Overpriced with somewhat knowledgeable staff. Only bought an item mismarked to my advantage.

I had called ahead to see if they carried a particular electronic plug, which they said they did. Upon entering, I was greeted immediately and asked if I needed any help. When I mentioned the part, the associate was happy to help me. Get this, it was only a $1.89 part: yet I was helped and served like I was buying an entire new PC set up. I was quite impressed, and will visit SWS first in the future, before the national chains. I like buying locally. read more

Tucson suffers from a lack of good computer stores. You are either stuck with hole in the wall shops or Big Box stores that peddle the basics at best. SWS is a decent attempt at a middle ground. Staff usually know what they are talking about and they offer an alright selection of hardware. Their prices are a bit high and not at all competitive with online retailers but passable. A good store for people who need their parts immediately. read more

Order on the internet, go to Phoenix, open your own store. If you know what you want, find another place to go. You can find the same product at a lower price. If you have computer trouble and live in Tucson, buy another one. I actually had an argument with the owner about the quality of service in their store! Of course, it was my fault. In the end, I discovered if I want to build my own systems, and live in Tucson, mail order is the best way to go... read more

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Clear guidance even when I start out clueless.

Months ago I took my rather expensive Toshiba laptop in to get a new hard disk drive installed. When I picked the computer up the new drive was installed alright, but the hinges were broken. I suspect the tech dropped a screw and could not find it because it fell into the case and interfered with the operation of the hinge. When I confronted the store manager he denied that SWS and their tech had done anything wrong and the broken hinge was not their fault. The hinges operated perfectly when I dropped the computer off at SWS. Basically the manager denied responsibility and fault for the hinges and further told me the repair of hinges was complicated and expensive. Obviously he wanted me to pay for the repair of the hinges myself and was discouraging me from having SWS making. Discouraging me from having SWS make any repairs for me is no longer required. read more

My son had a laptop that the HDD went out on. Bought him a new one online but decided to replace the HDD with an SSD. I pulled the HDD out of the new laptop before I even powered it on for the first time, and took the new SSD card and came to SWS to have the HDD imaged onto the SSD. They performed the service and I put the newly imaged SSD into the laptop and powered it up. Had an error when it tried to boot. I wrote down the error text and brought both drives and the laptop back to SWS. The technician said they would have to charge me a second fee to do the job because I hadn't brought the laptop with me the first time. I explained that the first technician said nothing about needing the laptop to do the job the first time or I would have brought it in. This was clearly their fault and the job was not done correctly the first time. The technician would not budge. Be careful when you use their tech services. They don't stand behind their work and don't take responsibility when they screw up. read more

I used to go to Best Buy as a default for computer stuff but I am a total SWS convert! This place has WAY more inventory for computer accessories, far more knowledgeable and helpful staff, and much lower prices! read more

I have never of heard of this place, until I went to Best buy because my laptop was broke, they recommended SWS. I drove over there asap, I was told $50.00 dollars for a diagnostic on it, so I said OK lets do it. Two days later I get a message from Nathan on my answering machine explaining what was wrong with the laptop and how much..I called Nathan back and he said that they needed to reinstall windows and that they could back up all my pictures and files, I asked how much that would be, he said $100, I said lets do it. My computer was fixed in a day, I was excited to get it back. When I go to pick it up I was told it's another $150 I said no I already paid $50, the guy at the counter said $50.00 for the diagnostic, I said no, I was told that backing up everything would be included in the $50.00, he said no...Now I got three people standing behind the counter about the price, I told them what I was quoted over the phone, they said it was wrong. I said I guess I have no choice my back is against the wall, I can't walk away, I need my computer. I paid another $150 with a total of $200, very upsetting...When I went home I was so pissed off, I went to my answering machine and listen to the message again Nathan clearly said it would be another $100 the $50.00 I paid would be the diagnostic and backing up everything. I called SWS and ask to speak with Brandon store manager I told him I wanted him to listen to my message, that it was the proof what I was told, but how stupid I was I guess because I was so upset trying to get the message to come on I deleted it, so now I lost my proof, Brandon said let me speak with the owner Fred and see what I can do, I will call you tomorrow, he didn't I gave it a day and I called back, Brandon says Fred has not been in and he would call me back after he speaks with him. I never received a call back, I wish I would of read this comments and complaints on here before I went, but I was sent by Best Buy. I will go to Best Buy and explain to them what happen and not to send people there.....Very disappointed in this whole process, I will never recommend them to anyone and will never use there service again!! My total bill should of been $150 not $200 , I was not trying to get anything free, but I do expect honesty and you know how to take advantage of customers by fixing there computer and the customer can't walk away!!! Terrible experience!!!!! read more

