Seriously super happy with Christian's customer service! We're opening a new office in Austin and needed specific equipment. We've never been to Altex until this visit when we saw the sign from the freeway and decided to check out what the store had to offer. We walked in looking for a specific firewall, and Christian helped us find everything that we needed in the store. We didn't grab a cart when we arrived, but grabbed so much equipment that Christian helped us carry the hardware and set it aside for us at the checkout counter. We needed him to walk all around the store and show us where to locate specific parts. It was great! They had everything that we needed. Also, when our ride didn't park in the correct parking lot, Christian walked outside with us helping us carry the heavy boxes. He was so nice and helpful!! read more

Altex Computers & Electronics - Computers Near Me - Austin, Texas

Just wanted to say how helpful Alvin and the other sales reps were in helping put the parts together for my new gaming rig. Everything went as planned....everything matched up and worked first time. They were quick and accurate to answer all my technical questions. Great job guys! Steve S. read more

Good service. Friendly staff. I'm sure they deal with basic questions and people who think they know more about stuff than they do. I could tell that I fell into one or both categories at any given time, but I always leave more knowledgeable and feeling well treated. read more

For the only real tech resource in CenTex, they were lost discussing home cell phone repeater tech. They referred me to an RV place, who looked at me like I was crazy. read more

Staff was knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. No unnecessary work or charges, just people doing a good job with my laptop.

A handy AV/tech shop, i came from out of town to work at a AV project, luckily I landed at Altex when I needed a few audio connectors and supplies. They had everything I needed and some definitely visit this store if you have AV needs or computer needs. read more

Not as impressed as I once was with Altex. Two weeks ago I went here specifically to find a sealed lead acid battery for my home security system. They had shelf space for it, but none on hand. From that experience, I have learned to call ahead and verify that the item is indeed in stock. Last weekend, I went in for a video splitter I saw on their website. The picture on the website did not match the splitter being sold in the store under the same part number, not just in appearance, but in several key specification features. So I wound up buying one that cost four times as much. The biggest disappointment was checkout. When I entered the store, there was a cashier at one of the two main checkouts. He was still there as I browsed the store (for all of ten minutes). So I went to that same checkout lane when I was ready and waited for someone to show up. At least five minutes elapsed before one of the associates in the store standing no more than 10 feet from me finished his BS conversation with another customer who had already completed his purchase and asked if I was ready to check out. Had I been a little less patient that day, I would have left my merchandise at the register and told them to eff it. P.S. A full week later, they still hadn't restocked the battery I needed. I'm glad I bought it at Fry's the previous weekend. It cost 33% more, but at least I'm not waiting interminably for Altex to restock. read more

Altex Computers & Electronics - Logo - Computers Near Me - Austin, Texas

After several visits and purchases from the Austin store, I can wholeheartedly say, AWESOME company and awesome customer service! First, I went in for advice to determine which way to go. I had previously done business at Discount Electronics and felt horribly burned by deceit and by what I'd view as fraud by selling machines with an enterprise Windows product key instead of a dedicated key with the sale. The guys at Altex were great. They gave me ideas on which way to go and how to change for the better. Next, I bought a new machine from them. I set it up and other than my violating basic electronics by wrapping a monitor power cable around the video cable creating an induction coil, it worked great! I corrected my self-created coil and no issues since. The computer has worked flawlessly for four months. Not long after that my older machine with liquid cooling needed the coolant fan replaced. At first I thought I'd accomplish it but the electrical connections were different so I took it and the fan back to Altex. They had it replaced and running within an hour. I've since returned to buy some switches and cables. Along the way I've stopped into the Houston store and picked up a couple things. Same great service. They've got my business for life. read more

Excellent pricing and customer service. Dexter Thorn is so easy to deal with and when he takes my order I know that everything is going to be just as I ordered. read more

Electronic heaven on earth. The staff answers questions and helps you find what you're looking for (even if you aren't quite sure what that is yet) without pushing products at you. read more

I'd like to share my awesome customer service experience that Jason provided when I needed some help with a all in one computer. Jason took the time to look at what I needed the first time I walked in and offered up a good solution for the repair I needed. He not only repaired it in less time than I expected it works great. I will have one happy teenager daughter to have her computer back. Thank you.. read more

