Central Computers — Local services in Sunnyvale

I was here to purchase a graphics card after I missed 3080ti and they told to me buy a whole system which I already knew it since I read it from the website. I chose CPU, MOBO, RAM, SSD, CASE, PSU, GPU. But they force me to choose the OS and pay for the installation fee which is written as an optional in their website. I followed all the rules written in their website but the manager told me that that rule is old and to get a GPU, I need to let them install the parts and paying for the labor. So I refused to do it showing the website description. The manager was mad at me and told me not to sell them . He also told me that he will change the descriptions of the website. To report this, I asked him to send me an email with explaining what happened as an evident to show this situation. Then suddenly he sold me parts with saying "I don't want to argue with you anymore. "

I don't know what did I wrong. I followed their rules and I just don't want to buy Windows 10 and installation ( I will use other OS and I built more than 50 computers so far. ), since they are not required in the description of their own website. As a result, I could get a RTX 3080 at a nice price ($1200+tax), but I probably not to visit their store again especially this location.

In addition, I purchased AMD cpu last month (around 3 weeks ago) and asked them to count this cpu as a system bundle showing them a receipt, but they answered "NO". But after I returned home, I could find followings in FAQ section "What if I bought those components recently from Central Computers? if you have purchased parts from the above categories from Central Computers within the last month, those parts can count towards this bundle. You will need to provide proof of purchase when you come in. " There are several minor issues including the attitude, but they are minor.

They might have a good deal and the real stock of GPU, but they are not...

If I could give a zero, I absolutely would. I brought my laptop in because I accidentally spilled water on it while saving a kitten from a burning building (no, I was just dumb). I knew I ended up shorting something, and that I was going to have a hard time sourcing the parts. One of Central Computer's tenets of conducting business is training their technical staff to also handle sales, so that they can keep costs low, and you really just end up with a bunch of techs who don't know how to properly interact with customers and set expectations.

I was quoted a 7-9 day turnaround for my system because it would have to be sent to an offsite repair house. That time came and went, and no one had so much as powered on my system. I called every other day 6 or 7 times and received the constant "well we don't have any updates from our repair house". I continued to hound and badger them until they were finally able to tell me that the motherboard was fried and they would have to order a new one. Well then the first motherboard came in non-functional so they had to order a new one. At this point, I'm getting pretty upset, because they've had the system twice as long as they quoted me.

It gets better. Because I use Google Chrome, I can sync my web searches across my multiple devices, and because I didn't sign out of my laptop's Chrome session before it crashed, I was able to see that the techs servicing my system were looking at Vietnamese blogs and listening to Frank Ocean's new album. Talk about unprofessional! I worked IT for years, and I never used a user's system for personal use.

I eventually got my system back, one day shy of a month later. Beyond angry, the manager only knocked $80 off my repair, so I still ended up paying $329 for a motherboard and a month of lost productivity. Absolutely...

Stay away from Central Computers as they would not honor the listed price on their website. Management comment to a repeat customer who has purchased several system builds worth of parts + associated peripherals since Fry's Electronics’ demise was: "if you don't like the price, return it - we will take it back and someone else will buy it".

Visited this location to purchases a RTX 5090 with a system build worth of parts ($5.5k from 2 trips). Confirmed that they will give me the system-build pricing without the build-related charge - so I proceeded with it. As I was understandably excited, I forgot to verify the price that they actually charged me with. Specifically: Did not receive MB + CPU combo discount Was charged an extra $200 for the RTX5090 vs. price on their website at the time of purchase (charged $3,299 vs. $3,099 on website).

So I went back to the store for an adjustment and showed them the pricing on the website. But my request for adjustment was denied with the aforementioned comment which clearly showed that they don't really care for my business due to the ongoing shortages - basically, I should be thanking them for an opportunity to purchase a card that is already inflated in price (MSRP is $2,650).

Surely enough, I came home to check the price on their website after the complaint, and the price now shows $3,299.

The intent of being a repeat customer instead of just buying from the supplier with the best pricing online, is to support a local business, especially now with the looming reopening of Micro Center in the bay area. Regrettably, after this incident, I will no longer support Central Computers. I am aware my business is minimal impact, but hopefully people will see my experience and do a double-take and learn from...