user
Central Computers
837 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Appearance
Central Computers
Comments
La
Review №1

So I was in the market for a new computer and I went into this place and let me tell you if youre a gamer or if youre very serious about working on your own computer, building your computer getting It upgraded to the highest possible point, need all the latest gadgets, just want to go to the very best of the very best and this place is for you. Techies in there ready to wait on your hand and foot. I ended up buying my new computer online though. Not because I didnt want to get it there or Best buy I just it worked out better for me this way. This place was too technical for me. I just wanted to get a new all-in-one computer and not have to worry about it but if youre going to do your computer work inside your computer and want to really get involved then this is your go-to place

Je
Review №2

Extremely happy with service. Came in five minutes before close needing a GPU for a proprietary system. Agents understandably were trying to hustle me out at first, however the moment I described my system the employee I was working with stopped, listened, looked up information, and even double checked with another co-worker. I’m writing this now from home with a perfectly working system, fully informed on several options I could have taken. Fantastic service and accurate information given, couldn’t be happier even in a situation where I put them past open hours. Big thank you to Central Computers.

Ch
Review №3

Fairly displeased with my customer experience. When getting quoted for a custom PC build, there was little to no effort to explain parts and comparisons - felt pressured to already “know” everything I wanted and potential comparisons. Honestly was a very bad and disappointing customer experience considering I was so ready to discuss the pros and cons of various versions of a build.Furthermore, I’ve asked multiple times about when the build would be ready. They couldn’t give me a firm timeline of any sort any time I inquired. Basically, “it’s ready when it’s ready and we’ll tell you when” is what they said. It’d be nice if they took the time to converse with their technician as opposed to just “shoo-ing” the customer off. I’m writing this review before receiving the PC. We’ll see how the build turns out and hopefully they don’t spit in my computer now. Would only recommend this place if you know exactly what you’re doing and what you want.Still giving 5 stars because I know they’re working hard and it’s a local company that we need these days.

Da
Review №4

Ive known of Central Computers for 10 years great purchases for all my computer and cell phone needs. Great resource! great hours! Always value in services and parts!

Ka
Review №5

I have never written a negative review before, and Im sorry to say Central Computers San Francisco is my first.After multiple weeks with a delayed timeline for my laptop repair-- with vague and changing explanations--I finally asked for it to be returned. Throughout the time, there was no apologies, empathy of the impact, or ownership to their role. The emails from the assistant store manager were slow, unhelpful, and bordered on rude.Look--I work in customer service. I get that people may not see what goes on behind the scenes. I also understand timelines change, and were all overworked in a pandemic. But the lack of communication and customer service was bad enough to actually motivate me to write this. Especially since the worst of it came from the Assistant Store Manager, with the Store Managers knowledge.Customer service is a minimum for good business. And store managers need to realize that once theyre involved, they are representing their company and need to actually work with the customer.Ill add one star for the initial service I received. Thanks to the initial intake technician and Vince for doing what you could.I dont know what the other Google reviewers are seeing that Im missing. VERY poor experience.

Pa
Review №6

People and service are cool, the tech is Cheap unless you overspend. Stay away from lite-on and other chinese cheap crapo they sell.

Ka
Review №7

These guys are life savers when they brought my computer back to life. Alright.

Ma
Review №8

I personally like Central Computers because they have products I can not find readily anywhere else in S.F. I have always found their staff quite helpful when they have assisted me with making my final selection. I recommend Central Computer over other stores as they have a comprehensive inventory compared to Best Buy or others stores which only carry popular high volume items.

Au
Review №9

Went here this morning to buy a large external hard drive. The online price had raised since the rack price by 40 and they honored the lower price. Convenient and large selection.

Ro
Review №10

Job well done. Only one complaint. I cannot breath wearing a mask. I use oxygen.

Ll
Review №11

Central Computers is a great place for computer repairs. Quick turnaround, low diagnostic fee ($29 as of mid 2021).

Lu
Review №12

This store has almost everything you need to put together your own computer, think if this as a radio shack replacement but without the electronics area, awesome store

Sh
Review №13

Second gaming build from them. Staff are great. We worked both times with Mason. He was knowledgeable but not condescending to an amateur (me). Prices are good too, just compare to the net. We will keep coming back here!

ke
Review №14

I would recommend and the store to someone and employs are great they helped me find compatible components for my future PC .The store is so cool and its just great

Ma
Review №15

Lots of items to choose from great price.... Matter of fact I need to go back only thing San Francisco theres nowhere to park but still five stars 🖐️5🌠

Gu
Review №16

Just got my RTX 3070 after searching for a few weeks! So five stars for that. I didnt browse, but its definitely a store I would check out more of now that I know its there. I would always go to Frys, so this might be my new spot.

