Sonex Computer Inc — Local services in Richmond

This is actually my second rig from Sonex Computer and it's just as excellent as the first. The owner is thorough, listens to your needs and cares enough to give extremely good advice regarding your specific uses. Even my technologically challenged mother understood his reasoning for which parts to pick between, thus making decisions quick and easy.

There's another review speaking of higher pricing but personally, Johnson's effective communication and expertise is well worth any additional payment (if that is even true given the fluctuations of parts pricing). Not everyone has the time or mental labour to figure out what would fit into a build, nor know the ins and outs of different parts and how they play together. I never have to worry when I order here. Communication is extremely proactive and even when I ask a bunch of clarification questions, never once am I given the impression that I'm being belittled or short with.

I do a lot on the computer for work. During my first visit, I needed a full rehaul update in a day. I didn't let the computer sit for a full test as recommended, but I had no issues at all. Six years later, I had no problems either. I only swapped to another build for more power.

Johnson will recommend plenty of options if you are budget conscious, and I think for that alone I do not agree with the other reviewer regarding higher premiums.

In any case, if you are on the market for a new computer, I strongly recommend Sonex! In a time when there is an overabundance of (mis)information, a billion choices to make and so much personal research to sift through, you can skip all of that with a simple, personable chat. Honesty is rare in business; rarer still are those who exert energy into understanding each user's needs while being knowledgeable/confident enough to make recommendations. Sonex definitely deserves its high praise reviews.

Oh, and yes I do adore my new micro tower! Thank you so...

Before anyone considers buying from Sonex, please do your research on whether you are actually a getting good deal. I configured a build on their website, an i5 12400F with RTX 4060, and total comes at $1210 before tax.

I took the specific parts and calculated the cost on PCPartPicker and configured the same system, and the price was $1100, which is $110 cheaper. I even compared a similar system on Best Buy, and the cost was $1100, once again $110 cheaper.

Sonex also charges $75 to assemble, which is fair, but they are already charging you $110 extra for the parts, $75 on top of that is just being greedy.

Also $189 to install Windows 10 Pro is ridiculous, for 30 minutes of work! You can get a CD key on many e-commerce websites for $15, or even Taobao for $0.6 cents. I bet Sonex also source their windows key on Taobao since they are from Hong Kong, so they definitely know about it. If they actually do that, they pocketed another ~$200 off you.

There are also many PC builders on Facebook Marketplace offering better components and service for $300-400 cheaper than Sonex, and they don't charge you extra for assembly.

Although businesses have a right to make a profit, Sonex is overcharging you and taking advantage of the fact that most are not that tech literate, which is very unethical and wrong.

I recommend anyone who needs a pc to buy from a reputable seller on Facebook, or select the parts yourself and hire a builder on Facebook for far cheaper. The reputable sellers will do an amazing job. If not, just go...

I had been searching for a business in the Vancouver/Richmond area that offered custom built computers, specifically somewhere that was NOT one of the major big box stores as I've had major issues dealing with Bestbuy, etc. It did somewhat worry me searching for a local business, but after seeing the amount of positive reviews and experiences people had with Sonexpc, I decided to give it a go.

I'm glad stepped out and met with Johnson at Sonexpc as he was informative in helping with my new build in terms of part issues, cpu and gpu load thermals, airflow, as well as cost effective part changes within the new system. Be very specific, and double check, when you chat with him on where you need radiator placement, how you desire your OS to be setup, etc, and he will oblige on how you require your computer to be.

I was quoted roughly 1.5-2 weeks for parts, build time, OS install, my system was ready in two days. Johnson stayed in contact during the build, sending pictures of the parts once they arrive, as well as a final picture/video of the system running as he has a pass at the motherboard settings. Upon system pickup, Johnson spent about 20 minutes going through my build with me, making sure everything from the parts, to the OS, temps, and tests are adequate.

Due to the positive experience, I'd recommend Sonexpc if you're looking at a custom build PC, and do not want to deal with the...