Two years out from having KC Computers build my *dream machine*, which quickly turned out to be a nightmare.  
 
One WD SATA hard drive failed right out of the box, all four modules of 1GB Corsair DDR RAM failed at one point or another (causing no end of mischief) and the second WD SATA hard drive failed recently.  
 
I would not choose a computer from KC again.

This review was modified by its author, icarusfl, on 4/25/08 11:30 AM.

In my opinion, KC Computers provides an excellent value and an outstanding buying experience. Lower prices for individual components can be found, but for a complete PC built to your EXACT specs, KC is hard to beat. The system integration was free, the OS installation (with all drivers but no junk added on) was free, the advice was very helpful, and the response was quick. It never took Kevin at KC more than a few hours to reply to me, even on weekends. He went above and beyond the call of duty to make my purchase very pleasant. This is my 2nd purchase from KC (the first was in 2002) and both could not have been better.  
 
UPDATED 6 APR 2009:  
Recently I bought another computer from KC, but this purchase did not go so smoothly. I ordered what his website calls a Home/Office Desktop Intel System. When specifying the motherboard used in this system, the KC website links directly to the page on the ASUS site for the P5E-VM DO board. I was particularly interested in this board because it has both a serial (COM) port and parallel (LPT) port on the back panel, which I need to support some old hardware. Unfortunately, when my computer arrived, KC had substituted a P5E-VM HDMI motherboard (which has no serial or parallel ports) without letting me know. A USB/RS-232 converter worked for my serial device, but I still don't have any working substitute for the parallel port.  
 
So if you order from KC and you need the exact configuration that he advertises, you really should get written agreement in advance that no substitutions will be made without your approval. Perhaps due to the more web-based ordering process, there does not currently seem to be as much careful attention to detail and communication with the customer as KC has shown in the past.  

This review was modified by its author, rickhughes, on 4/6/09 5:45 PM.

If you're looking for good customer service, this company is a solid choice. After a bit of back and forth with Kevin via e-mail regarding what type of computer I could afford, I placed my order. The machine arrived DOA, but Kevin was very responsive via e-mail and then on the phone to get the problem corrected (had to test the RAM, format the drive and reinstall Vista - a fairly simple process, although seating the RAM was unnerving for a noob like me - if that sort of thing is old hat to you, no worries). They definitely care about getting things right at KC - even after something goes wrong. From what I've read about other mail order PC vendors, this is a rare commodity. Buy with confidence that even if something isn't working, KC will see that it gets fixed.

This is my second KC computer. I purchased it after owning the first one for about 6.5-yr and being very satisfied with Kevin's tech support and the performance of the first computer. I look forward to continuing my relationship with KC Computers.

Kevin was fantastic. We had been going back and forth about components/pricing on a configuration I had done with another online PC builder. I decided to go with KC computers due to my experience with talking with Kevin and the rave reviews online. I was not disappointed. The computer arrived fully working with no problems. All extra components were packaged neatly in their boxes with all their cds. The system even came overclocked! So far I haven't had one issue or complaint. As I start installing the rest of my programs and really start pushing this machine I'll try to give an update. Definitely worth the extra money I paid to have KC build my system.

What I can tell you about my own experience ordering products from KC Computers:  
 
If you have an idea of what you're looking for, but want to get guidance on matching your requirements while getting value, pick up the phone and call. OR call if you have no idea what you're looking for. You'll almost be guaranteed to speak with Kevin himself. He is a wealth of information, and its obvious the company uses customer service and technical support as it's differentiators. You'll get a fully tested system which will be built to your specification. Although it will take longer than an outfit like Dell to finish your order, it's well worth the wait - not to mention the value of lifetime support.

I am very satisfied with my KC Computers transaction.  
 
I bought new PC (CPU only) about 4 months ago, and wanted to see how things went before writing this review.  
 
I found KC to be very responsive and helpful with questions. The computer was delivered just as I had requested it, and I've had absolutely no problems since.  
 
I've also contacted KC with a question or two since my purchase, and they've been as helpful after as before the sale.  
 
I'm pretty much done with using other folks now...KC will be the source of my next computer purchase also, if they continue to maintain the stellar service I received and the other reviews reflect.  
 
Update: My video card failed after this review was written.  
 
KC was prompt in helping me diagnose the issue, and offered me multiple routes for resolution.  
 
It took some time to get the new video card-not due to anything KC did, just the nature of dealing online-and I've now got a working card again. I'm very pleased with how this was handled.  
 
Update 2: Unfortunately, the new video card ultimately failed also. It turns out there appears to be a hardware issue in this series of cards.  
 
This was the manufacturer's issue, not KC's.  
 
Again KC worked with me through multiple channels, incurring time and expense until I now have a different brand card that works.  
 