Terrific service and they always have what I need. Fantastic management who is truly dedicated to what he does for a living. He dropped everything to help a simpleton like me find an ethernet cable. I work from home so it was crucial that I get what I need for work. This is the best place in town. read more

Great customer service, the sales person pointed me in the right direction on finding the things I needed on my todo list and even went the extra mile and gave me some of his own extra personal thermal pads since they didn't sell them. I greatly appreciated this gesture and will forever be grateful. Legit just earned a customer for life because of that!! read more

These guys tend to know what they are doing, often have time to chat and answer questions (including a few stupid ones), and they have all kinds of computer hardware (I'm not a security contractor, so I dunno about that part). I've been coming here for at least a decade. The ONLY reason I'm not giving five stars is that their prices for consumer computer hardware are a little high. Still, if I can afford the price difference, I will go here for the easy return and salespeople that know what they are talking about and don't pressure me with upsells. And to poke around because they have AMAZING variety. (Also, if they ever move again, I hope they find someplace that isn't as annoying to get to as the middle section of an IH-35 access road. But it was likely cheap...) read more

Purchased there before with no issues. Husband went in to purchase some wire. He called me asking for a pin for his credit card. This made no sense. It was not a debit card. My husband verified he did verify there was money on the card Store clerk insisted he needed a pin. At some point he was surrounded by workers and felt totally threatened as if he was commiting a crime. Guess we will be going somewhere else to spend our money. read more

Recently, I needed to access some documents I had saved on a back-up hard drive. When I went to power up my Maxtor...nothing. Panic! I asked my man friend what I should do, and he suggested I probably just needed a new power supply. "Oh, that sounds simple!" I said quickly coming out of my tail-spin. I started at Radio Shack. The clerk there tried to help but wasn't able to look on the hard drive to determine the power requirements. He asked me to bring in the original power supply. I pointed out to him that right on the back it says 12 Volt, 3 Amp. He immediately told me he wouldn't have anything 3 Amp. I asked who in town would, and he referred me to Altex. I knew about Altex, but hadn't thought of that. Why I didn't hop in the car and run straight up I-35 to Altex, I don't know, but it's a mistake I won't repeat. The next day, I happened to be in the neighborhood of Fry's so I stopped in that megalith of all things electronic. I was sure they would have what I need, especially since that's where I bought the original drive. I found the right section of the store, and found a clerk who pointed and told me all the universal power supplies would be on aisle 11B. I was a little disappointed that a pointed finger and 11B was all the help he was willing to offer, but hey I'm intelligent, I can figure this out. Wrong. When I got to 11B there were lots of universal power supplies, but half of them were meant to plug into the car cigarette lighter and I could not figure out which would be right for me. I left. The next morning I went to Altex. The sales clerk asked what I needed, and walked me to the aisle. They didn't have exactly a 12V, 3A supply, so he made an informed selection and double checked that what he was suggesting would work for me. Then he walked me back to check out, and we made some small talk. When I mentioned that my errands for the day included renewing my registration, he recommended the drive through window, which is much faster. He even went to the computer to figure out the exact location for me. Turns out, the Tax Office on Airport has a drive-through window for vehicle registration that I didn't even know was there. Boom, registration renewed! When I got home, the new power supply worked like a charm and I've lived happily ever after and will always go to Altex first when I have need of anything electronic. read more

This store was neat and the employees were eager to help. The only problem was that the power switch the guy pulled off the shelf was the wrong kind and that delayed my start on my small project because it was a switch that was always on until you press the button. This type of technical mistake could be life or death for a computer when replacing important resistors or capacitors or other more type specific parts. read more

Altex Electronics is a great store for the true computer/electronics geek. The products that are sold here probably wouldn't appeal to most electronics consumers as they tend to be a bit more specialized. Here are a few examples of things that can be purchased here which I find rather unique: Gaffer's Tape - A must for stagehands. Way better than duct tape but also 5 times as expensive. Replacement Soldering Iron Tips - They have the full lineup of Weller tips for when you leave the iron on overnight. Here are a few more: heat shrink, ethernet patch panels, really long drill bits, 19" Rack stuff, many types of solder, and of course computer hardware. If you need really off the wall or advanced electronic parts this place tends to beat out Fry's for the most part, plus it's a somewhat local business. I have purchased things here many times and will continue to do so because they're the only folks in town that carry a lot of this stuff in stock. Only 4 stars because it's always way more expensive (sometimes twice as much) than ordering from a shady online dealer, but hey they have it NOW, so what do you expect? read more