SWS is a terribly irresponsible and unethical company that has no respect for its own clientele, myself being one, and is only interested in their own profits and bottom line. I am a student, a comp. sci. major and I did not have time to do the work myself and I dropped off a PC for diagnostics at SWS as it wasn't booting properly. They decided they would not attempt to contact me, even though they had two of my phone numbers, my mailing address, and my e-mail address. This is because in the fine print of their terms they state if a PC dropped off for repair is not picked up within 30 days of dropoff, it becomes their property. Therefore, they have no incentive to notify you when their work is finished. Being a student, I was very busy and I assumed they were busy as well and simply awaited their call. After awhile, I began to worry and called in and they had told me they parted out the computer and sold it. I thought it was a joke! DO NOT deal with this company! They will RIP YOU OFF without hesitation. I have lost all of my sentimental files as well as some high-value parts including a $300 video card and a full set of expensive low-latency RAM with heatsinks. Currently filing a complaint with the BBB, of which this company has a rating of "F", the lowest possible. Also, pursuing this through the legal channels. read more

Up until recently, I was a frequent customer of SWS and prior to my latest experience I enjoyed the service there; all of this has now changed though. Let me share my experience...I work in the IT department for a relatively large company here in town. Last month we needed a new mid-range server built. We needed this in a hurry so we hired a 3rd party company to build the server for us. This 3rd party company which we've used in the past often buys parts from SWS (on a weekly basis in fact) and they did the same for this new server. They bought the processor (CPU) motherboard and RAM from SWS. They built us the system and it worked great for 1 week, then it had issues and begin to power on but not display anything. We took it back to the 3rd party company who built it for us, they ran diagnostic tests on the system and determined it was the CPU which was bad. This 3rd party took the receipt and the CPU back to SWS and informed them it was defective, however SWS said they "had" to charge $15 to "POST Test" the processor - bear in mind this CPU was only purchased 1 week prior from SWS and was deemed defective. We reluctantly paid the $15 fee to have the technician spend the 2-3 minutes needed to POST test it, and he confirmed the CPU was indeed bad. SWS does deserve credit for having actually exchanged the defective CPU for a new one instead of having us go through the manufacture to RMA it, but considering it was just purchased from SWS 1 week prior, I don't see this as them bending over and doing us a huge favor, especially since we are frequent customers who give them much business. One thing I do want to make clear is that the associates in the store were great to deal with and they were very polite, they were only following orders from management which is not their fault - the fault lies in the archaic store policies the management here has in place. After getting the new CPU, the system worked great as normal and the issue was resolved. The server ended up being approximately $2600 in cost so the $15 "POST Test" fee was not the issue, but instead the principle of the matter and the fact that management has these old archaic policies set in place and clearly shows no respect for their return customers who provide them with frequent business. read more

The guys and gals at SWS really know their merchandise! They are great at pointing you to the right product and brand for what you are trying to do. Whether networking or custom computer builds, they have the expertise on what you can (or can't) do with it. And don't buy cables anywhere else. Yeah, go check out those $60 HDMI cables at the big box and then price them at SWS. I know where you'll be shopping. With me at SWS! read more

Eric came to our residence and set up the new computer in a very short time and works great. So happy for a contractor in Tucson to show up for an appointment and do what they said they would. A+ read more

I needed to ship some RAM but I didn't have any of the original packaging. So, I came here looking for an anti-static bag and, hopefully, a little plastic clam shell to put the RAM in. I asked at the customer service desk and he pointed me towards a box of anti-static bags that said "Free anti-static bags with any purchase." Then I asked him if they happened to sell any of the plastic clam shells and he said no but he went in back and got me an empty one they had and then he told me I could just take the anti-static bag with no purchase, which was lucky since I didn't particularly need anything at the time. Very friendly people and a good experience! Will come back next time I need any computer things! read more

In a town with no fry's electronics or microcenter, it's the place for the little things that you just don't want to wait for.

Fixed my 2 computers just fine. The techs are knowledgeable and very polite. The problem is with their policy on used or reconditioned items. After getting my 13 y.o. son a used monitor, he did not have a chance to use it for several weeks. Then we discovered it keeps shutting down. I mentioned it to a sales person as I was picking up a repair job and he said bring it in we will try to make it right. Well I live clear across town and don't come into town too often so when I did, I was told you have no receipt and there is none in your account so after 30 days that's it. So when I bought it, every purchase and service was on my so called account but the used monitor wasn't? Not my fault. I feel they sold me a piece of junk and that's their policy. Why did one tech tell me to bring it back yet another obnoxious guy basically told me tough luck. Screw them, never buy anything used or reconditioned from these dishonest crooks. I have never been treated so poorly as I was over this. If they had any decency they should have at least offered a discounted replacement. Real scumbags. read more

