I don't know if age is relevant but I'm 68 and have been tinkering and building computers since the '70's. My first DOS system was a dinosaur by Epson of all things.  
I was starting to think about a new Core i7 build when I noticed that desktop prices had dropped drastically. So I spent 3 to 4 weeks researching custom builders and finally settled on AVA Direct.  
I got a quick response to an email inquiry from a sales guy, Joseph Mundy. Then I spoke with him on the phone. No sales hype, just offers to assist in decisions if required.  
I had previously priced a system on their web site and went back to the saved config. Since I live pretty much on Social Security, total cost was a BIG concern. Finally I settled on a system with good up-to-the-minute basics: Asus P6T Deluxe V2, core i7 920, CM Sniper case, VelociRaptor 300gig, HD4770, etc. Total cost was about what I had estimated to build it myself.  
I received the system of May 28th, as schduled. When I opened the case I was tempted to just leave it opened, hang it on a wall, and use it as art. In nearly forty years I have never seen a cleaner, better laid out build! The "standard" wiring by A tech named Misha was truly beautiful and tight. PLUS they refunded for a cooling option that had only partially been possible (Misha had called me to discuss it before proceding). That's a full refund, without me requesting it!  
All in all, I've had a good collaborative experience with these guys...they seem to actually care about their reputation as a company and do their best to ensure that you get what you pay for. Seems like a rare experience these days, no cons just straightforward good workmanship and nice people to deal with. Recommend highest!

I really liked how you can customize your computer with the exact hardware you want. And if there are any parts they don't list, you can email them and they add them within the day. Great customer support via email/messages after and during the sale. Computer seems very well built and I'm very pleased with the purchase. Will buy from again.

I was very pleased with AVA Direct from the selection of the product, the actual construction to the timely shipment of the finished product. It was well worth the wait, it exceeded my expectations in every way.  
Cliff

After doing much research, I finally chose AVA Direct based on the reviews I read here. Still, I was apprehensive dealing with a company I did not know. But I was thrilled. My computer arrived about 3 1/2 weeks after ordering, packaged well, and the quality of the build is superior.  
 
I already knew what I wanted, so I didn't need any help up front, but I did have questions after receipt and they are very prompt at responding.  
 
I am so happy with this, as well as relieved to find a company so reliable.

I am a regular when it comes to custom built gaming PCs. I was unhappy with Alienware, Cyberpower, and others when it came to the PCs I had built with them in the past. I did not receive any advice for my build nor did I get any comments if one of my modifications conflicted with another which usually led to a very poor gaming experience in the long run. That has changed with AVADirect.  
 
Their customization options are many and quite detailed. When I stumbled upon hardware conflicts they were very quick to email me and tell me why there was a conflict and asked me what I was looking for in a PC. I told them that I am an avid gamer and I'm looking to build a beast with a set price range. It took off from there and now I have this beautiful machine at my desk!  
 
The processing and shipping speed was comparetively fast and my rig arrived well packaged. If I were to choose just one of the many strong points of this company I would definately have to say customer service. Through all of the computer companies I have dealed with over the years I can tell you that customer service is usually horrible for computer companies in general. AVADirect has been quick to answer my questions and in a friendly and direct manner (hence the name?). I have never been rerouted to anyone or asked to look up any information on my own. Their suggestions and ideas for my computer and personal situation have been outstanding. 5/5, 10/10, 20/20, 100/100, 2Thumbs/2Thumbs, whatever max rating you got these guys deserve it!

Excellent company. GREAT customer service. They have knowledgeable staff. I got a custom system and they found some incompatibilities with the parts I selected and immediately contacted me so we could work out some changes.  
 
I love how they're website lets you buy parts, kits or custom systems. Save money however you want. Great prices too.  
 
It's been a while since my last parts/kits merchant went out of business, I was glad to find these guys and even more impressed with their service and prices.  
 
HIGHLY recommended.

I was looking for a custom gaming system to replace my 5+ year old home build, but I didn't have the time or recent hardware knowledge to build a system myself.  
 