The continued stellar support of a challenging issue again confirmed that KC was a great choice for building my PC; he's really gone above and beyond to secure my future business.

This review was modified by its author, johnrothschild, on 9/18/09 7:55 PM.

Order ID Number 147 - Desktop Computer for Graphics Work  
 
Kevin was polite, friendly, very helpful. The computer works beautifully, and I will keep doing business with this excellent merchant.

Great company. Kevin is extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and I'm very happy with my machine. Communication was great, computer runs great (ran benchmark tests and it came out in the range I had anticipated,) and overall the transaction was smooth.

This company was a pleasure to order from. Not only was I able to chat many many times with Kevin Chalker to customize a computer build, but even after it arrived I received near instant email support for any problems I had.  
 
The computer did arrive with a glichty video card, but was promptly mailed a new one.  
 
I have had no problems with the computer since then, it's been about 4 months. I'd recommend KC computers to anyone.

This was my first purchase from KC Computers, and as a result of their outstanding service and part selection, it will not be my last.  
 
From the get-go, KC paid great attention to my order. I spent almost ninety minutes on the phone with the company's owner (KC), discussing which components were best suited for my target PC and why. Overall, I was most satisfied by KC's recommendation of the Antec Nine Hundred case - it is exceptionally quiet, not to mention sleek!  
 
KC was happy to install an OS I already owned - a copy of XP 64-bit that I had on hand - instead of selling me a new license. I simply shipped him the CD and it was returned with my PC. This is the kind of customization and customer-oriented service you can only get from a small business like KC Computers!  
 
Only 12 days elapsed between placing my order date and its ship date (and some of those were spent waiting for the arrival of the OS). KC even pushed up the expected ship date a few days to ensure it would be sent before the weekend.  
 
I have operated the machine for 3 months now and have experienced zero malfunctions, not to mention excellent system performance! The construction service offered by this company even included free overclocking - they achieved a steady core of 3.53 GHz, up from the stock 3.16. KC suggested this procedure in lieu of purchasing a more expensive CPU. This kind of care for the customer's dollar speaks toward the integrity and quality of KC Computers.  
 
The only dissatisfaction I had with my order from KC Computers was the wiring job. Cables were bundled together in a somewhat disorganized fashion. Although this was perfectly fine for the stock system, installation of my own Hard Drive proved to be a hassle, as I had to go in and snip nearly all of the existing cable ties just to fit the darn thing into the case. But when considering the competitive price offered, and the overall service I received, this wiring thing was such a small gripe that I strongly considered omitting it entirely from this review.  
 
 
In conclusion, I would (and have) recommended KC computers to my friends and family, and will readily do business with them again in the future.  
 
 
Thank you KC!  
Bryan  

Ordered another computer from KC Computers, been ordering for 10 years now. Great value for the money and the customer service is #1.  
 
Thanks Kevin

I received a custom-built computer from KC Computers last week and, I must say, I am quite satisfied. The eponymous Kevin Chalker (who seems to answer all the e-mails) is far more knowledgeable than the average salesperson at, for example, Dell, and very quick to respond. The selection of parts available at KC Computers is excellent. For example, they use Antec cases, which are among the best. I found their web site to be pretty easy to use and informative. Prices are not rock-bottom, but then you're getting to pick and choose the parts you want to go in your computer. Actually, first I asked for their recommendation, after explaining what I used my current computer for and what I wanted my new one to do. I was impressed to find that whenever one of their recommendations seemed a bit more expensive than it might have to be, and I did some research on my own, I eventually came to agree with them.  
 
It did take about 10 business days to get my computer, and there was somewhat less packing material than I expected around the computer. This might or might not explain the loose power cable to the hard drive which meant that the system didn't boot up at first. Everything was fine once I tracked that down, and I have no doubt Kevin would have been e-mailing me regularly had I needed assistance. I love the fact that all the manuals, adapters, etc., from all the various parts were included (except the hard drive, for some reason). I also loved the thoroughness of the installation of, in my case, two operating systems -- Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux. Everything was up-to-date. No slogging through hours of arcane patches and updates!  
 
All in all I had a very satisfying experience. I highly recommend KC Computers.  
 
Jaime  

KC Computers allowed me to custom tailor my computer to my needs and even helped me make money saving tips on the computer's construction. They were prompt with their replies to email, available quickly by phone and very courteous when spoken to. The computer I received had been assembled well and shipped with the boxes for each and every component I ordered. I even had the people at KCC install the new Vista OS on my machine so that I could be sure it was done right. All in all I have nothing but glowing remarks for the people at KC Computers. They were quick, they were honest and they built me one helluva quick machine.

Great product. Excellent service before, during, and after the sale. I plan on ordering a laptop from KC Computers in a few months. I heartily recommend KC computers!