I am pleased to say that my order with AVA has been a most pleasant experience. Mr. Joe Mundy processed my order and with a bit of tweaking he came up with a system to my satisfaction. I work with Photoshop a lot and this system was designed with that in mind and it has not disappointed.  
Keep in mind that this was not a inexpensive system, but you get what you pay for and I got what I paid for.  
Kudo's to AVA and their staff.

I originally placed an order with Dell for a i5-750 system. This was the worst decision because the order was delayed many times and I ended up canceling the order because of lack of progress and frustration inherent in trying to deal with outsourced customer service nightmare. So following the order cancelation I was without a computer and needed to find another company to order from. I looked around online on some sites I frequented and avadirect.com was suggested on neogaf forums as a reliable company with good support.  
 
I went ahead and ordered a i5-750 system that was better in every way then the dell I canceled and cost less overall (though w/o the monitor). The order was processed quickly and any changes made right away, avadirect.com has a great customer service area where you can post a message and someone will respond usually within 15 minutes. I was able to narrow down the build and was happy with the final specs.  
 
It took over 2 weeks to get the order but once sent out it took only 2 days to get here. Everything was expertly packed and looked great. Unfortunately the Western Digital HDD was defective and I had to have it replaced. Chris Mundy was great in immediately responding to the issue and sending out a replacement which I received promptly.  
 
The whole experience is the antithesis of dealing with companies like dell as you have genuinely helpful people that want your business. I would recommend avadirect.com to anyone and glad to contact them with any issues.  
 

Website Rating* 5 (Excellent)  
Sales Service Rating 5 (Excellent)  
Customer Service Rating 5 (Excellent)  
System Build Quality 5 (Excellent)  
System Packaging Quality 5 (Excellent)  
Overall System Rating 5 (Excellent)  
Technical Support Rating (N/A)  
Best Features* Website Navigation Customization  
Build Quality Packaging  
Worst Features* None  
Overall Company Rating* 5 (Excellent)  
Overall Satisfaction* Satisfied  
 
Comments and Suggestions  
It was a pleasure doing Business with AVA Direct. I am pleased with the communications during the building of the computer and the fast response to question. The computer works great. The next computer I purchase will be from AVA Direct. Thanks  
 

This review was modified by its author, bblack, on 3/15/10 5:56 AM.

This was the second system I purchased from AVA. In February 09, I purchased an i7 based rack mount computer for use as a DAW (digital audio workstation) in my home project studio. The system took a bit longer to get than expected because some parts were on back-order, and when it arrived, the CPU cooler was unacceptably noisy. To AVA's credit, they ordered me a different cooler (which they didn't even stock!) and had a local tech come out and install it. That's the kind of customer service that all companies should aspire to. So when it came time to order a new computer for my law office, one I would actually rely on, I didn't hesitate to order from them again. Joe Mundy was very helpful (as always) in helping me select some components so that the system price would fit my budget. The system arrived well within the promised delivery window, was well packed, and has been rock stable from day 1. The assembly and cable management was first rate.  
I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again. Highly recommended!

I am sending this message in recognition of the EXCELLENT service I received from Jim Gasper in regards to my new computer sale. Based on the forums, it seems many come to AVADIRECT to have gaming computers built BUT this was not my need. I needed a computer that could handle graphics programs and 3D applications. After the death of my old computer, it became clear to me that computers sold on the retail market were just not going to work for what I needed. I researched many custom computer builders including Velocity Micro, Digital Storm, CyberPower PC's, Alienware, and MAINGEAR. I chose AVADIRECT because I wanted to support a local business and the prices were the best in comparison. I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE and this computer was worth every day spent on the verge of insanity waiting for it and every dollar spent! This computer is a complete difference from my old one. The speed is incredible!!! The graphics card blows my old one away!! I can run all my applications at the same time without having to shut one down to make the other program work. I was very concerned about the wiring because of the complete mess of wires my old computer had. This computer is wired flawlessly and this was just basic wiring (I did not get the custom wire management)!!! I do not know how they did it but when I opened my computer there are hardly any wires showing anywhere. I chose the CoolerMaster HAF 922 case because I liked the placement and size of the fans that came standard on it. I wanted a case that would help prevent overheating but I did not need the liquid cooling and other fans that come with gaming computers. This case is awesome!!! There is plenty of ventilation and the fans are very quiet. It actually blows out cool air. I could use my old computer as a heater. I was not expecting the case to be as big as it is but that is fine as it gives plenty of room for expansion. Everything is so well laid out inside it. Thank you AVA!

I made my order on 1/27/10, the ordering process is great, choose each part you want specifically. It took me around 3 weeks to get my computer. i received it on 2/19/10. Double boxed with all drivers and manuals. one of my pci cards wasnt plugged in good so i called support and they told me what to do, it was perfect. Its super fast, ill update in a couple months. Thanks AVA, im now confident of what a great company you are.

