"I ordered a CPU + Motherboard combo In which the motherboard came DOA. I contacted Central Computers and told them that I troubleshooted each part except for the motherboard and CPU since I didn't have spares. They promptly asked me to return the item for inspection.
Once Central Computers received the return they proceeded to do their own troubleshoot within the same day. They reported that there was no issues with either the motherboard or CPU and informed me that they can either return the item to me or refund me with a 15% restocking fee (more like 20% because they will charge for shipping). I opted for a refund because I was really sure that the motherboard was faulty (either a dead dim slot or something else). I then proceeded to my local Microcenter within the same day and bought a new motherboard + CPU and everything worked, this concluded my suspicion that the motherboard was the dead component. I emailed Central Computers back with my results and they ignored me.
TLDR - great prices and I'm sure they're a reputable retailed, however beware of returns/RMA's they're even worst than Newegg"
"I needed a very specific monitor and got the runaround from darn near every other online retailer out there. Central Computers had what I needed IN STOCK (so many others inform you that your order is out of stock and back ordered only AFTER you've made the purchase) and shipped it in under 24 hours from my purchase. Calls to their customer service line are answered quickly, no waiting on hold, and answered by someone who actually works at the company and has real answers to give you. No talking to a call center in Calcutta to a rep that can do nothing more than read back the confirmation screen you've already been e-mailed. I'm glad I found these guys and have them at the top of my list for my computer hardware needs. Big thumbs up."
"I'm a repeat customer of this store becuase I know they have the things I needed. And, the sales people are knowledgeable to help me find the items for me. I found a dual-drive docking station with USB connection to my computer. It is very useful for me to interchange multiple drives and access my data quick and easy. At first, I thought the unit is defective but the sales person showed me how it works."
"I love Central! Their salespeople are very knowledgeable. They help me pick the right stuff all the time."
"I was browsing around the internet and I found out about this place. I saw that they were running a no sales tax promo so I decided to come in. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. They had a very good selection of products and their customer service was top notch. This is definitely not a big box retail store. If you enjoy having a good shopping experience in a smaller, comfortable environment then this is definitely the place to go. "
"I heard of this company but I never visited before. I drove by the Santa Clara store and went in to check for deals. It's not a big store and no fancy display in there. However, amazingly, I found the company carries lots of high end products and the price is lower than what I saw from other computer stores. One sales person came to me and asked if I need help. I told him I'm just checking around. And I never got bugged again. I found they do PC/laptop repair and the price is probably the lowest I've ever seen. I purchased some accessories and had a nice shopping experience there."
"It is a good place to shop for computer parts. I found a good deal from the weekly specials."
"I went to Central Computer at the Sunnyvale location to look for a Qnap TS-439 and was surprised that they actually have these kind high end products in stock. The sale staffs are very helpful and knowledgeable about the products they sell. They answer all my questions and made me felt confident in buying all the products there. I had been to Fry's and MicroCenter but those places are nowhere near as good to shop as Central Computer. Great staffs, excellent service, products such as Qnap, Drobo, SuperMicro, LSI/3Ware SAS controller, etc where you wouldn't find at most retail stores, and best pricing for cables in the Bay Area. I highly recommended."
"OK, this is not Fry's, but what does it mean exactly? I have been buying hardware at CC (SF and SC locations) for years and I for example definitely prefer the choice offered by CC for mobos (Asus,Intel) in comparison to the junk you find at Fry's. I have built a dozen plus systems with hardware from CC and it did happen that I had to return things that were not working. No problems with that. In terms of pricing, CC effortlessly beats Fry's, almost at the same level as NewEgg.com. Cases, mobos, GCs, drives, CPUs, parts, cables and connectors, mice, keyboards: CC always had what I was looking for. So, on one side, you have a very large choice of junk with sales people who knows as much as my great grandpa, on the other side you have a choice of good stuff that makes geeks salivate sold by people who know what they are taking about and who will say they don't know if they don't. If you ask them for a sub-$100 graphics card, they'll find you one and not try to sell you the last expensive nVidia or ATI whose 90% of the features you'll never use. If you known what you want, CC is a dream come true. If you do not know what you want (or how to build it), CC also builds and sells complete systems at very competitive prices. I highly recommend the place for both geeks and non-geeks."
"Doesn't have enough stock to sell what they promise. Ordered on Nov 29. Didn't hear anything. Requested order status by email on Dec 8. Dec 9 was old my order was cancelled. Shady. Will probably never order from again."
"Put in an order and didn't hear anything until 8 days later when I received an email that said it was canceled. They offered no reason, justification, or any form of reconciliation."
"Not good. I placed order for media center extender intended as a Christmas present. Eight days later, I receive an email indicating that my order has been cancelled, with no explanation. Now I''m left to scramble for another present. Will never buy from them again. "
"Order submitted November 29. By December 2 no word. Checked with sales representative who reassured my specific order was being processed.
December 9 - I receive cancellation email. Customer service representative on telephone offered little by way of apology, and in fact this person stated they were going to quit (note that I was not mean or rude on the telephone). What type of customer service person tells you they are going to quit? CSR did state a higher level CSR would call me the following day.
This did not happen so I feel comfortable posting this negative review to reflect upon what seems to be a pattern of poor customer service. Seems like a bad situation at this company, and I intend to keep my credit card out of it at all cost in the future.
Update (12/10): Received email stating they sent my cancellation email "by accident" and my order actually has shipped 5 days ago. Now I'm even more convinced of their disorganization. To be fair, I am happy I'll be getting the product I ordered.
Update (12/11): Lengthy apology letter being sent by company general manager to customers whose orders cannot be filled due to stock issues. The letter does seem genuinely sincere, but my personal experience remains as stated above. At least my order is being filled and it will be here tomorrow.
To be fair to this company they are giving $10 gift cards along with free shipping to those whose orders can't be filled. I'm pretty sure Best Buy or other large corporate chain would not send such a lengthy letter or offer gift cards to their customers in apology (albeit late)."
"Also got duped on the Black Friday deal they failed to honor. Do not trust"
"Bait and switch to nothing. Ordered Linksys DMA2100 for $145.95 (+$15.95 S/H) on 12/2 @ 08:37. Six days later, order got cancelled with no explanation other than to contact an area code 408 number. No 800/888/877/866 customer service line? No backorder?
No more orders from me (or hopefully anyone using RR as a reference). Thank goodness for virtual account numbers! >:|"