I went to altex today because I was looking for some long cables for a home theater project. I couldn't find what I was looking for at fry's and worse, I had to look for 30 minutes to verify what I was looking for wasn't there. Altex had the long component cables I needed (50 feet) at a good price. I then needed a single composite (old school) cable that was at least 35 feet. The guy helping me Ian said you'll never find that but just take this co-ax cable and put some of these adapters on each end. All together it was about $13 for that... nice. He was so helpful it was almost ridiculous. He knew the model number of my LCD monitor and that it had a DVI port that I could use to test the HDMI cable I had bought elsewhere to try and troubleshoot why it wouldn't work. I needed a wall plate to run the cables out of my wall and he threw a bunch of parts together in my cart that I wasn't completely sure what they were but when I got them home my friend said wow, this is exactly what you need. I like Fry's but I'm going back to Altex next time I need a bunch of random electronics parts. I got everything I needed and was in and out like that. I wish going to Home Depot was more like my trip to Altex where one person would just lead me around and know exactly what I wanted and put it in my cart for me and when I got home I found they were actually right on about everything. read more

This is the hardest review I have ever had to write. I LOVED Altex. It was always my go-to store for any computer/electronic part I needed. I have fond memories of the Altex of old. However, this place has really gone downhill lately. The past two times I've been there, it was downright painful. The knowledgeable staff that I had loved is gone. The past two staff members that 'helped' me had no clue about anything I needed. I went in for an Optical Toslink Cable a few weeks ago. I looked on the website and saw they had them in stock, but the guy that tried to helped me had no clue what it was. I mean, come on, you work at Altex. After he searched the back for 10 minutes, I was able to find the cables, get the right size I need, and head to the check out. He came back as I was walking to the checkout line to tell me they didn't have any... The last and final time I went in was yesterday. I needed a simple CPU fan for my mother-in-law's computer. That was painless, but when I asked for a USB 2.0 Header Bracket Extension Cable, he looked at me like a monkey trying to do algebra. He took me to the USB Expansion cards, and said, that's all they had. I looked at some of the USB 3.0 cards, because I had a PCI-Express slot open, but the cards were waaaay overpriced. $40 for a 2 port card? Is this 2008? I can order a 7 port from Amazon for $19. When I asked again about the USB 2.0 Header Bracket Extension Cable, he said that was all they had. I replied "are you sure, because this is Altex?" He asked another person and they took me to a different area. This guy was a total jerk. Said, "this is what we have" pointed at a shelf and walked off. As much as I hate to say it, save time and just go to Fry's or order online. read more

MISLEADING MAPS: Took half an hour to find this place the first time because both Google AND Apple maps were confused about its location. Apple Maps was the most accurate (surprisingly enough). DO NOT trust Google Maps--it points to a spot on Rundberg between I-35 and Lamar where there's only houses. DIRECTIONS: Going south on I-35, get off on exit 241 for Rundberg. It's on the right on S IH-35 Frontage. Going north on I-35, get off on exit 243 for Braker, hang a U-turn onto S IH-35. The 9914 IH-35 part of the address is 100% accurate. But it's on SOUTH IH-35; not north. REVIEW: I suppose the fact that I bothered to look up correct directions to this place for other Austin tech geeks to use shows how much I already like it. They've got all kinds of stuff for enterprise-level IT solutions and some consumer-level selection as well. I went in with my S.O. expecting to find a store that at least had a section for electronic components much like Radio Shack and Fry's, but I was disappointed that they did not. But their selection of other IT equipment more than made up for this as I found several things there that I want (but cannot yet afford). They even had a few small things that not even Fry's stocks. Overall they're a great place to shop if you're looking for the right building blocks to build a LAN (including FC patch cables of various lengths) or even an office-or-home-wide A/V system. If you're spendy with your money like I can be at times, this place can empty your wallet or bank account VERY quickly because they have stuff that you know you need, and some stuff that you didn't know you needed, and stuff that may be on your wishlist. read more

