AVADirect Custom Computers

I ordered from AVADirect because I had used them before and had a good experience, but not so much this time. It's nice that you can pick your own components for the build, but you will pay a bit more for the privilege and it will take time because they order the parts from a distributor. Configuring the build isn't terribly hard, but the website is a bit wonky. They try to make an effort to keep you from using incompatible parts in the build but sometimes that backfires. For example, I wanted to air cool a Fractal North Mesh case. The site would not allow me to choose an air cooler, probably due to an optional included fan bracket (which no one ever uses). I went ahead and selected a 240mm AIO and the rest of my parts. Nothing complicated or new/cutting edge, just a basic system. First, a few days after I ordered they sent me an email asking if I would pay $135 more because they mistakenly applied a discount twice. Fine, stuff happens, I went ahead and paid. Second, it took over 2 weeks for them to let me know that they couldn't get the video card I ordered, and few replacement options were offered, so just to move things along I omitted the video card from the build and got a refund for that component. A month into the order and they finally received the case so the build could actually start. They must be captive to a single distributor or something, because at the time I placed the order I put the build together on pcpartspicker and could have had all the parts in a matter of days from various online sources. On top of everything, when the PC finally arrived it was configured with single-channel RAM (a single 32GB stick). I would NEVER choose to have memory configured this way. Maybe they were in a hurry since the build was taking so long. I tried calling support to address the issue, and was told that it was a sales issue and someone would get back to me that day. Didn't happen, and since time is running out before the spring semester starts I went ahead and ordered an appropriate 2 piece RAM kit from Amazon. At least the assembly of the build itself seems to be done well. TL.DR - You'll be given a big selection of components to choose from, but it's a crapshoot as to whether you will actually get them, or when. Their configurator is a bit too conservative when it comes to compatibility, point for trying I guess. Be sure to pop the case and check things out and make sure you have what you ordered. After having to purchase my own memory I ended up paying over $1500 for an AMD R5-7600x system without a video card. The choose-your-own-components thing is a really nice idea, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

Jan 12, 2025 · Michael Grubbs

Ordered / received an incredibly powerful mini build to power advanced interactive experiences at tradeshows etc. We searched every major custom builder and AVA offered a level of customization we could not find anywhere. Our experience ordering, their communication, and build quality is incredible. We will be ordering many more machines from AVA in the future. Well done.

Dec 13, 2024 · Provis Media

Ordered a 12+k computer from ava direct and am very happy with my purchase despite some flaws in the expieriance. If partial stars I would grade a realistic 4.7. Pros: - even with any hiccups you won't regret your order at all. - amazing custom work. My computer is fantastic even if there are a few things I'm unhappy about expieriance wise. - one of the only custom builders to openly offer eatx motherboards. - the hydrodipping is gorgeous. - the PC runs super quiet and so far temperatures have been phenomenal. My prior jet engine I placed on a different desk is indeed green with envy. - the parts/brand hey use for custom cooling is not only aesthetically Top notch, but also a billiontimes better than many other options ive seen. The graphics card cooler ive onlyseen offered with them despite superior capabilities. - packaging for shipping is phenomenal. I like that they use fedex for freight shipping vs a third party that sometimes makes it a challenge to actually get your orders. - sales team is responsive to status inquiries during creation which eased my concerns along by taking a chance with their company for an expensive purchase. Sales team is very polite and cordial. - if a part isn't listed you can get it ordered - most options of any online computer builder. With additional availability if you don't mind waiting for it to be ordered. Cons: - process online lists phone call to ensure that to go over specs questions, concerns, preferences, and to go over parts. My call pretty much just said thanks for order. - online builder lacks details and other options from their site. - wish the builder offered more personalization options without reliance on sales team for ordering and that it was configured to add slots available for certain cases and cards. - computer came packaged with the lights controller and case lighting un-installed. charged me extra to get additional required parts. I don't know how to install it around the liquid cooling because my hands are to big, and now they don't get cable management w/o undoing prior management. - ordered an additional monitor for inside the case not realizing the mb came with one. They also sent this to me in a box with no clue how to install it. So more wasted money. - sales team to my understanding is instructed not to help make a choice when a customer is struggling to make the right one due to lack of knowledge. I was trying to find a case that would allow my hydrodipping dream, without sacrifice of cooling capabilities. But u have a knowledge gap to make an informed decision. They were unable to help provide feedback. - I ordered purple coolant and received clear coolant. - my boxes that came with my computer are full of unlabeled parts that I have no clue what they are. No clue what's spare and what's important. - it was a bummer they didn't have access to custom cables for newer graphics cards. Originally I had wanted to lian li rgb cables, but they don't stock the newer versions. So I settled on custom cables in a color. They were unable to get one for the graphics card. -software was not preinstalled - website advertises that you can request alt colored fittings for custom hardline cooling. I had wanted goldy/bronze. Despite same brand and size online, they were unable to order alternative colors than the standard black. All in all I'm extremely happy to have ordered with them. I know I included a lot of cons, but I wanted to share a detailed review that wasn't negative for things out of their control and wasn't so generically positive that it seems like it could be written by a bot. One of my hesitations for ordering were the sparse reviews on sites that cannot be edited by owner and reviews were super mixed over ridiculous things. (Like a manufacturers defect that they replaced, the shipper beating up their order ect. ) my finished product is much better than my original PC. No regrets. :) Update: post receipt service is good so far. They sent me purple dye and the tools to access the pump.

May 14, 2024 · Mandi marie

After a lot of research and looking, these guys had the most variety and was the most cost effective. My pc is beautiful and came very quickly! Only issue I had was software related, ( Razer software sucks but i got the game pac as a gift, AMD and Nvidia conflicting but easy fix, ). I plan on buying any gaming pc from them. You can tell they put a lot of love into it and even give you the spare parts, which I've found to be rare! They called me to make sure I had no questions and requested feedback which I genuinely appreciate.

Aug 16, 2024 · Harriet Leon

AVA Direct has built two custom computers for me and the build and service have been excellent. Recently, they reached out to me advising me of a potential problem with a manufacturing defect in the Intel 13th gen CPU. I contacted Joe in sales and asked if they could perform the recommended fix for me which he said they would…at no charge! The technicians upgraded the CPU and updated the BIOS. You can’t beat service like that! I highly recommend this company if you want a custom computer built for your needs and if you’re not knowledgeable about computers they will give great advice and recommendations.

Oct 12, 2024 · Jim Buescher