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Central Computers
Categories: Shopping Computers Local Services IT Services & Computer Repair Computers, IT Services & Computer Repair [Edit]
1255 W El Camino RealSunnyvale, CA 94087
(650) 988-8886
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7:30 pm
Sat-Sun 10:30 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Information Technology (IT) Support for businesses that have no IT staff. PC's, Macs (Apple Certified Support Professional). Backups, Malware, Upgrades,… read more »
28 reviews for Central Computers
Review Highlights
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"...well insulated case and quiet power supply for me, and the..." In 3 reviews -
"...quite a refreshing change from Fry's and much more fun to..." In 5 reviews -
"They carry all combination of cables and converters." In 3 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Karl R.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/16/2012
Way better than Fry's if you need any parts or cables.
Everything you need is under one roof. I bought a
system here and it was a good experience, I picked
all the parts then they put them together and ran
it all through a burn-in cycle for testing. -
Review from Jerry Z.
Santa Clara, CA
4/25/2012
I assembled a server box here a few months ago, staff was super knowledgeable in helping me choosing right components, no. Upsell. Recently it has problem booting up, I brought it here, service guy Jack and Mark fixed it for free, although it's not hardware issue. They made me really happy. PLUS it's awesome selections of stuff, highly recommend, it's like Frys only better.
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Review from Shauna A.
San Jose, CA
4/14/2012
I prefer this place over fry's for any type of PC repair. I'm always satisfied with the work they perform and I don't feel like they overcharge.
Comment from Larry B. of Central Computers 4/17/2012
Thanks Shuana! More » -
Review from Brian P.
San Jose, CA
4/15/2012
very rude staff and very unknowledge\able. Didnt know if a Macbook Pro 13" would fit in a 13' case. Please hire people who know something about computers!
Comment from Larry B. of Central Computers 4/17/2012
Hi Brian, Sorry our staff didn't meet expectations. We… More » -
Review from Rob M.
Cupertino, CA
3/26/2012
Customer service is very lacking since I was able to walk around for 20 minutes and actually walk in between 2 workers talking and never once did any employee ask me if I needed any help. The reason I was there to see what gaming PC's they had to offer and they have lost out on my money going their way in the future and I will never refer anybody to this place.
Comment from Larry B. of Central Computers 3/27/2012
Thanks for the review Rob. Your business is very important… More » -
Review from Andrew D.
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best place to get computer components and accessories. They carry all combination of cables and converters. For example, if you want to convert HDMI, micro HDMI to dvi, vga, component, etc.., they have it all. They appear to have a strong relationship with Asus. A lot of their laptops, motherboards and components they sell are from them. if you want top notch hardware for your computer, this is the place to go.
Prices are very reasonable and they have a 14 day return policy with no restocking fee if you don't massacre the packaging. Customer service over the phone and in store is outstanding. -
Review from Tom T.
San Jose, CA
2/18/2011
I had a problem with an inexperienced clerk who charged my credit card for 56 headphones instead of 1, then he credited me for 55 of them. This resulted in a $1200 credit hold on my account. Which I realized after I got home. Not a 5 star experience you say. True, but the fix was 5 star. The manager (I think) did her best to correct the problem including completely cancelling the transaction (I now have headphones I didn't pay for) and multiple phone calls to the bank. She even called me to assure me that the credit hold was removed. (I verifed it with the bank, too.)
Everyone screws up now and then. Central Computer gets 5 stars from me for taking the time and effort to completely fix the problem. -
Review from Robert S.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/2/2011
A wonderful PC buying experience.
I had to get a new higher-end PC for a very specific application. I haven't bought a PC in years; we've switched to iMacs and Mac Pros.
I visited this store because I used to shop in their Santa Clara location; I would pass by it about once a week when I went to Nature's Best Cleaners.
The salesman, Tu Tran, spent a lot of time going through all the options and making sure I got exactly what I wanted and needed. One of my biggest criteria other than processing and graphics power was silence. I wanted the computer to be as quiet as possible. I also needed something capable of 3D display with shutterglasses.
He selected a well insulated case and quiet power supply for me, and the machine is working great.
The buying experience is pleasant. Everyone there was expert-level in their knowledge of PC components and what works well with what.
The machine was assembled very nicely, all the cables routed neatly. It was spotless and carefully repacked, along with all the boxes and manuals for all the subcomponents.
Prices were competitive, and they only charge $100 for setup and test. They even offset the price of their one-year in-store warranty, so I can just bring the computer back if it fails in the first year, and not have to track down the warranty of each individual subcomponent vendor.
We're planning on buying another oddball system: something with 16-drive bays to run FreeNas/ZFS. I'll certainly be using Central Computer in Sunnyvale for that system, too. -
Review from Jenny L.
12/3/2007
If you're in the store, the sales staff are polite and well-dressed. However, they don't ask any questions to confirm what you're ordering will work for your system. Therefore, buyers should beware of this store unless you are absolutely sure of what you're buying even though there is a 14-day return policy for unopened items. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a restocking fee for returns.