I'm extremely satisfied with this place. I'm pretty new to the whole computer scene and all these guys here have been a great help. I first stopped in a few weeks ago curious about what they had to offer. I was honestly expecting another Best Buy or Dell store and I was pleasantly surprised that their non commissioned salesmen could take half an hour with no sale to just walk me through the store and show me around. Pricing is about 8-10 roughly the same prices you'll find through Newegg and Amazon but you can walk out with it that day and that's a big plus for me, I'm very impatient. There was a mishap with some parts I wanted to hold but it was rectified that day and I got a fantastic deal. The customer service is great and the staff is always willing to help, even with dumb questions. I have a feeling I'll be a life long customer, I'm dropping about 1000$ over the next couple weeks on my new build they helped me pick out based on my needs. I'm glad to spend an extra 10-20$ for parts because I am supporting a local business and I'm able to get same visit resolutions on any problems I may run into. 10/10 would shop again. read more

Just the best! They have everything and they know how to use it . Not enuf? How about conveniently located on Speedway in the center of town? Also, open Saturday's. read more

Great personnel! Would be happy to return for any computer needs. Picked up a great hard drive at a great price. Impressed by the facility and overall experience. Thanks. read more

Very nice place to have in Tucson. It's hard to believe how much they get into that small-ish store. Lots of selection and helpful employees. I got a replacement fan for a specific CPU for 5 bucks out of the clearance bin. Got a headphone cord there for really cheap a couple of years back as well. Great place to find stuff like that. read more

Great selection, helpful staff. It would have been nice if the staff spoke in lamen's terms a bit more...but I think the associate I dealt with was newer (he didn't know what to do with the yelp deal form). read more

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Computer was fixed and ready to go in just 2 days.

Stopped by for a few hardware parts for my latest project and a repair on a server. I was pleasantly shocked they had everything IN STOCK,! They had a very knowledgable staff and and they seemed interested in helping me get my projects done verses just selling me something. They may not be the cheapest in town but the quality of the products made their prices a really good value. I don't like cheapy computer parts because I have to change them over and over. SWS had high quality parts. I needed some anti static bags for a couple boards I was mailing. They gave them to me for FREE! I am a very satisfied customer now about 10 times over and I will for sure be going back for any other computer networking or hardware needs. read more

This business needs serious improvements in customer service. When I walked into the store, a girl was sitting on a char by the counter; she looked at me and looked away. I m guessing greeting customers these days is an extremely hard thing to do. I got my item and went to pay. While I was standing in line with three other people, the same girl was still sitting on her chair looking at us standing in line. The item I got was outstanding, however I could have bought it online or somewhere else. This type of behavior from employees does NOT make customers feel appreciated and I would not come back. read more

Good staff, horrible management. I've been shopping at the store for years. As an IT manager, I've spent tens of thousands of dollars at this store. Unfortunately, their management is dumb enough to cost them all of my future business over a $40 case. I purchased a few hundred dollars worth of parts from them the previous day. When I got home, I realized that the case I asked them for was not the case I received. In fact it was the case next to the one on their display that I intended to purchase. I'm sure an honest mistake from one of their good staff members. So, I got home and took it out and realized it was an mATX case and not an ATX case. Obviously, I realized there was a mistake and went to bring it back and exchange it for the correct one which, by the way, was more expensive. I was told that the manager told them that they could not exchange a case (which was never used) unless it was damaged. I understood that the staff member was just doing their job, but this so-called "manager" is a complete idiot that just decided to screw a customer who has been going there for nearly a decade, dating back to their old location. I explained to the staff member to tell their "manager" that I was someone who does a ton of business there and will cease doing so over this. What kind of management is that? Losing a loyal customer who spends quite a bit of money at the store over a $40 case. A $40 case? A case that I was going to exchange for a higher-end model that I would have paid more for and that the store would have had a larger profit margin on. Horrible decision, but I guess that why this "manager" is stuck working at a retail store in the first place. I feel bad for the owner of this store as I liked doing business there. I appreciated having a local business to buy from. Even though every item they have is overpriced, it was worth it to support a local business in an era where anything can be gotten online cheaper. Unfortunately, they chose a moron to "manage" their store that day. Good job, "manager". You managed to drive all my business elsewhere over a cheap case. Hell, I'd have even paid a restocking fee just because I liked shopping at your store, but I was just told to basically go screw myself. So, from now on I will no longer do business with SWS. I will take all my business to NewEgg from here on out. It is sad that small businesses keep losing out to internet retailers, but when they can't figure out how to do basic customer service, I guess they deserve to die off. *** FYI, just so people know who this moron manager is, the incident occurred on April 18, 2013 at 3:15PM. So, those who know should be able to figure out who was making that call at that time. read more