I was impressed by AVA Direct's ratings and reviews, especially here on Reseller Ratings. It was easy to customize a system on their website. They had the latest hardware available while being surprisingly affordable.  
 
I hadn't dealt with hardware in a few years, so I emailed them for some advice on my build. Joseph Mundy was very helpful and professional. He helped adjust my build to what I was looking for, while helping me stay within my budget.  
 
It took a little while to build and ship my system, but I knew to expect it and they kept me apprised of the progress. The packaging was very safe. The system itself is well built. The wiring is clean and secure. It's also very pretty with its red lighting and fans.  
 
I waited for a while to fill out a review so that I wasn't just pleased with having a new computer. I also wanted a chance to see if their technical service was as excellent as their sales, but I've yet to have reason to consult them. My system has worked better than I'd hoped. (I at least expected trouble from 64-bit Vista.) Still, I'm confident that they'll be there and do an excellent job if I need them.  
 
My build:  
# INTEL, Core™ i7-920 Quad-Core 2.66GHz, LGA1366, 6400 MT/s QPI, 8MB L3 Cache, 45nm, 130W, EM64T EIST VT XD, Retail  
# eVGA, EVGA X58 SLI, LGA1366, Intel® X58, 6400 MT/s QPI, DDR3-1333MHz 12GB /6, PCIe x16 SLI CF /3, SATA 3 Gb/s RAID 5 /9, HDA, GbLAN /2, FW /2, ATX, Retail  
# CORSAIR, 6GB (3 x 2GB) XMS3 PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz CL9 (9-9-9) 1.5V SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC  
# eVGA, GeForce® GTX 295 576MHz, 1792MB GDDR3 1998MHz, PCIe x16 SLI, DVI /2, HDMI, Retail  
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 150GB (WD1500HLFS) WD VelociRaptor™, SATA 3 Gb/s, 10000 RPM, 16MB cache  
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 1TB WD Caviar® Black™ (WD1001FALS), SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 32MB Cache  
# LITE-ON, iHDS118 Black 18x48x DVD-ROM Drive, SATA, OEM  
# LITE-ON, iHAS422 Black/Beige 22x DVD±RW Dual-Layer Burner w/ Smart Erase & LightScribe, SATA, Retail  
# THERMALTAKE, V9 VJ40001W2Z Black Mid-Tower Case w/ Window, ATX, No PSU, SECC  
# THERMALTAKE, Toughpower, 80 PLUS®, 1000W Power Supply w/ Modularized Cable Management, 24-pin ATX12V EPS12V, Quad +12V, Quad SLI Ready

The computer I ordered was a very specific build. I do not game, but I demand audiophile quality sound, seem-less 1080p video, and extreme quiet all in an extremely stable, attractive, package. Joe Mundy was very very gracious in helping me with every whim I asked him to meet, and doing so in a very timely manner. Responses were received within an hour of asking during business hours. The build took a while due to a faulty cpu, but the rig came completely stable. The staff answered all questions honestly and without trying to sell extra components. I am now the proud owner of a very fast very high quality performance pc, where I picked every part. It was also almost as well priced as if I built it myself. I have already recommended them to friends and I will use them the next time I need a pc.

I ordered a MS-1722 laptop from AVA Direct. Their customization options exceeded those of any other brand. The price was excellent. Service was very good. Turn around time was decent at just under two weeks and it arrived very well packaged. The machine is fantastic. They've even followed up a couple times by email to make sure that everything is working properly.  
 
I will definitely buy my next computer from AVA Direct.

Bought two computers- I higher end custom gaming workstation (which is also now my file server, tivo, etc.) and a slim desktop system (ASUS).  
I had a very positive experience- from a person who handled all my issues (a MOBO I wanted was not in stock, it was ordered and I got it as promised) and questions in a timely fashion.  
Systems were assembled and tested very professionally and I am really content with the products I got. I got all docs and leftover material (such as thermal paste for example).  
They even installed linux on my gaming system. I would definitely recommend/buy again.

I am completely satisfied to have done business wih AVA Direct. They are very professional and customer service is great. They take time to make sure that what you need is what you receive.

The computer I order was a medium high end computer. My wife was tired of using older generation computers and works a lot from home.  
 