Moreover, the people are incompetent over the phone. They keep stating that someone will call you back or they will transfer the part from another store, but they don't. Therefore, don't waste your time waiting for them, which can take up to 2 weeks to figure out that they don't sell the part, to do what you can do in a day by calling the manufacturer directly. -
Review from Jeanne W.
Cupertino, CA
1/10/2012
I brought in my laptop to get fixed. The customer service was excellent, very nice people. They did a quick evaluation and quoted me for a new keyboard. A new keyboard did the trick. I would definitely go here before I go to Best Buy if I need a new computer or parts. It's a small store and everyone I talked to was friendly and helpful.
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Review from Michael C.
Saratoga, CA
8/6/2007
So last month, as I was driving down El Camino, I looked over, and saw a sign that Central Computer was coming soon. I have been going to the Saratoga Ave. one for several years now, and always like the selection of stuff they have compared to Fry's, however, it has always been pretty cramped. Then I visited the Newark one several times, but that's only that once in a blue moon when I really need to venture out that way.
The new Sunnyvale store is roughly the same size as the Newark store, and definitely has more selection compared to the Saratoga Ave. store. Although when I went in today, it looks like they are still putting everything together, but once they have everything set up, it looks like it will be pretty impressive.
At the entrance, on the left, they showcase all products ASUS, and on the right, they have stations set up for showcasing Intel and Microsoft products, and even a showcase for 1U solutions from SuperMicro. There was even a small display of Enermax, Vantive, and a few other peripheral makers.
Aside from that, the rest of the store pretty much carried the same I have seen from the other stores, but they had more optical media compared to the Saratoga Ave. store.
I figure that if you give it a few weeks, this store will definitely be a great anti-Fry's, and especially since they carry a lot of the Asus products, I think it will be a haven for people who like to build their own gaming rigs, and other computer enthusiasts alike. -
Review from Chris B.
Mountain View, CA
4/9/2010
I have used this place a few times for replacing a screen on a laptop and repairing a bios chip on a motherboard. Their turn around is fairly prompt and prices are very competitive for the wide range of services they offer.
The non technical staff that work here are not always that helpful, but they are hourly employees so don't expect much. If you find a tech there to chat with they tend to be the computer geek type so they usual know their stuff. -
Review from Steph G.
San Jose, CA
12/22/2010
This review is for the shopping and not the service. since I service my own computer, I don't need to bring it in. I have been here many times, just to look around. I almost never end up getting anything, since I am only there to look, but they have a pretty good selection of items that you won't find at any big box retailer. For example, they have computer chiassi which are not sold elsewhere. They also have a good selection of optical drives and other peripherals. They have really old to really new RAM, and they have hard drives which are OEM. The prices on the hard drives and the RAM are not competitive with online retailers, so I would check out Newegg first before dropping in here. The best parts for me are that they offer laptop batteries and Thinkpads. Since most retailers don't sell Thinkpads, you can never really get a good look at them before you buy one. But they actually have them on display here. Love it!
I should also say that the staff and the selection are better at the one in Santa Clara, so I prefer to go there, but for more unique items, I drop by this location once every couple of months. They have monthly sales, and sometimes those prices are worth the drive. Last time I was there, I was able to get an HDMI switch for $19.99, regular price $35, so I'm happy. -
Review from Thomas T.
San Carlos, CA
4/19/2011
Just left the store. Brought a mal-functioning motherboard in for exchange. Left it with the clerk for him to inventory it and pickeup some cables for the computer build. Returning a few minutes later lo and behold, he informs me that the MB CPU pins are bent - quite visible too. Only problem,when I brought it in the CPU ran (but wouldn't overclock) and the pins weren't bent ( - I packed it myself) . I guess he didn't want to bother with the paperwork.
If you have to use this store I would watch your merchandise at all times.
Sleazy clerk. -
Review from Jason G.
Union City, CA
1/7/2009
The Worse Experience Ever!!
I would give this store a negative star!
I bought an Acer Computer in this shop.
As soon as I opened it. There was a dead pixel right in the middle of the screen. I immediately called and reported it. they told me that I can not exchange it even if I just bought it the day before.
my only option is to give it back to the manufacturer or take the 15% deduction for restocking the unit.
Its a defective device which I paid full price I think I am entitled for a full refund. In the end I gave the unit back and had a deduction of 15%
3 days after!! What a nightmare!!
do not buy from this shop! -
Review from Adam G.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2010
Poor customer service. Prices are mediocre -- not terrible, but nothing special. I'd try Fry's or mail-order first.
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Review from Gerard Y.
8/18/2008
Wow. The difference is almost night and day in terms of customer service compared to the San Francisco store. I know, I know it's only one experience, but anything is better than the SF store... I reason why I had to drive down here was the motherboard I bought about a week ago had two defective DIMM slots (techie talk). I thought I'd be grilled like I was taken to the downtown police station as to why I was exchanging, but I simply told him the board wouldn't POST (techie talk again) if it had more than two piece of RAM installed (techie talk once again). I already called ahead of time at the SF store and they mentioned that this and the Newark store still had it in stock. It was quick and painless. And they didn't have a self-righteous attitude about it.