My desktop computer was infected with a virus. I took it in and was charged $75.00 for the virus removal. When I picked the desktop up the work order read that the virus was removed, the new RAM installed, and another virus scan had been run with no negative results. When I got the desktop home I could not access the Microsoft or the Malwarebytes software. I contacted the store and was told to bring the computer back in. I was then contacted by phone and told that it would be an extra $125.00 to get rid of the virus, reinstall Windows, and backup my data files. I can not believe that they told me the virus had been removed and then charged me an extra $125.00 to do the job right the second time. I will be filing a complaint with the Attorney general's Office for fraud. read more

Terrible experience. I purchased Windows 10 Home from them. My software came in an envelope. The product key is on a label on the envelope but you have to scratch a silver sticker off the product key. Just like a lottery Scratcher. I scratched it off and part of the key came off with it so I can't read the key. I am unable to activate windows because of this. SWS says they can't help me and to contact Microsoft. I contact Microsoft and they were helping until they found out it was an OEM version of windows that is supposed to be sold with hardware builds. They said SWS is not supposed to sell these like this, they are supposed to sell you retail versions. So I call SWS back and they basically tell me they don't know why Microsoft said that, but they can sell them like that and they've been doing it for 10 years. The text on the envelope itself says OEM and that they are not to be sold individually. The bottom line is I got screwed out of $129 after tax by SWS because they sold me software that was not supposed to be sold without a system and as a result the product key can not be replaced. What am I supposed to do about it? Be careful buying from here, they don't even follow their contracts with their vendors and sell OEM products you can't get support for. read more

BUYER BEWARE! My 82-year-old mother bought a wireless router here on Dec. 26. We determined that she didn't need the router, and since she lives in a rural area, it took some time for me to get the router back in my possession so I could return it. I went in today with the receipt and was told that it was past their 15 day return period so they could only give me store credit. Most stores offer 30 days, especially around the holidays, but okay, However, since there were two pieces of paper missing, they would charge me a 15% restock fee. I asked if they couldn't just make copies of the paper and he said no. I purchased a more expensive item to use the credit, and the cashier was nice enough, but what I can't forgive is the fact that the manager, I assume, who was in the back did not come out to talk to me when I told them I was upset; the cashier went back twice to talk to him, but he would not take the time to come and talk to me. I will take my money elsewhere next time. Shame on them for not wanting to deal with an upset customer. read more

very helpful and knowlegable staff. there is something here for everyone, from people who are computer illiterate to highly advanced users looking to build their own custom rig. i purchased one of their prebuilt systems and added a few extra touches. they were more than happy to accomodate me and help me with selections. when i need comouter parts or repair in Tucson that i cant do myself, id never trust anyone else. read more

After four Macs and two Dells over the last 25 years, I finally decided to get a computer custom built to suit my needs. I checked out the "boutique" builders online, but found that I kept exceeding my budget. I went to SWS since I knew they had been in business for quite some time. The sales person (Joe, who is actually their on-site tech) really listened to what I wanted and gave great advice on where to put the bucks into my desktop. He didn't try to upsell everything, and even talked me out of spending too much for stuff that wouldn't make a noticeable difference (like expensive memory) given my needs. The result is just what I asked for: a super quiet, fast machine with great graphics for games. And all within my budget. Note: there was a hitch with the audio driver, and even though it was kind of a pain to take it back, they resolved it in less than 24 hours and were really gracious and helpful. It was a great experience and wonderful to buy from a local business instead of a big box or faceless online retailer. read more

I went to SWS and was very happy with the service I was provided until I returned to pick up my computer they had fixed. I paid $100.00 at the time I dropped it off $50.00 to check what was wrong and $50.00 to back up files. next day I called (before they had worked on it) and asked to have the $50.00 for back up used towards the repair instead because I had already save my pictures a few months ago. Days later James the tech called me he was very nice said he couldnt save anything on my computer but that he would only charge me 50.00 to add microsoft back on my computer rather than the normal 100.00 . I said thank you thats so nice of you.When I went to pick it up the invoice showed 50.00 microsoft 25.00 for labor for the install for video card and 69.99 for video card. Total with tax 151.36 not including the $100.00 I paid at the time I dropped it off. When I went to pay I told them about deducting my 50.00 credit. then the guy said no it was included already then took my paper work from me went to the back and printed a new one with a 125.00 charge for labor the 75.00 was no longer showing for labor and refused to give me the orig. work order. they didnt want to give me my credit of $50.00 I had left from 100.00 I paid. they actually doctored my service order to keep my 50.00 dollars right in front of me. Complete rip off NEVER again will I go to SWS for computer repair. I plan on contacting BBB. Beware.. read more