Custom Computer Warehouse - Krazy Kenny Uneducated, Untrained, Want-To-Be Computer Technicians! Columbus Ohio

This is not really a rip-off report because I was smart enough to go elsewhere before I did get "Ripped Off!" But, I am contributing this to forewarn unexpecting consumers from getting suckered by this Rip-Off Company!

I know a little something about computer hardware, holding a degree in PC-Repair and Computer Science. I was building my own computer and was looking for a specific part; a CPU fan retainer clip for a Pentium 4 / Socket mPGA478 mother board. I was able to find them online, but figured I would try local businesses first. I walked in to CCW and started looking around. I'll admit, they had a somewhat good selection of PC parts. I was approached by one of their so-called PC-Technicians and was asked if I needed help. That's about when I started to get leary.

At first I told the so-called PC-Tech that I was only browsing (I don't particularly like being attacked by salespeople when I first walk into any store). He looked at me and tried to play PC-Tech by saying, "Well, I'm sure you'll need me to explain what all that means," as I browsed and read the specifications of a couple of Mother Boards (mobo's).

With that comment, I had to bite. I asked him some questions about RAM and CPU compatibility for two of the mobo's I was looking at. He was only able to answer the RAM specifications correctly as he proudly 'BULLSH!@#ED' his way around my question.

I didn't need a mobo, I needed a CPU fan retainer clip, so I let him believe that his answers were acceptable. I then told him that I was really only there for a CPU fan retainer clip for an Intel(R) P4 Socket mPGA478 mobo. He kinda had that "Deer-In-The-Headlights" look on his face, but needed to try to impress once again (key words: TRY TO IMPRESS).

He stumbled over a couple of his words only to come up with, "You must mean a Socket A mobo because Intel(R) doesn't make a Socket 478." I looked at him and said, "I know Intel(R) makes a Socket 478, because this Socket A that you're talking about is for an AMD(R) processor!" "The AMD processors that fit Socket A (a.k.a. Socket 462) have 453 pins, the socket has 462 POC (points of contact), hence the name Socket 462, but 9 POC are blocked at the processor so you don't accidently insert a non-compatible Socket 370 CPU." (The Socket 370 CPU is physically smaller in size, and if the 9 pins or POC weren't blocked, would still sit in a Socket 462.) "The Intel(R) P4 has 478 pins**, hence the Socket 478!"

**Now Intel(R) makes all P4 processors including the Dual Core, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad to fit the new LGA775 socket. You guessed it, 775 gold pins or POC. The greater number of pins means less stress on the fewer number of POC as in the mPGA478 socket. Basically, there are more available connections between the CPU and the BUS for commands to travel on. Picture a freeway in a major city during rush hour. If that freeway only had two lanes in both directions compared to having 4 lanes in both directions, there would be more jams and most likely more collisions which cause more and more problems. The same goes for paths available for commands to travel to and from your CPU. Well, enough of the side-tracking, back to my story....

He glared at me with this look on his face like I was the stupid one in this situation. He continued to force the issue that "He was the licensed PC-Tech," and "He knew what he was talking about!" I picked up two mobo's off their sales shelves, one AMD Socket A and one Authentic Intel(R) Socket 478, which were both printed clearly as the light of day on the boxes. I proceeded to show him that he was not correct with his statements, but he wasn't giving up so easily (probably to avoid shame). He still insisted I was wrong, "The boxes were misprinted at the factory," he said.

I looked at him and laughed; yes, out loud. I know that was probably wrong, but he deserved it! I walked away, watching him as I took my business elsewhere. He proceeded back behind the counter, and without strapping his wrist with an anti-static band, stuck his hands right in a computer he was working on and removed the CPU! He calls himself a licensed PC-Tech?!?!?! The first thing you learn as a PC-Tech, PC-Programmer, A+ Cert, N+ Cert, etc., etc., is "STATIC KILLS COMPUTERS!" That may have been your computer he was working on! If he fried the CPU, maybe Kenny would make you buy a new one at his Krazy Prices! By Krazy Prices, I don't mean dirt cheap; Krazy = 40% above competitor's prices.

If you need PC components, hardware, repair, etc, beware of Krazy Kenny and CCW! I do all my PC shopping at Micro Center from now on! They hire knowledgable sales reps who know the difference between Intel(R) and AMD!

Sorry So Long, but needed to get it out. Hope I saved someone a bunch of trouble and protected them from that Krazy Kenny!

P.S. And just to cover my @$$, "I am in no way, contractually or physically affiliated with, nor am I a licensed advertisor and also NOT being compensated in any way from Micro Center or Micro Electronics, Inc., for using their name or names in this post. I am only, as a consumer, providing my own personal opinion of foresaid company(ies)." Basically, if you're looking for quality, new PC equipment, check out my favorite store in Columbus, OH, where the Sales Technicians know what they're talking about - Micro Center!
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Ohio Dave
Columbus, Ohio
U.S.A.