Ro
Review №17

Any cable or drive you might need. limited solid state components not RadioShack

Hu
Review №18

I won a 1tb Western Digital My Passport on Instagram from this computer store! These guys are awesome! Definitely going to go back and look around when I have more time. Made my day, and the My Passport is super slim and can fit in my pocket. About the same hassle as a USB stick without the digging around in your pocket to find it part. And way bigger too. I think I may just carry these instead of flash drives tbh.

Ro
Review №19

This place is a techies & DIYers dream come true. It has whatever one needs to complement or improve any system. The repair department is also a big plus. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable & engaging.

Je
Review №20

With so many parts and component stores closing, this has become my go to place. So many items, great prices.

Br
Review №21

Great day to work. All the colleagues are friendly and supportive. Very good environment. Great chances for growth.

Ni
Review №22

Great local company that is the only spot sourcing RTX 30 series cards and avoiding scalpers as best as they can.

Ji
Review №23

Competitor to Newegg & Amazon has good prices and helpful staff. They also have 3070 rtx cards when nobody but scalpers have them.

Ya
Review №24

Great staff from the sales staff to the very skilled technical crew. Prices and selection are excellent as well. Highly recommend going there!

Ma
Review №25

Cheaper than amazon! Amazin

Oc
Review №26

They had exactly what I needed and got it to me in record time when I was in a very big hurry. Very helpful staff.

Sp
Review №27

They have every computer and electronic component imaginable. Very knowledgeable staff can answer questions and help troubleshoot problems. Very friendly!

Ro
Review №28

Helpful knowledgeable and they have a large variety of equipment, unfortunately its still curbside pickup though but they are knowledgeable and can usually figure out what youre trying to accomplish

m
Review №29

Couldnt go in cuz of compasity but bought a charger for a labtop a little pricey but good

Ka
Review №30

Shoutout to Central Computer for solid customer service. I was looking for a hard to get MSI X570 Tomahawk for my Ryzen build and I could not find it anywhere for retail. I stumbled upon Central Computer while searching for it on Google, but it was all sold out online. I noticed they were local in the Bay Area (me being in the East Bay, but had no idea of Central Computers existence since most are in SF and the South Bay). I saw 0 at all the Central Computer stores, but only 1 left in-store at the closest store to me (SF). I sent an email that evening in hopes it wasnt a glitch. Indeed, it wasnt! A cool dude named Peter reached out the next morning and let me know that hed hold it for me. I picked it up that afternoon and was a happy camper. Store staff were very friendly as well. They even updated it to the latest bios (although, at first I totally thought it was an open box return haha). The only negative I had was that the m.2 screws were missing and might have been misplaced, which I didnt realize until I started building a couple weeks later. It was all good though because I was still able to move some things around for the time being and bought some screws off Amazon.

Do
Review №31

Tried to buy a hard drive for my dv5000 and was told they sell it to me for $49.99, but would charge me $80 to download a free software so I could put it on my laptop because I dont have another computer to do it. I cant believe they would do something like that. This place needs shut down for price gouging honest people!

fa
Review №32

I was able to find an RTX 3070 but came $100 above the MSRP, so, definitely not a competitor to Micro Center in terms of prices

Ry
Review №33

Company takes advantage of CPU shortages by forcing customers to purchase additional parts just to buy them item you actually want. Scalpers of a different flock.

La
Review №34

Knowledgeable and super nice service. Sales team will actually help you to not overspend money and will recommend great value. Have been a long term customer and this is best place, prices match online retailers which is another plus. Thank you!

Xa
Review №35

Grown mans toy store.

Br
Review №36

Fantastic shopping experience. Extremely knowledgeable staff.

Jo
Review №37

Always the best tech service.

Ca
Review №38

Very nice place electronics at a reasonable cost thank you Central Computers

Jo
Review №39

The *BEST* place to go in 2019 for computers, servers, notebooks, computer parts and accessories. They have prices very close and sometimes better than you can find online. There staff is knowledgable and never pushy to get you to buy something. They also have an awesome technical services department should your desktop, notebook, or server need repair.

So
Review №40

I bought a brand-new modem here and it came with the wrong charger. Very unsure if it was fraudulently refurbished / returned and sold as-new or it just screwed up, but concerned + disappointed with the service. Fortunately my ISP was able to get me the right charger.