Searched for "Austin Electronics" just to see what would come up because I didn't want to go back to Fry's. Altex came up and was only 5 minutes away so I headed down there. Got there around 10 minutes before closing, I was helped to find the SATA expansion card I needed, and it was only $1 more than from Amazon which is basically unheard of from a brick & mortar story (same exact item, model number and all). Not sure about the guy below me but he sounds like a "know-it-all" who wouldn't be "helped" even if he actually needed help. They probably looked at you like you were stupid because you might be...It's called an RJ45 connector/jack. Anyhow, I walked in, told the guy what I was looking for, he walked me over to the item, told me that it was software raid not hardware, didn't matter, rung me up, and I was on my way. Easy, best service I have had, didn't try to sell me a warranty or any BS. I will be back. read more

Bought a refurbished Leveno Thinkpad T400 there recently. Came with 1 year warranty and the store clerk let me unpack it to make sure it wasn't all dinged up. Looked nearly new. I have been having my computers repaired at Altex for years and have bought many parts. Good people and a good store. read more

The service here is extraordinary! Particularly, Jason is incredible and assisted my friend and I every step of the way. My friend and I came to the shop to buy several pc parts, she was building her first PC. Jason was quick and knowledgeable to assist us in the process of picking all the items out. Few days later, we built the PC but it wasn't turning on. So we decided to bring it into the shop and again Jason had assisted us. He took in the PC right away and had the technician, who was also amazing, take a look at it. They quickly found that one of the RAM cards was faulty and replaced both for us right away, free of charge as we had purchased those RAM cards from the store. Then they tidied the PC wires up for us all within the spam of an hour. The atmosphere, service, people, everything about this store is great! This is the best place in town, no doubt. read more

I love Altex. I usually don't go there for myself, but for customers. You know, when you need to pick up 12 one-foot power cables, three 7-foot and 6 14-foot purple CAT5 cables, and twice as many orange ones, a 100-foot roll of velcro, and an 8-foot long power strip that can be bolted to the wall. They have all of it and more. Usually I wind up finding a cool tool or connector or something that I have to put on my OWN dime. I love this place more than Fry's because their stuff is better quality, it's a local company, and quite honestly, have you ever had to return something at Fry's? It's easier for a New Yorker to make bail on a weekend in Williamson County. read more

I went to Altex recently when I was looking for a media PC case. I found Altex's website (which was informative, easy to navigate, and had lots of pictures) and picked out a few cases that might be in my price range and headed over. The selection of cases was a lot bigger than the selection at Fry's (which has a terrible selection of cases), and pretty much everything that I'd seen on the site was actually in stock at the store. I was expecting only a small subset of items to be available at this store (they appear to be based out of San Antonio). There were one or two older models that had been superseded that looked like they were available on-line, but weren't at the store (the newer models were, though, and that's what I ended up getting). The store itself is a single large concrete-floor warehouse. It's pretty industrial looking, but most of the folks who would be shopping here are used to that. They've got a pretty big selection of a lot of different electronic and electrical-related equipment including lots of cables, cases, KVMs, networking equipment, and a lot of things that I didn't look at or can't remember. The selection of actual computer components (CPUs, RAM, motherboards, video cards) is somewhat less and is on shelves behind counters at the front of the store. When I was finished looking around, I went up to the counter at the front to pay. When I set the case up on the counter, I noticed that it had a price tag less than I'd expected, though the case actually rang up at the price I'd seen online. I mentioned that there was a different price actually stuck to the box, and the guy ringing me up gladly gave me the discount, and said it'd probably been mistagged with the price of the older model. Unfortunately they were having trouble with the credit card verification while I was there. I tried three different cards, and none of them would go through, even though I'd used several of them that day or the day before. Eventually the manager came out and said that they were having technical problems. After telling him that I didn't mind waiting (I was in no hurry, and the place was pleasant enough, with lots of things to look at), he went off to the back. I ended up waiting probably 30 minutes just to check out, but when the system was finally up, the manager gave me _another_ discount because it had taken so long. Everyone at the store was helpful, and the selection was great. The only reason I didn't give Altex 5 stars is because the prices are a bit more than some other places. However, if you're in the market for some industrial-size rolls of CAT5 or some specialized equipment, this is the place to go. read more