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Review from Glenn R.
San Jose, CA
6/30/2009
Great selection, great prices (they will match prices if you see your item for less somewhere else). Great service for the individual and great service for business needs as well.
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Review from Chad J.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/15/2009
Well, it's not such a good thing getting a laptop repaired here. I had to take it back to them 5 times and they could never fix it right. It would take them 7 days just to tell me if they thought they could fix it. Best not to bring laptops here for hardware repair. Stick to one of the other higher rated Computer Repair shops in Sunnyvale.
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Review from Nathan B.
Santa Clara, CA
3/13/2009
Hands down the best computer store in the bay area! You will always find the latest and greatest here -- a must for anyone building their own system.
I would recommend the Sunnyvale location since it's the most modern looking. -
Review from Kurt H.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/30/2010
This place used to know what they're doing, but no longer.
I took my computer in because it wouldn't connect to the internet.
They told me they couldn't fix it. Then when I went to pick it up, they said they could reinstall the os and it would take a day. 3 days later they call me to come and pick it up.
I bring it home and it doesn't even power up.
What a waste of time and money. -
Review from Julia B.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/22/2010
The service department at this place rocks!
My PC stopped turning on (went completely dead) after we had an electrician do some work around the house. So, I took it to Central Computers on a Sunday afternoon (!!!). I explained the problem and they said they would give me a call once they know what the issue was.
I lingered a bit in their laptop department before leaving the store, and before I was ready to leave the technician came up to me and said that the power supply is fried on my PC and the new one will cost me $39 plus $29 labor ($29 deposit you pay for the diagnostic would count towards it). Whoa! That was fast. I gave them the green light to go ahead and fix it. The said they would call me when it's ready.
On the way home I stopped by a coffee shop. As I was leaving it my cell phone went off - it was the technician calling to tell me I can pick up my PC! I could not believe it that on a Sunday afternoon they would have such a quick turnaround!
That's what I call service! -
Review from Ray O.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/3/2011
I brought a top of the line "build your own" computer. I could of brought the system at Fry's but want to give my local business the sale. They had good before "buy" help but "0" after sale support. I did expect more. I had to fix my own prolblems. I will go to to the Frys or Costco on my next purchase.
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Review from Neil H.
Mountain View, CA
8/21/2007
I recently put an HTPC together from some parts I had and some new one I needed to purchase. I had been planning to order the needd parts from a large on line supplier, and happened to find that the prices at Central Computer were quite competitive especially when taking shipping costs into account.
I used to work near the Central Computer store in Newark, and thought they were great. This store is even better, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and very willing to help me find what I was looking for.
If you are purchasing a case, power supply, m/b, cpu and memory, basically a bare bones component system, they will assemble it for you and power on test it for a nominal fee (approx $15). This could be time saver that might be worth it.
It is quite a refreshing change from Fry's and much more fun to shop at. -
Review from F M.
Redwood City, CA
9/29/2009
Was it the Central Computers Sunnyvale branch, or is Central Computers worth forgetting???
I've always gone to the Santa Clara store, this time I thought I'd go to Sunnyvale, near Mountain View, because it's closer. It took them 11 days to diagnose & patch the desktop, I called a number of times with no real answers. A purchased storage unit for them to backup the files & they re-formatted the hard drive. They quoted 4 days.
No definitive answer as to why the PC failed. Never Sunnyvale again. -
Review from John C.
Mountain View, CA
3/16/2008
Its the only local computer store that carries the Asus EEE PC. I've purchased a few items here, great selection and good prices on almost everything. The staff will point you in the right direction but don't expect them to be all that talkative.
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Review from Rey V.
San Jose, CA
12/2/2008
I pass this store when I get off the bus at Bernardo and decided to check it out last night. I never really gave them a chance, since I usually just go to Fry's or buy stuff online.
The place is clearly smaller than Fry's, but the price is competitive. I ended up picking up a Wireless router for my brother. It was $30 for a name-brand, while Fry's has one for the same price but an el-cheapo brand.
I also ended up getting an IDE-to-USB adapter for my old drives. I asked the guy why the adapter can't just use the power via USB cable, and he said that for some drives, like the ones that only goes 5400 RPM, the power on the USB drive is enough, but on others, the like 7200RPM ones, needs more power than what the USB cable can provide. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but it makes sense to me.
In contrast, I once asked a guy at Fry's (Campbell) where their "co-ax" or "coaxial" cables were, and he didn't know what a "coaxial" is. Also, at a Best Buy in Pleasanton, a guy told me that the advantage between a Canon Digital Rebel XT over the older Digital Rebel is that the Digital Rebel did not have an LCD on the back to view your pictures. -
Review from Phil m.
Mountain View, CA
12/16/2008
I don't know how computers work and when my son's laptop broke down I would have paid anything to fix it so he would get off my computer. These guys are great! They could have charged big time and told me anything and I wouldn't know the difference. They fix our laptop in 2 days and I walked out with a $59.00 service charge. I will be back in the future, because nothing works forever and I know I can trust them.