Pa
Review №41

I forgot to do a review on this store. I really love and enjoy visiting this store. It was great service and good customer service. All the associate is really helpful and their item pretty cheap. Especially the lady who sitting behind the computer beside the counter, there’s little office, not sure but she’s very approachable, she also helped me out and answered some of my question, I also asked her business card for more information and question or help I need, I didn’t know she’s supervisor. She’s very helpful and she knew what she’s doing. She also knew where the item is. Fast service I went there last two days because I’m just curious about this store and what their selling. Thank you for still being in business. The best computer store, sales associate and customer service and workers. Cheers!

Me
Review №42

Very nice staff

Ja
Review №43

Had a part no one else did and at a good price. Shipped within 24 hours. Seamless!

Ry
Review №44

They built a high-end custom pc for my business and completed the build and all testing in 3 days during COVID. They even let me provide a Windows 10 key rather than selling me one.

Fr
Review №45

Forces you to buy full systems to just get a GPU.

St
Review №46

Worked with the folks there to build a beefy custom PC. The process was super easy and they were incredibly helpful in choosing the BEST components, not the most expensive. They told me what I actually needed to get the job done and gave me straight answers to any questions I had. Will definitely be going back.

Jo
Review №47

For over 20 years this is the best place in the city to get your computer needs. Their prices are fair for retail and their employees are knowledgeable.If you need something and you need it today they probably have it here.

Jo
Review №48

I fear this outstanding locally owned store and repair shop is passed over all too much. If you are in need of absolutely and I mean truly absolutely any help with possibly a computer you own having trouble or if you would like to purchase a computer of any tier specification. However they have the larges selection of PC hardware I have seen Im quite some time. They carry the absolute best of the best products as they come out. Do not fret though not looking for the absolute best? Well look no further they kept you In mind also they have a massive selection from the most cost efficient options to mid range. You can even pick out each individual part for your new computer and they will assemble it for you and do all your software installs so you have a computer ready to plug and play as they say. From cases to Graphic cards, Ram and Processors they have it all. Even if you just have a question pop in and say hello, I can promise you will not be disappointed!

Ge
Review №49

Best and only place to get a large variety of do it yourself computer parts and peripherals. Competitive pricing. Staff is knowledgeable. They also offer custom builds and a service department. Weekly sales and promotions. Newsletter and up-to-date website available.

Er
Review №50

The bar is low for computer shops in SF (this is really the only one.)They have cables. Good in a pinch for something you need immediately.

Lo
Review №51

Better than Best Buy!

ro
Review №52

Street parking only. Great computer chain.

Ti
Review №53

This store stole the IC from my MacBook and didn’t return all of my stuff.

J.
Review №54

Bought an item online and received item via USPS. When I tried to return an item within 15 days of receipt, was told they could not accept it due to it being 15 days from the day of invoice. They also ship stuff out by USPS, but require items to be returned via FedEx/UPS for tracking. Save your money and buy items on eBay, Amazon, or NewEgg instead.

Br
Review №55

Helpful staff. Ordered custom made gaming PC. Scanning their aisles for gaming related hardware seem to have a good selection of gaming hardware. Their online PC builder helped me with my build. Anxious for my gaming rig pick up.

Jo
Review №56

Friendly employees, eager to help me find what I needed.

Ma
Review №57

This place is still open during the covid-19. You can order online and pickup in person at the store just like the big box store.

Ni
Review №58

Nice computer shop in downtown area that has everything you can think of for computers and other electronics. The only thing is it is hard to find what your looking for cause they have so much there but employees are nice and always willing to help you out.

Je
Review №59

Huge selection, great prices, and very friendly + helpful staff. Highly recommend.

Ak
Review №60

Very expansive shop

Ma
Review №61

They have a diverse stock, and even with same day delivery from online stores, its still more convenient to walk to Central, and doubly so if you have to return or exchange something. Its also nice to support local businesses, which one shouldnt overlook

Ni
Review №62

Checked out my computer super quick--gave me a call by the next day. The repairmen are all Chinese though, so communication was sort of tough. Nevertheless, I was happy with the repairs they made and how professional they were.

Ma
Review №63

Helpful staff. Ordered custom made gaming PC.

Co
Review №64

I built a gaming pc exclusively from this store a number of years back. Was happy with the parts prices

fa
Review №65

Very good PC Shop, very nice employees. An the Shop is very clean, thats very nice. And the Prices are good, as well as Service. Cu u next time, thx

wh
Review №66

Nice choice of hardware. decent service.

