After comparing 20+ online and brick-and-mortar computer retailers across pricing, return policies, build options, and stock breadth, these 7 picks cover the strongest options for buyers shopping prebuilts, custom builds, or individual components. Every retailer here has a long enough operating history to support reasonable RMA expectations.
Quick Comparison
| Retailer | Best For | Return Window | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newegg | Component pricing | 30 days | Most states |
| B&H Photo | Tax-free for most states | 30 days | NY/NJ only |
| Micro Center | In-store DIY | 15-30 days | Local |
| NZXT BLD | Custom prebuilts | 30 days | Most states |
| Adorama | Photography + PC bundles | 30 days | NY/NJ only |
| Best Buy | Mainstream laptops | 15-60 days | Most states |
| Amazon | Convenience and selection | 30 days | Most states |
Newegg - Best Component Pricing
Newegg has been the default online retailer for DIY PC builders since the early 2000s. Component selection is the deepest among general electronics retailers, with stocking depth for niche items like AIO coolers, specific motherboard SKUs, and ATX 3.0 PSUs that Best Buy and Amazon often miss. Combo deals bundle CPU+motherboard or GPU+monitor at 5 to 15% discounts versus buying separately.
The trade-off is the marketplace; Newegg's third-party seller marketplace has had quality control issues, so stick to "Sold and Shipped by Newegg" listings for major components. Return process on opened components can include restocking fees of 15 to 25% depending on the item. For full DIY builds, Newegg's combo discounts and rebate stacking still produce the lowest total cost on most $1,500+ build orders.
B&H Photo - Best Tax-Free Option
B&H Photo collects sales tax only in New York and New Jersey, which translates to 5 to 10% savings versus Newegg or Amazon on large orders for buyers in most U.S. states. Component pricing runs close to Newegg on CPUs, GPUs, and motherboards, often beats Newegg on monitors and cameras, and stock breadth for PC components is solid (not as deep as Newegg).
The trade-off is the Saturday shipping pause; B&H is closed for Shabbat from Friday afternoon through Saturday night, so orders placed late Friday do not ship until Sunday. Customer service is strong with phone and live chat. Payboo credit card refunds the equivalent of sales tax for NY/NJ buyers. For a $2,000+ build outside NY/NJ, B&H is often $100 to $200 cheaper than Newegg after tax adjustments.
Micro Center - Best for In-Store DIY
Micro Center operates roughly 25 stores across the U.S. focused on PC enthusiast components. In-store CPU pricing is typically $30 to $80 cheaper than online retailers, including bundled deals where adding a motherboard drops the CPU price further. The build counter offers $99 to $199 assembly service for customers who buy parts in-store. Knowledgeable floor staff is the closest equivalent to the old PC enthusiast shops of the 1990s.
The trade-off is geography; if you do not live near a Micro Center, online ordering loses most of the in-store pricing advantages. Online prices run closer to Newegg without the in-store discounts. For buyers within driving distance of a store, Micro Center is the strongest single retailer for a full DIY build under one roof. Return window is 15 days on components, 30 days on prebuilts.
NZXT BLD - Best Custom Prebuilt
NZXT BLD lets you configure a custom prebuilt with current-generation Intel or AMD CPUs, NVIDIA or AMD GPUs, and a clean cable management job in an NZXT H-series case. Pricing typically runs $150 to $300 above DIY equivalent for the labor, warranty, and aesthetic build quality. Lead times are 2 to 4 weeks. Build quality is consistently higher than mass-market prebuilts from CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower.
The trade-off is the upcharge versus DIY and the limited case selection (NZXT cases only). For buyers who want a clean RGB build, premium cable management, and a 2-year system-level warranty without the time investment of DIY, NZXT BLD is the strongest custom prebuilt option. Returns within 30 days. Replaces the need to learn cable routing, BIOS setup, and Windows install.
Adorama - Best Photography + PC Bundles
Adorama is primarily a photography retailer but carries a solid PC component and prebuilt selection. Like B&H, Adorama collects sales tax only in NY and NJ, producing tax savings for most buyers. The strongest fit is photographers building editing rigs who want to bundle camera, lens, monitor, and PC components in one order with one shipping fee.
The trade-off is shallower PC component stock than Newegg or B&H; expect to find mainstream CPUs, GPUs, and components but not the niche enthusiast SKUs. Customer service is solid with phone support. For pure PC builds, B&H or Newegg covers more selection. For mixed photography and PC orders, Adorama is the single-cart winner. Returns within 30 days.
