"AVA does things right...
* Joe Mundy and Verdan Iconic were both quite helpful answering the myriad of questions (In detail, both pre-build and during build) I posted in the AVA forums.
* Excellent 'variety' of components in their configuration system, just select your build components, copy & paste it in their forum, then let Joe and Verdan post their thoughts and professional opinions to ensure part compatibility and value.
* Package arrived double boxed and well protected with lots of packing peanuts, along with a bag of expandable packing foam 'in-case' to support the cpu cooler and graphics card. Not to mention they purchase your components retail, and include all of the leftover screws, cables, documentation, disks, ect from the build -even leftover thermal compound- in the MoBo box.
*Impressive cabling scheme, even in a mid-tower case (with a non-modular PSU) without paying for custom wiring.
Oh..they also include the results of their extensive stress testing and benchmarking in a folder on your hard drive.

Thumbs up from me,

Jim L.

"

"I typically enjoy researching and purchasing different components for my new computer so that I can build it on my own. In my past experience, I found this was the most cost effective way to go. After now using AVA Direct I can't see me doing this anymore! Their site is so easy to use and has so many different configurations at such a great price. I highly recommend AVA Direct for anyone looking to build their perfect computer."

"Trusted and amazing service.

I went through the reviews and searched for the best prices on the net before purchasing. I found slightly cheaper machines from some other merchants but felt that it was worth a little more money for peace of mind and good customer service.

AVA worked with me on every step of the build. They helped me pick out what would work best for my requirements. They didnt push me toward a more expensive build and had several suggestions that saved me a lot of money. After the initial order was submitted, I changed my mind and it was no problem having changes made. They even made an upgrade at no cost to me because the cheaper component was not available and they checked with me first.

I liked having one point of contact through the entire build process and they even remembered what I was trying to do.

The machine was delivered quickly and on the date promised. The machine was packed very well and all components were secured. The outside box (double boxed shipping) was beat up by the shipper but no damage to the internal box.

The CPU was just as I asked. Every wire was in place and every component was secured. I have never had a CPU that was assembled with such precision. It really is a thing of beauty.

Overall, the same basic components probably cost me $100 more than the competitors but it was definately worth it to have superior customer service and the trust in the company that they stand behind their machines. You could probably get lucky with one of the cheaper companies but it wasnt worth it to me when spending a considerable sum of money."

"Wrote a nice long review but my internet died and I lost it. So here's a short summary. These guys are amazing. The entire build process was enjoyable. They have the widest selection of components one can find on an online system builder at the most competitive prices. They have a great (and I mean great) customer services representative in Joe Mundy. He answered all of my questions thoroughly and patiently while I peppered him throughout the build process. And when the system finally arrived, the packacking was excellent and not a single component was dislodged, dented, or otherwise damaged. System ran right out of the box, and I've actually gone back to AVA for a second system just today.

Two minor flaws: these guys buy their components the day they begin processing the order, so expect some variation in pricing from the price the configurator spits out (I had to pay ~$45). Secondly, I paid $400 for the RUSH processing, which should decrease the process time from 10-14 business days to 5-7 business days. Processing for my build began on 12/11, but according to Fedex, shipping information was sent at 5PM on 12/21 and the system was actually picked up at 7PM (so 9 full business days). I also paid for Two Day Shipping, which in conjunction with RUSH processing I hoped would allow the build to arrive before the Christmas weekend. However the build actually arrived on the 25th. I was a bit dissapointed but then again I'd gladly trade two business days to have a system that runs perfectly out of the box. I just wouldn't have paid an extra $500 for RUSH + Two Day Ship again.

That said, the positives far outweigh the flaws, and that's why I didn't hesitate to go with AVA again. However, I didn't pay for RUSH processing this time around, so I'll keep people posted on the turnaround time in this case."

"Office system: Just what I wanted -- a quiet (insulated case and SSD instead of regular hard drive), fast (i7-3770), multi-monitor system, to get the most out of Dragon NaturallySpeaking while keeping open many word and pdf documents. I also edit photos and I've held back on large raw images since they were too cumbersome and too slow for my older system.

Stock systems didn't fit my needs and AVA made it fun and allowed me to tailor the precise system I wanted. Customer support was quick and competent. Joseph suggested that I eliminate some redundant noise reducing components and this reduced the price. The system is a dream, much more for the money than I would have gotten elsewhere.
It was well packed, and came with all the extra documents, CDs, motherboard wires and connectors, and other gizmos I might need if I eventually upgrade something.
I've already recommended AVA to two colleagues."

"I just bought my laptop from ava direct they have given me top costomer service and un believable deals along with helping me get it here in time for my competition I will definatly recomend ava and I have friends who will be buying from you guys"

"I am very impressed with this PC. I understand quality takes longer to put together, and despite the almost 2 month build time, it is well worth every second of the wait. The customer support team was immediate in their responses to my questions; professional and exact in their descriptions.

After it arrived I was immediately taken with the finish and set up of the computer, and after installing a couple games I have been so far unable to find a maximum graphics level. It is incredible, that is all there is to say.

