I'm sure building your PC is very similar if not the same as 12 years ago. My first PC was over a decade ago and really not much has changed, just a few new things such as RGB connectors and m.2 SSDs but those are plug and play and easy. I find PC building to be a fun hobby and aslong as you have a cheap tool set it makes it easy. Infact I would argue it's better now because motherboards are labeled and almost no ports/plugs will work or fit unless they're in the correct spot. A YouTube tutorial teaches you everything. I know it's not what you asked for but I hope if you're at least considering it, it'll save you a lot of money. Answer from biggranny000 on reddit.com
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › my experience paying micro center to build a pc
r/Microcenter on Reddit: My experience paying Micro Center to build a PC
February 24, 2024 -

Hey everyone,

Wanted to share my experience paying Micro Center to build a custom PC so that you know how it works and what went well/what didn't. Here's the parts list.

Did the $150 build which means hardware assembly with air cooling only. No OS install as I prefer to do that myself. They had two specials I took advantage of - 10% off the entire purchase if you signed up for the credit card and pay the bill in full, and a bundle where you got the CPU, mobo, and RAM for $450. Also did some price matching. They didn't have the case I wanted in black, so they discounted the white version to $99. Thought that was nice and completely unnecessary.

Went on a Wednesday night, had a parts list picked out, and the PC was ready for pickup the next day!

Brought it home and immediately noticed the CPU cooler was quite loud and my CPU temps were hitting 91 celcius. Then I started gaming and the PC would intermittently shut off.

Took it back to Micro Center and they couldn't replicate the issue. Took to Reddit to help troubleshoot and nothing worked. Was convinced my power outlets at home were faulty, or that the power supply was bad.

Took it back again to Micro Center and they found that the tech had left the plastic on the heatsink. Immediately after removing this, CPU temps went down to 65-70c peak and the CPU clock from 3.3ghz to 4.4ghz. Fans were noticeably quieter, and haven't noticed any shutdowns since.

My guess is the CPU was peaking into the 100s but my software wasn't showing me because it would be for fractions of a second.

I asked them to warranty the CPU incase of plastic damaging it and they gave me a complimentary 2 year warranty.

All in all, a bit of a frustrating experience, especially bringing it back in and telling me there's nothing they can do since they couldn't replicate the power offs (even though the temps were sky high for my CPU/fan combo), but they made it right in the end.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably still do it but I'd be checking for plastic everywhere after this experience. It's something I never would've thought to check for.

Hope this helps!

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › how's micro center's pc building service? seems very mixed on their website.
r/Microcenter on Reddit: How's Micro Center's PC Building service? Seems very mixed on their website.
May 9, 2023 -

I go to the one in Tustin, California. I bought all my parts yesterday at Micro Center. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/cnX6k9

My plan was to take it to my local PC shop since they're a lot closer. I built my current PC myself almost 12 years ago and have kind of forgotten the process. I'm long over due for an upgrade. I'm also partially disabled now which is why I'm seeking the service. It'd be really daunting to do it by myself now. I just don't know if Micro Center is more professional than the guys at my local shop. I was also leaning towards Micro Center because the sales associate that helped me pick out the parts yesterday was super insistent on the extended warranty, especially since I bought a lot of refurbished parts.

I'm not super tech savvy, so I wouldn't really know what kind of job they did after I bring the PC home.

I was told I just needed the Tier 1 service ($150), since I have my own Windows Key.

Any opinions or experiences? Bonus points if it was also from the Tustin location.

