they would complete further diagnostics and stress tests on my other components to check for any other problems. A few days later, another employee reached out, claiming the motherboard was fried due to my incorrect cabling, specifically stating that I had swapped the GPU and CPU cables. Despite this, they acknowledged my warranty and offered to replace the motherboard for an additional $79 installation fee. This contradicted the initial diagnosis I received via phone, which had more information and clearly indicated the motherboard was simply faulty. This was especially frustrating given they sold me the faulty part in the first place. When I went to pick up my PC, two seemingly new employees struggled to understand the situation, and communication was poor. They couldn't locate the old motherboard and repeatedly consulted their manager, who was unhelpful. After much confusion and waiting, they finally confirmed the exchange had been completed, but provided no explanation of the diagnostic results or apologies for the confusion. This whole process took about an hour just for them to discover that the motherboard they had removed and lost had already been taken care of in the warranty exchange process. To make matters worse, my PC case was damaged, and my storage devices were not properly reconnected, necessitating additional effort on my part. The metal where the back panel slides in was nearly falling off, indicating that they had likely ripped it out instead of sliding it up properly. Not only that but they swapped my thumb screws with normal screws. Overall, despite initially good customer service and a smooth purchasing process, the service I received for addressing the faulty motherboard was severely lacking. I ended up spending nearly as much as I would have if I had paid someone to build my PC from the start. This experience has made me question the reliability of purchasing parts from Micro Center. I felt I had spent so much money on the diagnostic and the labor fee, and it was pointless and caused me much more damage in the end. Quite...

EDIT: After corporate reached out and figured everything out, they put the manager back on my trail and offered me a partial refund for the trouble. As much as the initial nonsense frustrated me, I felt this gesture was worth 2 stars and meeting them in the middle. -----ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW------ As far as the store and online presence, they do have a massive selection and their prices are not terrible. I have used MicroCenter for years, for various things. Sadly, I am done. They will never see another cent from me. I had a motherboard go out in my machine and I contacted their service staff to verify the process and how long it would take, plus have them install a supplemental hard drive while they had it open(10 minute job I could and probably should have done myself, to be fair). The gentlemen I talked to said that if I brought it in, it should only be 3 days turn around. That was perfect, for me, as I use the PC for work and with it down, I would be dead in the water and losing money. I couldn't make it there before closing, as they are not nearby my location, so I arrived the next morning and checked my machine into the service department. Went through everything and again I asked what they expected for an ETA on the repair. This time I was told 5 days. Still, I could manage with 5 days, even though I was disappointed it already grew by two days. Fast forward 7 days and they are finally just reaching out to confirm that the motherboard was bad and to get my permission to replace it. Obviously, I was not thrilled that it was 7 days in and we just confirmed the issue, but I authorized the repair, thinking that it would be the next day I could pick it up. I was very wrong. In total, it took multiple phone calls and text messages and 21 days for them to complete the repair. Again, I was beyond disappointed but at this point I was just glad to be able to get my PC and get back to work. I had a lot of frustrated and angry customers piling up. When I went in to pick the machine up, I very politely relayed my frustrations to the gentleman at the counter. I asked if they could comp me the labor on installing the hard drive, since A. It would have been super easy and quick, while they were installing everything back on the motherboard and more importantly, B. It took 21 days for something I was initially told 3. I did not want a discount on the repair or the rather expensive motherboard. Just the labor on the HDD install. He was very polite and understanding, but was new and wanted to run it up the chain. So, I relayed the whole ordeal to another employee who had a similar reaction and said he had to get a manager to proceed with comping the labor on the drive. When the manager came and heard everything, he said that he was on board, but couldn't authorize that discount, as it would require the service manager who was not there. So, they called him and explained everything and I was told his response was that they had 'reviewed this case and had done everything they were prepared to do, for me.' I don't know what they did 'for me,' other than take 7 times longer than what I was quoted for my repair, but I was not pleased with that response, at all. In hindsight, I almost wish I would have been one of the angry, screaming lunatics that always seem to get their way, but either way, I left very disappointed and don't have any plans of ever spending my time or money at their store or website. I am sure they don't care and won't feel the loss of my purchases on a meaningful level, but I don't trust them anymore and feel they don't deserve my...

Micro Center: A Tech Haven for Enthusiasts and Everyday Users Alike

For anyone with a passion for technology, from seasoned PC builders to those simply seeking a reliable new computer, Micro Center stands as a veritable wonderland. This isn't just a store; it's an experience, a place where the digital world takes tangible form, and for enthusiasts like myself, it's nothing short of paradise.

One of Micro Center's most significant triumphs is its commitment to the in-person shopping experience. In an era dominated by online retail, the ability to physically see, touch, and compare components is invaluable. If you've ever agonized over the precise dimensions of a PC case or the aesthetic of a new graphics card based solely on internet images, you'll immediately appreciate the advantage here. Walking through the aisles, cart in hand, and being able to truly gauge the size and layout of cases, or inspect the build quality of a motherboard, is a definite plus that online shopping simply cannot replicate. This tactile interaction instills a confidence in your purchase that is often missing when clicking "add to cart" on a website.

The selection of PC hardware is consistently impressive. Whether you're hunting for the latest and greatest CPUs and GPUs, a specific brand of RAM, or that perfectly sized SSD, chances are Micro Center has it, or can quickly source it. They cater to a wide spectrum of needs, from high-end gaming rigs and professional workstations to budget-friendly builds for everyday tasks. This breadth of inventory is a core reason why so many PC builders make Micro Center their first port of call. Many customer reviews echo this sentiment, frequently praising the extensive range of components available, often including those hard-to-find items.

And let's not forget the legendary bundle deals. For custom PC builders, these offers – typically combining a CPU, motherboard, and sometimes RAM – are a game-changer. The savings can be substantial, freeing up precious budget that can then be allocated to upgrading another component on your wishlist, like a faster graphics card or more storage. These bundles are a well-known and highly appreciated aspect of the Micro Center experience, making the dream of a custom-built PC more accessible and affordable.

Beyond the products themselves, many locations are staffed by genuinely knowledgeable and enthusiastic employees who are often tech aficionados themselves. This can be incredibly helpful, whether you're a seasoned builder looking for a specific technical detail or a newcomer needing guidance on selecting the right parts for your first build. While experiences can vary, the general consensus points towards a helpful and informed sales team.

Of course, no retail experience is perfect, and occasional criticisms regarding customer service or stock discrepancies can be found. However, the overwhelming sentiment, particularly from the PC building community, paints Micro Center as an indispensable resource. They often feature competitive pricing and have been known to price match major online retailers, further enhancing their value proposition.

In conclusion, if you're in the market for anything tech-related, and especially if you're embarking on the rewarding journey of building your own PC, a trip to Micro Center is more than just a shopping excursion – it's an investment in a superior experience. The ability to see what you're buying, coupled with a robust selection and fantastic money-saving bundles, solidifies its reputation as the absolute best place for your...