Best Buy - Best Mainstream Laptop Selection
Best Buy carries the deepest in-store laptop selection in the U.S. with 1,000+ retail locations, plus a strong online presence. Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus laptops are stocked across most stores for in-person comparison before buying. Geek Squad provides in-person setup and ongoing tech support, useful for buyers who want service after the sale. My Best Buy Total members get 60-day returns and free installation services.
The trade-off is PC component pricing; Best Buy is rarely competitive with Newegg or Micro Center on CPUs, GPUs, or motherboards. Best for prebuilt desktops, laptops, monitors, and peripherals. Open-box deals through their outlet section can deliver 10 to 25% off retail on returned-but-unused items.
Amazon - Best for Selection and Convenience
Amazon carries nearly every major PC retailer's listings plus its own warehouse fulfillment. Prime shipping makes it the fastest option for replacement parts when a build hits an issue mid-assembly. Selection is the broadest, covering Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, custom prebuilts from iBuyPower and Skytech, and individual components.
The trade-off is third-party sellers and counterfeit risk on components like RAM, SSDs, and small accessories. Stick to "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" listings for major components. Pricing runs close to Newegg on CPUs and GPUs, often higher on niche items. Return process is straightforward through Amazon's standard 30-day window. For convenience and fastest replacement shipping, Amazon is unmatched, but verify seller before buying high-value components.
How to choose
Budget DIY builds under $1,500: Micro Center first, Newegg second. In-store Micro Center CPU bundles plus Newegg combo deals on motherboards and GPUs deliver the lowest total cost. B&H if you live in a high-tax state.
Premium custom prebuilt $2,000 to $4,000: NZXT BLD. Worth the upcharge for clean cable management and full system warranty.
Laptop shopping: Best Buy or Costco. In-store in-person comparison matters more for laptops than desktops. Costco's 90-day return window is the strongest safety net.
Convenience over price: Amazon Prime. For one-off replacement parts, peripherals, and quick delivery, Amazon wins. Avoid Amazon for major component purchases when Newegg or B&H is $20 to $50 cheaper.
For more tech shopping picks, check our roundup of the best computer stores online for component shopping and the best HP computers for HP-specific buyers. Our full review and ranking criteria are documented in our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which computer retailer has the best return policy?+
Costco offers the strongest electronics return window at 90 days on most computers, with no restocking fees. Micro Center allows 15 days on PC components and 30 days on prebuilts. Newegg standard return is 30 days on most items with possible restocking fees on opened components. B&H Photo offers 30 days. Best Buy is 15 days for standard members and 60 days for Total members. If return flexibility matters most, Costco wins for prebuilts and laptops, Micro Center wins for components with the strongest in-store RMA process.
Is Newegg or B&H Photo cheaper for PC parts?+
Newegg historically wins on raw component pricing, especially with their frequent rebates and combo deals. B&H Photo runs roughly even on GPUs and CPUs but typically beats Newegg on monitors, cameras, and accessories. B&H also charges no sales tax in most states (only NY, NJ), which can save 5 to 10% on big builds versus Newegg's standard sales tax collection. For a full custom build, B&H is often $50 to $200 cheaper after tax adjustments. Check both before buying.
Should I build my own PC or buy prebuilt?+
Build your own if you want maximum performance per dollar and are comfortable with a 4 to 8 hour assembly process. DIY builds typically save 15 to 25% versus equivalent prebuilts at the $1,500+ price point. Prebuilts from NZXT BLD, Maingear, or iBuyPower are better for buyers who want a warranty on the whole system, no troubleshooting risk, and faster delivery. At the $800 to $1,200 price point, prebuilts from retailers like Costco often match DIY pricing due to bulk discounts.
What is the difference between Micro Center and Best Buy for computers?+
Micro Center is a specialty PC retailer with 25+ U.S. stores focused on enthusiast components, CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, and custom builds. In-store CPU prices at Micro Center are typically $30 to $80 cheaper than Newegg or Amazon. Best Buy is a general electronics retailer with 1,000+ stores carrying prebuilt PCs, laptops, monitors, and basic accessories. Best Buy has stronger laptop and Apple selection. Micro Center has stronger DIY component selection and lower component prices when you live near a store.
Are extended warranties from these retailers worth buying?+
Usually no. Most PC components carry manufacturer warranties of 1 to 3 years (CPUs 3 years, GPUs 3 years, PSUs 5 to 10 years). Newegg, Best Buy, and Micro Center extended warranties add 1 to 2 years of coverage for $50 to $200, but the failure rates for components in years 2 to 4 are low enough that the math rarely works. Exception: laptops with batteries and screens that fail more often. AppleCare+ on MacBooks and similar coverage on Dell XPS or HP Spectre is worth considering.