Top answer
1 of 8
10
Mine is a different location (Denver Colorado) and unfortunately it has been a mind-numbing experience, the level of carelessness I'm experiencing with my purchase and time feels almost like a fever dream. Genuinely the worst experience I've ever had in an electronics retail setting, and I've been very patient and easy going with them because I'm used to PC building not always going according plan. Generally they are supposed to have a good reputation and I doubt that your store is going to be what I've been dealing with: I purchased an entire setup last Friday (over $2,000) and was going to assemble it myself, but had to go back twice after getting two bad motherboards and at least one faulty ram stick. I decided to pay extra for them to build it for me - peace of mind and knowing that I can leave the store with a working computer. It takes two hours for me to drive there and two hours to drive back, and I've made the drive four additional times since the first purchase. So I've driven there five times and back now. So about twenty hours of driving plus the gas money to pay for it. The Micro Center tech who I paid to assemble the computer: When the tech texted me that the computer was ready for pickup, he also asked if I would like the OS installed which I replied yes to. This was never done when I arrived and I was told that the tech never bothered to read my reply - I texted back immediately after they asked. Damaged/bent a panel on the case (this panel opens up for wiring) so that it no longer sits flush against the case when closed. Mounted the motherboard using only three out the six screw holes, including damage to one of the threaded mobo mounting brackets so that it's not even attached to case (the screw spins freely in place). The motherboard was also installed crooked - the rear I/O ports don't line up with the holes so you can't plug anything in, it actually caused one part of the I/O periphals to pop off the motherboard. The $800+ GPU was also squishing up against an internal part of the case due to the motherboard being crooked. Did not install the NVME drive that I purchased, it's not in the computer at all - the tech either misplaced it, forgot to install and embarrassed to admit, or flat out pocketed it. The most demoralizing part was talking to the service manager after bringing it back again - he seemed annoyed, wasn't apologetic, and was skeptical towards me about what became of the missing NVME (it's missing because tech is literally lazy or stoned at work or both). They are looking into the situation, but he spoke towards me like I was wasting his time and/or making things up.
2 of 8
9
I'm sure building your PC is very similar if not the same as 12 years ago. My first PC was over a decade ago and really not much has changed, just a few new things such as RGB connectors and m.2 SSDs but those are plug and play and easy. I find PC building to be a fun hobby and aslong as you have a cheap tool set it makes it easy. Infact I would argue it's better now because motherboards are labeled and almost no ports/plugs will work or fit unless they're in the correct spot. A YouTube tutorial teaches you everything. I know it's not what you asked for but I hope if you're at least considering it, it'll save you a lot of money.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › microcenter custom build experiences?
Microcenter custom build experiences? : r/Microcenter
November 16, 2023 - I had my pc built by them recently. I'm working silly hours and barely have time to use it never mind learn to build. They did a great job imo. I also opted for the extended warranty because I like to be able bring something to a store if not working and not deal with the RMA process.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › i know nothing about pc building and just want to pay someone to do it should i go to microcenter to get a custom build?
r/Microcenter on Reddit: I know nothing about PC building and just want to pay someone to do it should I go to microcenter to get a custom build?
March 19, 2025 -

What the title says. I need monitors and a PC build I have keyboard and mouse. This is my first ever computer out side of work needs to handle online gaming: Elden Ring, race sim, stardew valley etc. I also do a lot of personal finances for family so needs to be able to run Excel spreadsheets and other software.

Edit adding budget since so many people are responding: since I'm paying someone else to do it figured the budget has to be bigger so probably $3500 -5000.

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › advice wanted! first time pc build through microcenter
r/Microcenter on Reddit: Advice wanted! First time PC build through Microcenter
June 3, 2023 -

Hi everyone! Super excited, purchasing my first PC and I've decided to custom build it through Microcenter. I have one nearby and their prices are more than fair compared to other PC builders online. I know I can save a few hundred building it myself and buying the individual parts, but I'm okay spending a little more to have my PC built by experts and avoid any headaches. My PC specs are listed below, let me know what you think. If you have any recommendations for swapping out more compatible parts, better value parts, missing parts, please say so! I'm no expert so this is off my own research. Thank you so much!

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 7800X3D Raphael AM5 4.2GHz 8-Core Boxed Processor

Heatsink: DeepCool - AK620 ZERO DARK High-Performance CPU Cooler

Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling - 4g Thermal Compound

GPU: ASUS - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 ProArt Triple Fan 16GB GDDR6X PCIe 4.0 Graphics Card

Motherboard: ASRock - B650 PG Lighting AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard

RAM: G.Skill - Trident Z5 Neo RGB Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6000 PC5-48000 CL30 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5NR - Black

SSD: Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB Samsung V NAND 3-bit MLC PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD

Case: Lian Li - LANCOOL III RGB Tempered Glass ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case - Black

Case Fans: Lian Li - UNI Fan SL Infinity Fluid Dynamic Bearing 120mm Case Fan - 3 Pack Black

(do I need more fans? only have the one 3 pack)

Power Supply: Corsair - RMx Series RM1000x 1000 Watt 80 Plus Gold ATX Fully Modular Power Supply

Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 11 Home 64-Bit FPP USB - English

Build Total: $2,673.89

Estimated wattage: 624 watts

Find elsewhere
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildmeapc › is microcenter a good place to go for your first pc?
r/buildmeapc on Reddit: Is Microcenter a good place to go for your first PC?
April 18, 2023 -

I almost got a prebuilt PC 'till someone told me to go to Microcenter because they can customize a PC for me. I'm just nervous to build one myself cause I don't know what I'm doing but I also don't wanna be embarrassed at Microcenter when they ask me questions about what I'd like for my PC and I just don't know the answer lmao.

I'm looking for a somewhat budget friendly PC for gaming and video editing and supports 4K. (Does 4k only matter for monitors or does your PC itself also have to support it? That's how little I know...)

I'm sure they get people who are completely clueless all the time, right?