Ti
Review №67

I recently shopped here based on a referral. I found the customer service/assistance to be prompt, knowledgeable and friendly. They have what youre looking for here. Anything you need for your computer is here. Iwould recommend this store to anyone.

Jo
Review №68

Central computers is pretty awesome. They have all the PC parts I need and their prices are at or very near the same as I would pay online. They have a very reasonable return policy as well.

Ad
Review №69

Diverse collection of cutting-edge tech including drones, 3D printers, computer & networking supplies, Raspberry Pi and even couple of electric scooters!

Fr
Review №70

Been going here for years. If theres no time to order it online this is the best place to go. Best selection and prices in SF.

Th
Review №71

Great bunch of folks! Good selection of all parts for most computers old and new. I love this place. Ive been coming here for 15 years and all of the employees have always been helpful and honest. Amazing!!

Wa
Review №72

Everything from PC cases to graphics cards to radiators. You name it, they got it. Helpful people, I will definitely be returning.

Jo
Review №73

Best place in the City to take your laptop for maintenance and repair or buy quality parts for your PC build.

Am
Review №74

I was visiting from out of town and my laptop wasn’t connecting to wifi after a windows update. I tried doing some basic troubleshooting myself but couldn’t fix it. They were able to solve the problem within 30 minutes and saved my day. Great service.

Pa
Review №75

These guys are always there in a pinch. Big help today -- wifi nodes misbehaving, needed to get two Cat6 50-footers right away to re-route. Ran over and back, in stock, 15 minutes later, all was well again. Call them first and make sure they have it, theyll give you good advice.

La
Review №76

Although it has potential of going internationally (if it hasnt already) it has a deal family local feel. They remember you, and they really cater to your needs with incredibly affordable prices for the transitioning TechNet age to insert your self with properly informed and briefed preparations to insure success and help empower you and all those you may encounter.

Al
Review №77

Avoid this place, its not what you think. Walked in on Black Friday to buy a PC and they had no sales reps in, asked me to wait an hour for the rep to come in.

JJ
Review №78

The best place in the city for finding all your computer component needs. When Frys is too far, and Target or Best Buy dont have what you need in Stock.. This is that local computer store in the city that you have been looking for.

Ke
Review №79

Amazing service and competitive prices. Had a custom machine made. Central Computer and Mason who helped me and the other employees rock. Really great local biz.

Ke
Review №80

I suggest just go to online shopping for the hardware components.It is better than the retailer store.It usually have sale, but generally more expensive than you buy online.

Gl
Review №81

Great service, tested the components I bought for free, got some very good deals too. They lost one star, though, due to misleading me. I bought an i7 8700K and they told me I HAVE to get an AIO however I ended up getting the Noctua D15 which was able to cool the processor even on a 5GHz overclock.

Ja
Review №82

Best place to find all my computer needs... i built my computer from parts i brought from this store... I go every week to buy something i need.

Gr
Review №83

If youre working at Moscone and need a computer part or accessory, theres a good chance these guys have it.

Ia
Review №84

What you want when you need it, operated by reliable people. I come here for parts mostly, not service, but it is quite rare that they dont have something I need. Very conveniently located in downtown SF.

Ma
Review №85

These guys are pretty good. Whenever Im in a pinch they come through.

Da
Review №86

This place has everything unfortunately is not the best thing when youre trying to solve compatibility issues amongst so many options. Customer service is really eager to help but I had a hard time nailing down exactly what I needed for my LG v30+ phone.

Mi
Review №87

My computing supply is the only thing like it in the City. Other wise, Id have to trek out to the peninsula.

Jo
Review №88

Incredibly racist company. We arrived and he requested a cable and they implied he not only couldnt afford but also assumed he had no computer experience whatsoever due entirely to his appearance. I would avoid this place at ALL COSTS. Hes a computer software developer btw lmao.

Ju
Review №89

Great service. Gave me good advice and there was a huge selection of PC hardware. A must go for anyone who wants to build a PC.Also. THEY HAS THE 295X2.I would rate 9000/10 if I could

M
Review №90

Good selection, slightly higher than amazon prices but thats understandable for a retail store. Sometimes their not the most organized but they have come thru for me. we have our ups and downs but all in all it is what it is they do their best.