I only went here for gaffers tape so I can't speak to much else, but service was great and gaffers tape can be hard to find. They had huge 180' foot rolls for less than the photo supply store's 60' roll. I was greeted at the door by someone who immediately directed me where I needed to go. I stopped off on a few aisles to check out some cool gadgets I saw, and twice was asked if I needed any help. I love stores where I don't have to hunt for someone to help me! Cashier was friendly too. I don't have technical needs very often, but next time I do, I'll go here for sure. BTW, a big thank you to David M. who had mentioned gaffer's tape in his review. When I searched where to buy it in Austin, that review brought Altex up to the top of the results. read more

This is my happy place!! Superb selection. Great pricing. I could spend all day here.

So disappointed since I have retired I have been on this computer kick and giving kids computers that otherwise can not afford one . It is very sad to see a kid on electronic day at school not have anything too take . So I find old computers , buy cheap computers , I erase all the data and back too factory set. I have a iPad that has a cracked screen and just knew I could go in there and get what I needed to fix it , but to my surprised this Computer does not sell Digitizers or for that matter the only possible Apple product like was an adapter no that is not what I needed . It is great place for building one , I like the challenge to just redo and give away . read more

A great place to get what you need for your IT issues or Computer concerns. Most recently I needed a 10ft shielded USB A/B cable.. I know what it is. Do you? Well, if you don't you can go here and ask and they will help you. The only help I needed was "where is it?" type of questions. Upon entering the store, I was greeted by Dawn (sorry if I got your name incorrect.. I was late on this review) and I simply stated what I needed. In a matter of moments she brought me to a few selections and then I was done. Just that quick and just that simple. Altex has always helped me out when I needed it. There may be bigger "box" electronics stores, but Altex gets you what you need fast and they get you on your way. read more

Worst customer service in the world. Do not waste your time nor money with these jerks.

Just OK. Glad we have something like that in Austin as opposed to just Radio Shack. I wish it were more eclectic, stuffed with gizmos, better selection. read more

Very helpful and reasonable prices. I called in from out of state and had my son drive to the store to purchase. Price was much lower than buying online. Thank you Drew! read more

Everyone at Altex is extremely helpful and nice. I brought my computer in, not knowing what was wrong with it, and they helped me troubleshoot the issue very quickly. They were able to get my data off my computer in case it crashes and also got it up and running again. Shout out to Jason who helped us, he's great. Great prices, great customer service - highly recommend! We'll be back! read more

There very knolegeble CPU tech's and there are A+ certified tech. they help u in any question u may have, they make easy for others to understand the CPU language. If u a rookie look and learn from other stores not just this one, there many other great stores in Austin Like this one. read more

Really like the store they helped fix my pc and the guys Jason and David helped a lot 30 mins away from my house but it was worth it

This place has it ALL. Sometimes I need specialty products and have a hard time searching around town looking for them. This place is Amazing, they had everything I needed, all in one location. I will for sure be back here on a regular basis. Staff was friendly also. read more

Lots of good options and helpful staff...im surprised there are so many (thats good). From cameras to computers to tons of wires to help with any need. Love me some computer nerds to help me through my nontechnical savvy needs. read more

I wanted a new computer and had grown tired trying to build a dell. Altex has been here for ages just like me and thought I would give them a try. I worked with Mark Octaviano who is a nerd extraordinaire...I mean that as a compliment. I work on a computer most all every day but I'm not a tech when it comes to builds or components-he is. He spec'd out several options, kept me updated through some changes and delivered a computer I am quite wowed by-this is from a guy who has hated most every computer he has ever owned. Its fast, looks great, has nothing proprietary so it can be updated or changed anytime in the future and is built piece by piece exactly as I wanted. This is a better way to build a computer. read more

Walked in today with a three year old UPS that died. Jason, assistant manager according to his name tag, helped me pick out another one that was more in line with my business need, then offered to instead to sell me replacement batteries for my uninterruptible power supply. This way, I didn't have to buy a new one. That's customer service that exceeded my expectations! That's the number one reason I keep coming back to this store for all my office's computer and electronic needs. read more