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › custom pc building service
r/Microcenter on Reddit: Custom PC Building Service
February 27, 2023 -

Does anyone have experience with using the Micro Center custom PC building service? I have one near me so it seems like a potential option.

I don’t really have the time to build my own with kids, wife, and work. Or it would take me a while. So just looking to get some feedback on their services if you have used them. TIA

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › building a gaming pc with access to micro center, $1500
r/buildapc on Reddit: Building a gaming PC with access to Micro Center, $1500
February 9, 2023 -

Like the title says, I want to build a gaming PC (also some graphic design/video editing). Games include Overwatch 2, Baldur's Gate 3, Dark & Darker. Would like to play Starfield. $1500 budget.

I have access to the Yonkers, NY Micro Center, and after doing some lurking I've been looking at the Ryzen 7 7700x bundle for $400, and pairing it with the Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070. I already have 2 monitors (Acer H236HL & Acer K243Y) but I am open to getting a new one. I have only built a PC once before and tbh I have a very basic understanding which is why I'm reaching out for help here.

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › micro center build or pre-built?
r/buildapc on Reddit: Micro center build or pre-built?
May 22, 2025 -

I’ve always wanted to get a PC built at micro center and with the 5000 series coming out and my build being 6 years old it might be time for a new build. Coming from a 3700x and a 2080 super my budget is the same as it was 6 years ago probably $1500. I can physically put the pieces of the computer together and have a little bit of a harder time with some of the software side. My cable management could be better as well.

I’m happy to try building it myself again to save money and learn something, but also would like a clean install and am happy to pay for that expertise and assurance if necessary. I currently run a dual 1080p monitor setup and previously used the PC for editing photos/videos as well. Mostly looking for a gaming PC that would be able to play most titles and multitasking. Could possibly upgrade to a 1440p monitor in the future but I like my matching 21” monitors on the swivel stands a lot.

What do you guys think? I feel like if I pay for the extra help or prebuilt, the budget will be stretched closer to 2000.

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › [deleted by user]
Custom Built PC Service : r/Microcenter
April 15, 2024 - MicroCenter employees use a driver software on a thumbstick. It is called Snappy Driver Installer. After we build the computer and get Windows running, we plug in the USB drive with SDI and run it through the process of driver installs. On rare occasion though, the driver may not successfully ...
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildmeapc › microcenter pc build service?
r/buildmeapc on Reddit: Microcenter PC build service?
October 23, 2017 -

I mainly just want a ryzen 5 and rx 580 build to get into pc gaming. I live near a micro center and want to know if their $150 build cost is fair/ worth it.

Also I want my build to be from 850-1000 dollar budget. Any recommendations for builds or prebuilt or should I try to build my own?

Top answer
1 of 12
9

I've heard nothing but fantastic things about their build service. if you have any doubts about doing it yourself, having them build it is still worth it. however, building isn't hard and it's a really great experience.

that being said, make sure to buy your stuff at Microcenter, especially the cpu/mobo combo - you get $30 off your mobo when you do.

2 of 12
3

I got the R5 1600 and RX580 from MicroCenter and all my other parts as well, besides peripherals, for $615ish. Took me around 5 hours to build but that was because I'm stupid and couldn't find the screws for the case for 2 hours. So unless you value 2-3 hours of your time for $150, I wouldn't do it. I got a real sense of accomplishment for finishing it after all that time and seeing it boot up for the first time and I hadn't built a computer before in my life, let alone know what all the components inside were going to be. It is just as easy as the other people on here are making it seem. But like I said, I guess it depends on how valuable your time is to you. Because if your budget is $850-$1000, my build plus peripherals would cost around that much if you want a good keyboard, mouse and monitor not including that labor fee. If you want to save some money on that fee, there are tons of people out there who list their services on places like fb marketplace and selling apps like offerup that will do it for you for $50-$100. If you want me to list my build and it's parts just let me know but you have to make some choices based on your time and how strict you are to your budget before you can ask for recommendations homie.

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapcforme › $1,000 micro center pc build
r/buildapcforme on Reddit: $1,000 Micro Center PC Build
September 21, 2024 -

New build or upgrade?

*New build, need some recommendations.

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

*Not reusing any parts.

PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

*Playing games like CoD, Fortnite, R6S, Warhammer, RDR2 Online, Minecraft, and story modes. Currently for art, I use the ibisPaint program, and might try Clip Studio Paint eventually. Sometimes I'll use Adobe for photo editing.

Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

*I would like to purchase everything from the Micro Center in Tustin LA, California.

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

*One IPS monitor 24-27” 1080/1440 and at least 120hz is preferred.

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

*$1,000 total, roughly $850 for the PC and $150 for the monitor.

WiFi or wired connection?

*I would like to connect to WiFi, and our carrier is through Spectrum.

Size/noise constraints?

