Central Computers — Attraction in San Mateo

In short, I don't appreciate this store's management taking advantage of consumers by selling hard to find hardware 10% over MSRP and giving such a slim return window(14 days).

If you're in the loop on PC hardware, you know that consumer GPUs are hard to come by upon release. This has been the fact for years. Bots nab them quickly online for scalping on eBay, and retail locations often get very little stock if at all.

Twice in the last decade, I've bought a GPU from this location upon release. Both times they were marked up. Most recently, I bought a 9070 xt. There could only have been about two dozen units, given that they started running out before the line ended. This means that Central Computers is happy to take advantage of customers willing to wait outside before opening for an extra profit that wouldn't even clear a measly 2k.

Central Computers is a small chain, sure. They aren't struggling though. They have 5 locations and billboards all around the Bay, one of the most tech-centric areas on the continent, with surprisingly little competition other than Best Buy for physical retail. They've expanded continuously over the last decade. If every store had stock, it would mean less than an extra 10k. That's negligible for a business this size. It's just greed.

As someone that works in IT, Central Computers will likely remain as my last resort, but...

Very convenient location, helpful staff, and they will quickly move inventory between stores making it even more convenient. I was a huge Fry's fan for computer components but, their inventory started to get worse while Central Computers kept a good range of products over the years. So this is my go to store now. Even though it isn't their largest store.

Sometimes you can find better prices off Amazon or Newegg. Though sometimes you also find better prices from Central Computers! So you'll want to watch but, for the most part their pricing is competitive. Even if something a little more, there's value in convenience. Also, they even carry some items that are difficult to find. I don't know how extensive that is; but for example, I was able to find a computer case that simply didn't exist online without importing which would've taken forever and been more expensive.

They are also very knowledgeable.

They are very good with help when things go wrong. They will assist with the RMA process if you get unlucky. This was very surprising to me since I came back with a defective product outside the return window. They were quite good about this. Kudos for this one. It saved me time from going through the RMA process myself.

Definitely a store worth checking in on and having...

I should preface this comment by stating I’ve been an engineer for the past 7 years, and a tech enthusiast for most my adult life. So when it comes to researching and buying reliable computer or network equipment, I’ve seen it or dealt with the pros and cons of hardware and software first or second hand. When I shop in a store, most of the time I’ve already done my research and know what I want.

One day I found myself at Central Computers to look at an NZXT case I saw online. Noticed that it was $15 dollars cheaper than amazon and Newegg for the H500i model. Then I noticed that most things in their store were much cheaper than online competitors. I ended up with a new 2070 RTC black, cosair modular power supply, Corsair AIO H50 and a few other tid bits. I spent a good amount, but not because they are sells men. They left me to browse on my own and we’re there when I had questions about choice options.

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. I’ll be going back for sure. I saved over $200 buying the same brands and modes I would have bought online regardless. Now I have enough money to get a new...