If I could make even one suggestion, it would be to have a "simple install" option, where only the basics are installed upon arrival. I always end up hard-formatting any computer I get in order to install just what I need without all the factory add-ons. The only other thing is sometimes the touchpad picks up button presses from my palm while I'm trying to type. (Both pretty minimal complaints if I do say so myself.) Thank you so much!"

"Quality parts are just one of the few things I love about this company. They build quality was outstanding. I didn't order it with the better cable managment but I was thouroughly suprised by the lack of visible cables. When the computer arrived it was filled with protective foam which supprised me. A bomb couldn't have hurt this thing. I plan to buy from the again. I highly recommend AVADirect to everyone!"

"We use high perforamnce custom configured laptops for image processing and CAD. We have had problems finding vendors that will configure a laptop with the features, screen size and graphics cards we need. We are able to conifgure exactly the kind of laptop systems from AVADirect that we need without compromise. The delivery took approx. one month but that is to be expected when ordering a completely customized laptop. They do have much faster turns for their stock configured laptops. Their packaging for shipment was exceptional. The laptop came configured without all the nonsense software freebies that we have to remove from the "brand" companies which is very much appreciated. It also was burned in and tested prior to shipping. It included the diagnostic test reports on the system disk.

Review update: It is now day 3 since attempting to contact tech support because of a SSD failure and no response either by phone or email. Their rating was downgraded because of the lack of response to a problem that made the laptop inoperable. The problem is now resolved but only by going directly to the manufacturer of the SSD not through AVAdirect that is responsible for a 3 yr warranty."

"I've ordered several custom computers from AVADirect over a period of approximately five years, and I've always been satisfied with their service. They give you a ridiculous amount of options for customizing your computer- down to the type of thermal grease to apply to your CPU! After ordering, they will keep you informed throughout the build process. It's easy to contact them with questions about the order, and (more importantly) they are quick to respond."

"Building a computer with them can be daunting. So many options. Many of which you may know nothing about. But email them and they're more than happy to help. After finally deciding to go through with my order, patiently waiting through their extensive processing time, and finally receiving my power house... I have to say I'll never buy a gaming rig from anyone else ever again. They're sales rep was extremely helpful and a pleasure to deal with. They respond quickly. Only downside was the processing time. But taking into account all that goes along with building a custom computer it's understandable. If you're in the market for a computer I highly recommend AVA. I know I'll never deal with the big computer companies again."

"My computer arrived Saturday 12-15-12. I love it! Thanks for building my dream machine. If I decide to upgrade or build another one, you guys have my business! Thanks, Tommy "

"Good customization of Hardware and Software,Great customer service, and good shipping. Only problem I had, is they didnt add sales tax to my order wich delayed it 1 day. They handled it fast and effectively. I would recommend this company to anyone."

"TL;DR: I give AVADirect 5 stars for the computer they built me. Very well done. Excellent cable management and component installation. Good packing/shipping box. Though I do rate them slightly lower in building/processing speed. Overall, I highly recommend them if you're considering a custom builder for your next PC.

Longer version:
I ordered a custom computer from AVADirect on the 28th of November, 2012 and received it on the 14th of December, 2012. Not as fast as I would of liked, but the fact that the computer came in safely and in working order makes the wait completely acceptable.

A few hours after placing my order, I had a change of heart when it came to the CPU Cooler I originally chose. Since AVADirect has a message board system within your account/order page for communicating with the staff, I posted a message there requesting a change of my CPU Cooler. Joe from AVADirect responded very quickly and issued the change for me. Very nice.

A day after that, there was a problem with the credit card I used in purchasing the computer, so my order was put on Hold. Called them the very same day, and got it all sorted out with ease. My order was put back into processing and went smoothly from there on out.

The processing/building process was a little slower than I'd like, but I believe it is because they are so meticulous when building their systems. They also seem to do extensive testing, according to the log files they ship with your system. There was a 16 hour PassMark BurnIn test on my rig, along with a lot of other things that I'm not tech savvy enough to understand, lol. But from what I gather, their systems go through quite a bit of quality assurance and testing.

The computer arrived in a big, durable cardboard box with a ton of packing peanuts inside of it. Within that sea of peanuts was the Coolermaster Storm Stryker case retail box, with my fully assembled Storm Stryker computer within. Also inside of that packing peanut ocean was my motherboard's retail box with all my pc's accessories. Inside of my computer, they also used that self inflating foam you see many computer builders use now days to ship their systems. Easily 5 stars here for the packing of my computer.

After unpacking my rig, I noticed that they tape an "Attention!" paper on the back of it, stating how you should go about checking to see if all your components are correctly seated or plugged in within the computer before powering it on. The hazards of shipping a computer across the country can cause things to wriggle lose or even become damaged, but everything seemed fine in my computer. I plugged her in and she started up like a champ. No problems whatsoever. Very satisfied and any worries I had of the computer being damaged from shipping were alleviated.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my experience with AVADirect and the pc they built for me. I'd highly recommend them to anyone who's looking for a trustworthy, quality customer pc builder for their next system."

"Excellent experience in ordering from AVA Direct.

There's an epic array of components to choose from, and therefore your machine is very much built for you. The staff were responsive when questions were asked, and pro active in advising when incompatibilities were discovered both pre-built and during test.

Excellent experience so far."