*Sizing wise, a mid-tower at most with a window is preferred for the desk spacing. I'm alright with or without noise.

Color/lighting preferences?

*I'm going for a mostly white build. A blue/purple RBG lighting setup would be a nice inclusion.

Any other specific needs?

*1 TB SSD and Windows 10 should do just fine. This upcoming week on Thursday (9/26/2024) is when I'll be shopping at the Microcenter. Hopefully this is enough information to work with to gain a decent outline for referencing.

Top answer
1 of 2
1
If you missed the full set of required built request questions, please copy them from here and answer them in an edit to your post: New build or upgrade? Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If you're not in a country supported by PCPartPicker, please list some local vendors) Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) Budget range? (Include tax considerations) WiFi or wired connection? Size/noise constraints? Color/lighting preferences? Any other specific needs? Here is some additional helpful information about build/upgrade/parts list requests: Build requests only include hardware. You are responsible for budgeting for and providing your own operating system (Windows, Linux, etc) and other software. Don't forget to budget for peripherals. Since these are very much personal-preference influenced items, we do not include peripherals like keyboards, mice, headsets, etc in parts lists. We strongly recommend posting a build request only if you're ready to buy now or within a week or two at most. Part sales regularly rotate, and a part list today can quickly become out of date. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2 of 2
1
After spending some time looking into parts and referencing the recommendations, I put this listing together in PCPartPicker. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/nxMJsh I based the CPU, motherboard, and RAM on the lowest AMD bundle the Micro Center offers at the moment. And then added an extra 16 GB of the same RAM which is the G.Skill Flare 5X Series.   *Does not include OS or monitor just yet. Is there anything else I should include or may need some improvements on? Do the chosen parts look compatible with each other?
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/nova › microcenter or elsewhere for custom pc build?
r/nova on Reddit: Microcenter or elsewhere for Custom PC Build?
July 31, 2024 -

Looking to have someone help build a custom pc: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/chthh3

I have heard mixed things about microcenter build service - it sounds like the quality really varies depending on which employee is building your system.

My main concern is with cable management. Would I be better off going with an independent computer shop in the area?

Any input / recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › advice wanted! first time pc build through microcenter
r/buildapc on Reddit: Advice wanted! First time PC build through Microcenter
December 17, 2022 -

Hi everyone! Super excited, purchasing my first PC and I've decided to custom build it through MicroCenter. I have one nearby and their prices are more than fair compared to other PC builders online. I know I can save a few hundred building it myself and buying the individual parts, but I'm okay spending a little more to have my PC built by experts and avoid any headaches. My PC specs are listed below, let me know what you think. If you have any recommendations for swapping out more compatible parts, better value parts, missing parts, please say so! I'm no expert so this is off my own research. Thank you so much!

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 7800X3D Raphael AM5 4.2GHz 8-Core Boxed Processor

Heatsink: DeepCool - AK620 ZERO DARK High-Performance CPU Cooler

Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling - 4g Thermal Compound

GPU: ASUS - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 ProArt Triple Fan 16GB GDDR6X PCIe 4.0 Graphics Card

Motherboard: ASRock - B650 PG Lighting AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard

RAM: G.Skill - Trident Z5 Neo RGB Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6000 PC5-48000 CL30 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5NR - Black

SSD: Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB Samsung V NAND 3-bit MLC PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD

Case: Lian Li - LANCOOL III RGB Tempered Glass ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case - Black

Case Fans: Lian Li - UNI Fan SL Infinity Fluid Dynamic Bearing 120mm Case Fan - 3 Pack Black

(do I need more fans? only have the one 3 pack)

Power Supply: Corsair - RMx Series RM1000x 1000 Watt 80 Plus Gold ATX Fully Modular Power Supply

Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 11 Home 64-Bit FPP USB - English

Build Total: $2,673.89

Estimated wattage: 624 watts

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/microcenter › experience with microcenter's pc building service? need advice on custom build
r/Microcenter on Reddit: Experience with Microcenter's PC Building Service? Need advice on custom build
February 11, 2025 -

I'm planning to use Microcenter's PC building service since I'm comfortable choosing some components but need help with others. I've got a good handle on the core components I want (motherboard, RAM, SSD, and GPU), but I'm less confident about:

  • Case selection and proper sizing

  • Cooling solutions (fans, AIO vs air cooling)

  • Power supply requirements

  • Cable management

Has anyone used their building service recently? I'm wondering if it's possible to order some parts online for pickup, then consult with their tech team in-store to figure out the remaining components? Specifically interested in:

  1. How the consultation process works? Should I order parts online first?

  2. Whether they help with component compatibility

  3. If they can suggest alternatives based on stock availability

Also, do they help with OS installation and initial setup? Any tips or things I should know before going in?

Thanks in advance!