Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Amazon's vast marketplace includes a wide array of PC components and peripherals, often at competitive prices.
- Product Selection: 9.5/10 - Huge variety of products from numerous brands and sellers.
- Pricing: 9/10 - Competitive pricing with frequent deals and discounts.
- User Experience: 8.5/10 - Easy to navigate, but can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of options.
- Customer Support: 9/10 - Excellent customer service with easy returns and refunds.
- Shipping: 10/10 - Unmatched shipping speed with Prime membership.
Amazon's strength lies in its convenience and fast shipping. Prime members enjoy additional benefits, making it an attractive option for quick purchases or last-minute components.
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Micro Center offers a unique in-store experience with knowledgeable staff and the ability to see products before purchasing.
- Product Selection: 9/10 - Excellent range of components and peripherals in physical stores.
- Pricing: 9/10 - Competitive pricing, especially on in-store-only deals.
- User Experience: 9.5/10 - Unmatched in-store experience with expert staff assistance.
- Customer Support: 9/10 - Helpful in-store support and decent online assistance.
- Shipping: 7.5/10 - Limited online shipping options, focus on in-store pickup.
Micro Center excels in providing a hands-on shopping experience and often offers unbeatable in-store-only deals on CPUs and motherboards. However, their physical store locations are limited to certain regions in the United States.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Best Buy offers a good balance of online and in-store shopping for PC components and peripherals.
- Product Selection: 8/10 - Decent selection of mainstream components and peripherals.
- Pricing: 8/10 - Competitive on some items, but not always the cheapest option.
- User Experience: 9/10 - Clean website design and easy-to-navigate physical stores.
- Customer Support: 9/10 - Good customer service both online and in-store.
- Shipping: 9/10 - Fast shipping options and convenient in-store pickup.
Best Buy is a solid choice for those who want the option to see products in person before buying. Their price matching policy helps keep them competitive with online retailers.
Overall Rating: 8.7/10
While known primarily for camera equipment, B&H offers an impressive selection of PC parts and peripherals.
- Product Selection: 8.5/10 - Good range of components, especially for content creators.
- Pricing: 9/10 - Often competitive, with no sales tax in many states.
- User Experience: 9/10 - Well-organized website with detailed product information.
- Customer Support: 9/10 - Knowledgeable staff and good customer service.
- Shipping: 8.5/10 - Free expedited shipping on many items, but closed on Saturdays for religious observance.
B&H is an excellent option for those looking for both PC parts and creative professional equipment. Their no-tax policy in many states can lead to significant savings on big purchases.
When choosing where to buy your PC parts and peripherals, consider factors such as price, availability, shipping speed, and customer support. Many enthusiasts mix and match retailers to get the best deals on different components. Don't forget to check for bundle deals and price matching policies to maximize your savings.
Remember to always verify component compatibility before making your purchase, especially when buying from multiple retailers. Happy building!
