Discussion Micro Center crazy overpriced for PC service and repair

[kwikplumbing]

Me being a idiot i went to install a argb hub and plugged the wrong power interface into the hub. So it burnt out just the hub at first. After unplugging the pc ran fine for 1 day then randomly shut down. Now I go to start it up and everything lights up and fans kick on but nothing on the screen. After 3 tries finally something comes up it says the pc could not get through post process starting in safe mode or press f1 to enter setup but then freezes at that screen every time. Im thinking motherboard is no good?

Went to micro center they want $950 to replace motherboard with exact same one. They are a rip off!!! They said they charge $500 per hour. Try to find that price on their site!) It says $79.99 for motherboard replacement i know its more work when its liquid cooled but $500 per hour when regular motherboard is only $79.99. We desperately need a skilled gaming rig builder in Rhode Island and Massachusetts area. I called every listing and can't find a single person capable.

 

[COLGeek]

Seems your best option is to do yourself. I understand that you have a complex build (due to the custom plumbing), but it still a PC.

Just take your time and you should be able to manage the needed transplant.

 

[kwikplumbing]

Seems your best option is to do yourself. I understand that you have a complex build (due to the custom plumbing), but it still a PC.

Just take your time and you should be able to manage the needed transplant.

Luckily I believe I found a local pc repair place that can handle the repair. I was just shocked at the huge difference in price from what they list to actual price. I mean from $79.99 to $950 thats a huge difference. I knew it would be more due to complex build but just due to liquid cooled its $500 per hour. That should be listed on their site. I tried so hard to get a ballpark estimate but they wouldn't give me it but now I know why. They just want to get you in the door so most people would just say oh well and just pay it.

What it tells me is my area is in desperate need of a skilled pc builder. I went through every business listing and only found 1 person in a 2 state search.

 

[punkncat]

IME Micro Center has a very detailed and specific price list AND hourly rate listed. They additionally list the diagnostic fee as being a required aspect of the replacement fee. There is also a place where they mention additional charges where dealing with water cooling. It was NEVER going to be $80. It was going to be that, plus the $40 diagnostic. I wouldn't doubt that they hit you with the POST test at $25 and then on top of that the fee for dealing with the water cooling and the new motherboard price. edit- and this is based on the motherboard being the only thing wrong, which I have no idea.

It would seem to me that you didn't read all the details and made assumptions.

 

[kwikplumbing]

Please show me where it says they charge)$500 per hour? They list $800 for brand new liquid cool system. But they want $950 just in labor to replace exact same motherboard. That price is over triple the cost of every single other pc repair place i called them all in the area . I called 5 times and spoke to them via chat online and was told none of this. They simply try to get you in the door so once they tell u the price they hope u say screw it and just pay. Huge rip off no matter what you say. All I wanted was a little honesty so I didn't drive a hour to get there for nothing.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

They simply try to get you in the door so once they tell u the price they hope u say screw it and just pay.

That would he illegal. There is more to the story for sure. Can you show us where it said any of the rates you are claiming?

$500 an hour what? Are you sure you aren't misreading something?

In all honestly If I were a repair shop i wouldn't want to touch a custom hard loop liquid cooled pc with a 10 foot pole.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Me being a idiot i went to install a argb hub and plugged the wrong power interface into the hub. So it burnt out just the hub at first. After unplugging the pc ran fine for 1 day then randomly shut down. Now I go to start it up and everything lights up and fans kick on but nothing on the screen. After 3 tries finally something comes up it says the pc could not get through post process starting in safe mode or press f1 to enter setup but then freezes at that screen every time. Im thinking motherboard is no good?

Went to micro center they want $950 to replace motherboard with exact same one. They are a rip off!!! They said they charge $500 per hour. Try to find that price on their site!) It says $79.99 for motherboard replacement i know its more work when its liquid cooled but $500 per hour when regular motherboard is only $79.99. We desperately need a skilled gaming rig builder in Rhode Island and Massachusetts area. I called every listing and can't find a single person capable.

A lot is unsaid here. Like you indicate it's 'liquid cooled' but not much on just how highly customized the cooling rig is. If just a simple AIO that's one thing, but some of the plumbing jobs I've seen are very complex and something else again. Not only might it be a neat trick getting it all re-assembled, refilled and leak free but once they're all done and you've been sent home and happily gaming away, then it springs a leak but you don't notice until it's trashed your $1000 GPU who's gonna cover it? It can be fairly high risk so it sounds like they basically quoted you a price that says "we don't want the work...but if you really insist we're covering potential losses".