Th
Review №91

Smart guys who know what theyre talking about. Im a knowledgeable enthusiast so I know when people are trying to rip me off and or have no clue what theyre talking about. These guys dont make that list, and offer prices at or below MSRP, even with component shortages. Sometimes I can get stuff for less here than on amazon or newegg

al
Review №92

If I could give 10 + stars I would. I was in a pinch due to a pending video interview. So wouldnt you know just when i was informed that a potential employer wanted to do a video interview my Mac suddenly started making weird noises. Immediately I called Apple and went in to see the genius bar. Apple told me my computer was beyond repair and it was probably the fan but unfortunately my computer was OBSOLETE! Which basically means we wont repair it and then I was told that they did not have the parts anyway. Sadly, I went home and starting calling around to have someone give me a second opinion because surely, this strange noise has happened to others. Every place I called in san francisco for computer repair was either closed at 9:15 am or no one picked up the phone. I then remembered Central Computers and called. Not only where they open but the service department picked up the phone call. I spoke with a guy named Victor who I promptly told that I was in a panic because i have a video interview and my MAC is making strange noises, I then asked if he could hear the noise. He replied yes and I said do you think you have any idea what that is? He replied that it sounded like the fan but he could not be sure but to bring the computer in so that he could do a diagnostic. I took a leap of faith and took my computer in because after all APPLE told me my computer was obsolete and they couldnt fix it. I went in the next morning and Victor greeted me with a smile and I promptly told him I was the panicked lady with the MAC. Without hesitation Victor asked me to open to my laptop and said I m more than certain this is your fan. He asked me if he could further test and took my computer in the back and im thinking did some kind of wizardly stuff, came back and said Ive isolated the issue now I want to make sure it is the fan. He then asked if he could further test by opening the computer and replace the fan with a working fan to further determine if this was the problem and wouldnt you know, no noise with his replaced fan. I was astonished because I was told my computer was OBSOLETE and parts were not available? Victor guided me to a website, even sent the link to my email address for me to order. I ran home, ordered the part as a rush, went back to Victor at Central Computers for him to install. It was rather busy that morning so I waited patiently while Victor worked his magic with other customers. But get this, I thought I was special but Victor treated every customer just as he had treat me: with care, concern, professionalism, knowledge and more importantly a genuine smile. Needless to say, he installed my new fan, no more noises and I had a successful video interview! Thank you Victor and thank you Central Computers for being in San Francisco.

Mi
Review №93

A great local computer store with a great selection of laptops, desktops, components, networking and smarthome gear. Staff are helpful and prices are reasonable for a brick-and-mortar store.

Ja
Review №94

I recommend this place to anybody that needs cheap computer parts and accessories.

Di
Review №95

Handy neighbourhood computer store with amazing assortment. For those times that you need something right now. Very competitive prices

WI
Review №96

Great customer service, and thing which are hard to get for both laptops and desktop. .I have been a customer for about 3 years. The prices are 100 percent cheaper than Best Buy and Fry Fry

Jo
Review №97

Awesome place! Every cable under the sun. Great for repairs and data recovery too.

Ge
Review №98

Extremely large selection of everything computer related under one roof. And they even had the item i was looking for, but if you are on a budget this is not the place to shop. They are a bit on tbe high side, when it comes down to $.ces

Al
Review №99

Great place to find the unusual computer cable. Good maintenance.

J
Review №100

Best computer store in San Francisco and the bay area. This store has what I need when Im building boxes, and some of the team have been there for over a decade. They often have high end components on hand for immediate use, and when you get a main board, cpu, and ram they will POST it for free to help ensure the components are all good. They dont give me trouble with replacing stuff, and I really enjoy their selection. Their prices are also excellent. This is the only place in SF I recommend for computer hardware. They are not a Mac shop, but Ive seen them help Mac users with chargers, ram or other accessories. They also have hobbiest electronics like raspberry pi and accessories.Note there is a rear loading area for large pickups, which is easier than parking in 5th and mission garage and then carrying a large system a couple blocks.

Information
62 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:837 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
  • Site:https://centralcomputer.com/
  • Phone:+1 415-495-5888
Categories
  • Computer software store
  • Computer accessories store
  • Computer networking center
  • Computer repair service
  • Computer security service
  • Computer service
  • Computer store
  • Computer support and services
  • Data recovery service
  • Electronics store
Working hours
  • Monday:9AM–5PM
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:9AM–5PM
  • Thursday:11AM–5PM
  • Friday:11AM–5PM
  • Saturday:9AM–5PM
  • Sunday:9AM–5PM
From the business
  • Identifies as women-led:Yes
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • Onsite services:Yes
Health & safety
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Temperature check required:Yes
  • Staff wear masks:Yes
  • Staff get temperature checks:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Assembly service:Yes
  • Repair services:Yes
Amenities
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
Similar organizations