I had ordered from AVADirect about 3 years ago and was really impressed with the quality of the computer I recieved. It's really hard to beat being able to itemize each component of your computer and after going through a thorough burn-in, knowing that it works when you get it. Because of my previous experience, I ordered my second computer from AVADirect. This was specifically a gaming computer to allow me to play the up-and-coming games to their fullest potential.  
After going through and selecting the components of my computer, I recieved a call from AVA stating that they were not able to procure the specific graphics boards I was looking for, and they suggested an alternative. I was really set on the boards I originally stated, and AVA continued looking for me and found the same style boards, but they were an optimized version.  
So, after waiting 3 1/2 weeks, my computer arrived. It was packed very well and I was able to put it on my desk, insert additional hard drives (had asked them to add cables for four more hard drives), and away I went. Everything worked great, and I have had no problems with my computer.  
I heartily recommend AVADirect for anyone looking for a new computer. Their prices are very competitive, they execute a burn-in to make sure everything works, and they are there for technical support if you should ever need it (I did for my first computer. Needed to add more drives from a previous computer, and they checked to make sure my power supply could handle extra drives).  
Thanks AVADirect!

Assembly was professional and done with a fine attention to detail. Packaged carefully and included all manuals, accessories, upc codes, driver discs, etc.  
 
They knew right away when I chose two incompatible pieces of hardware. It would be nice if the website helped indicate what hardware is compatible (both physically and electronically), as I think it would make the shopping experience less intimidating for those of us with intermediate computer knowledge. Still, they perfectly fill the niche of those who want more options than somebody like Dell provides, but does not want to take on the time and risk of building a computer from scratch.  
 
Took the full 10 business days quoted for assembly but well worth the wait. thank you

Excellent company to work with. I received my new machine right on time, and everything was carefully and professionally packed. I was up and running in minutes after I opened the box. All specs were followed to the T. The couple interactions I had with customer service were great. Received fast, courteous responses and both questions I had were resolved immediately. I highly highly recommend AVA Direct.

The way to go if you want a custom system but want someone else to assemble it and, more important, want a warranty on the system. The variety of components offered is outstanding and the final build quality exceptional. Plus, AVADirect doesn't just put together the system without considering the options you've chosen. I had one unusual option selected. Rather than just build it as I specified they double checked with me to be sure I hadn't made a mistake when I configure the system.  
 
I've had my system for over 2 months now and am still very pleased with it. You can find sites that will be cheaper than AVADirect but not by a lot and, at best, they could only match AVADirect's level of service and quality. I suspect most of those lower cost sites wouldn't come close.  
 
At 19 days from placing the order until when it shipped it did take 3 or 4 more days than I'd hoped for but I did place the order the day before Thanksgiving so I wasn't overly surprised by that. AVADirect will be the first place I go next time I'm buying a system.

Simply amazing!  
Over the past couple of months, I researched and reviewed all components in advanced. This was my first time I needed someone to build a bare bone computer system. I was concerned about spending a great deal of money on a online store. I narrowed down 2 build companies to build my system. AVADirect was my choice. They have the best selection of HIGH  
quality components that I have seen. Everything posted on their site explained the entire process, from start to finish. I receive my order confirmation, build status and all the shipping details as promised. When I received the computer the packing was outstanding, no damage and all paperwork and CD’s were all arranged neatly in the Motherboard box. The one thing that really jumped out was when I opened my case, was the professional detail taken in placement of the wiring. VERY, VERY Nice. I will be a return customer!!!!! Thanks AVADirect.

I was very impressed with the selection options that AVADirect offers, the price is incredible and the build quality is the best that I have seen on a computer (even the ones I build which I thought were the best!)  
 
It takes a little while to get your computer but as they say in the finest kitchens, good food takes time and their computers are worth it.

I'm thrilled with my experience with AVADirect! I've built my previous two computers, but have not kept up with the various parts and compatibility issues, so I went to AVADirect when I needed a new "box". Joe and Chris Mundy were exceptional in helping me put the right parts together for a computer that will serve me now and later. There were some issues with one of the parts, discovered because AVADirect will not ship a completed system until it has proven stable - and mine did not. Troubleshooting the problem and switching out a malfunctioning part solved the problem, though this did delay the unit shipping to me. Do I appreciate the fact that this troubleshooting was done at AVADirect's end and NOT mine? You bet! My new computer arrived and was a "wow" in itself. The unit was securely packed for shipping. The various cables inside are beautifully bundled and secured against flopping around. The accompanying "bits and bobs" and documentation were neatly packed in the motherboard box. Overall, a very professional job from start to finish. One small quibble - I wish AVADirect had been more pro-active in contacting me when there was a delay in the process (the bad part, troubleshooting and replacing same). When I contacted them, however, a response was quick and informative. I would DEFINITELY use AVADirect again!

I have now ordered five systems from AVA Direct for my team of developers. The systems have all been excellent, save one, which had a bad on-board Ethernet port. Their support was flawless, sending me a new motherboard quickly, and without any hassle. We will be continuing to purchase systems from them, at least five more. Danny Cox

I have posted detailed review of my buying experience at  
http://www.ponticstar.com/blog/2010/01/11/best-place-to-buy-a-computer-online/  
 
Overall I would recommend AVADirect to anyone who wants to buy a computer online. Their professionalism, prices and warranty are hard to beat. Although you are expected to have some knowledge about computers and their components, you can always contact AVADirect with any questions or recommendations. I am pretty sure they will patiently answer all of your questions and help you out building computer of your dream within your budget.