I asked for counsel on quiet and I added an item half-way through the process. They answered the phone promptly, they gave me good advice, and they were quite friendly.  
 
The system was delivered on 5/12. Though it took a long time, an eternity when you are excited about receiving a new toy, they kept me up to date, and I was patient. I have built many computers myself, and I know that parts arrive dead, they arrive later than you want, and stuff happens to slow you down. I wanted this computer to work when I received it, even though I was not asking for it to have an OS on it.  
 
The build was beautiful!! The system consisted of:  
# COOLER MASTER, Cosmos 1000  
# INWIN, Commander Modular Power Supply, 80 PLUS®, 750W  
# ASUS, P6T Deluxe V2  
# INTEL, Core™ i7-920  
# NOCTUA, NH-U12P Copper CPU Cooler, Socket 1366  
# OCZ, 6GB (3 x 2GB) Platinum XTC PC3-12800 DDR3  
# SAPPHIRE, Radeon™ HD 4850 X2 650MHz, 2GB (  
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 150GB VelociRaptor  
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 250GB WD Caviar® SE16  
# WESTERN DIGITAL, 250GB WD Caviar® SE16  
# LG ELECTRONICS, BD/DVD±RW/CD-RW Blu-ray Disc™ Burner w/ Lightscribe  
# CREATIVE, Sound Blaster® X-Fi Titanium, 7.1 channels, 24-bit 96KHz, PCIe x1# LOGITECH, Cordless Desktop® MX™ 5500 Revolution Keyboard & Mouse  
# SYMANTEC, Norton Internet Security 2009  
 
The system was absolutely wonderfully quiet, fast, beautifully wired, and I am a hero to my wife. It has Windows 7 x64 Ultimate. What else is important in life except to have your wife think that you are a hero?  
 
I would say that the time it saved me in putting the parts together and testing was worth the price that you pay to them to do it. I had seen a couple of people complain about the length of time it takes to get the system and sloppy wiring. This was not the case for me and the wait was very well worth it.

I purchased a custom notebook computer from AVA Direct. The website was easy to use and the wide selection of options was amazing. You can't find a better site to buy a customized computer for a reasonable price. They are upfront and honest about the production time. You have to understand that it takes some time to build a custom computer with the huge number of options they allow. I was pleased with every step of the buying process. I have had my SSD notebook for close to a month now and have had no problems. My next computer purchase will be a desktop from AVA Direct.

This was the first computer I have bought from AVADirect but won't be the last!  
 
My order was placed on 04/11/09 and shipped on 05/06/09. They exceeded my expectations in responsiveness and quality. Messages were responded to within a matter of minutes and they were able to accomodate special requests, such as updating the firmware on my solid state drive without any extra cost. The quality of the build looks excellent and it is running perfectly so far.  
 
As other reviewers have mentioned, there is no extra bloatware for which I am very greatful. When I have bought computers from other online retailers I have always had to spend time removing all the extra junk they put on the hard drive. I also appreciated the folder with all the test results and specs and link on the desktop to an HTML page showing the benchmark results.  
 
I have bought custom gaming systems from other manufacturers/online retailers before but this is by far the best looking and performing system I have received.  
 
Pros: Many - Reasonable price; quality of wiring, build and packaging; responsiveness to messages; selection of components; accomodating special requests; inclusion of performance testing  
 
Cons: Minimal - Had to wait a little on the build to get a hard drive adapter for tne SSD - only bothered me because I was impatient to get my new computer :D  
 

Excellent transaction; recommend this company. Salesperson was very helpful and knowledgeable. I gave him my requirements (including price) and he put together a system. I went away to do some more research and concluded that what he had suggested was right for me. I called him once during my research. He called back fairly quickly and gave me more information. At no time was there any pressure to place the order.  
 
The machine arrive 4/29/09 (place 4/15/09) and has been working without any problems at all since then. The quality of the workmanship was excellent with the exception of the one loose screw on the bottom of the case. Very easily removed in case I ever find that I need it!

This review was modified by its author, cdWeiner, on 5/12/09 11:28 AM.