Awd-it.co.uk Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Awd-it.co.uk appears to be a legitimate and well-established online retailer specializing in custom-built gaming PCs, components, and related peripherals.

The site showcases a clear focus on gaming hardware, offering a variety of pre-configured systems alongside options for customization.

Their emphasis on customer trust is evident through prominently displayed features like a “3 Years Gaming PC Warranty Including Parts & Labour,” “FREE UK Mainland Delivery,” and a “4.3 Star Rating Rated Excellent” from an external review platform, likely Trustpilot.

This immediate transparency suggests a company aiming to provide a reliable service for PC enthusiasts and gamers.

The site is structured to guide users through their product offerings, highlighting current deals and popular configurations.

They also seem to cater to different budget ranges and performance needs, from entry-level gaming machines to high-end AI-ready systems.

The inclusion of Klarna as a payment option further indicates a modern approach to consumer financing, making higher-value purchases more accessible.

Overall, Awd-it.co.uk presents itself as a professional and dedicated provider within the competitive PC gaming market, with a strong focus on customer assurance and product quality.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot Awd-it.co.uk Reviews

Understanding AWD-IT: A Deep Dive into Their Offerings

AWD-IT has carved out a significant niche in the UK’s custom PC market, primarily serving gamers and PC enthusiasts.

Their operational model revolves around providing pre-built gaming PCs, configurable systems, and individual components.

This allows for a flexible approach, catering to both those who prefer an out-of-the-box solution and those who want to fine-tune every aspect of their machine.

Their website consistently updates with new product lines, often reflecting the latest hardware releases from industry giants like NVIDIA and AMD.

The Breadth of Product Categories

AWD-IT’s product catalog is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that most users can find what they need under one digital roof.

From the core components that power a system to the peripherals that enhance the user experience, they cover a wide spectrum.

This consolidation helps reduce the need for customers to shop across multiple vendors, streamlining the purchasing process.

• Gaming PCs: This is their flagship category, featuring systems across various performance tiers. You’ll find configurations with the latest CPUs from Intel and AMD, paired with powerful GPUs from NVIDIA’s RTX series and AMD’s Radeon lineup. For instance, systems like the “AWD-IT Mesh Ryzen 5 5500 Gigabyte NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB Desktop PC” are regularly featured, often with significant discounts.
• Components: For the DIY builder, AWD-IT offers a selection of individual parts, including motherboards, RAM, storage drives SSDs and HDDs, power supplies, and cooling solutions. While their primary focus is on complete systems, providing components allows for upgrades or custom builds.
• Monitors: A crucial part of any gaming setup, their monitor selection includes various sizes, resolutions Full HD, QHD, 4K, refresh rates 144Hz, 180Hz, and panel types VA, IPS. They even feature “B-Grade” options for budget-conscious buyers, such as the ” X= XIE27UHD 4K 27 inch 3840*2160 144Hz UHD 1ms Adaptive-Sync/FreeSync PS5 Gaming Monitor.”
• Peripherals & Accessories: Beyond the core PC, they stock keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams, and other accessories essential for a complete computing experience. This ensures customers can outfit their entire setup directly from AWD-IT.

Customization Options and Pre-Built Convenience

AWD-IT strikes a balance between offering readily available pre-built systems and providing configuration tools for those who want a more personalized touch.

This dual approach caters to different levels of technical expertise and user preferences.

• Pre-Configured Systems: For buyers who want a plug-and-play experience, AWD-IT offers a range of pre-built gaming PCs. These systems are tested and optimized, ensuring compatibility and performance straight out of the box. They are often highlighted with “Special Price” tags and “was” prices, indicating potential savings. For example, the “AWD-IT Quantum Series Phantom – Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB Desktop AI Gaming PC” is presented as a high-end, ready-to-go option.
• “Built to Order” Configuration: Many of their listed PCs come with a “Built to order Configure” option. This typically leads to a configurator page where customers can select specific CPU models, RAM capacity and speed, storage solutions NVMe SSDs, SATA SSDs, HDDs, graphics cards, power supplies, cases, and cooling systems. This level of customization allows users to tailor the PC to their exact needs and budget. For instance, a user configuring an “AWD-IT Air Mesh Ryzen 5 5500 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB White Gaming PC” might be able to upgrade the RAM from 16GB to 32GB or switch from an air cooler to an AIO liquid cooler.
• “Next Day Gaming PC” Options: For users with urgent needs, AWD-IT features specific “Next Day Gaming PC” models. These are pre-assembled and ready for rapid dispatch, minimizing wait times. This service is a significant convenience for those who need a system quickly, perhaps for an upcoming game release or a sudden hardware failure.

Trust and Transparency: What AWD-IT’s Reviews Tell Us

AWD-IT.co.uk leverages external review platforms and clear communication to build confidence with potential customers. Emotionalsobrietycoaching.com Reviews

Their prominent display of ratings and guarantees indicates a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

Leveraging Trustpilot and Other Review Platforms

Awd-it.co.uk prominently features a “4.3 Star Rating Rated Excellent” on its homepage, which, based on industry standards, almost certainly points to a Trustpilot rating.

Trustpilot is a well-regarded independent review platform where customers can share their experiences with businesses.

• Significance of a High Rating: A 4.3-star rating, particularly when designated as “Excellent,” is generally a strong indicator of customer satisfaction. It suggests that a significant majority of customers have had positive experiences with the company, whether it’s regarding product quality, delivery, or customer service. According to Trustpilot’s own data, businesses with ratings above 4.0 are perceived as highly reliable.
• Volume of Reviews: While the exact number of reviews isn’t displayed on the homepage snippet, a “Rated Excellent” badge often implies a substantial volume of feedback, lending more weight to the average rating. A small number of reviews can be skewed, but a large pool provides a more accurate representation of customer sentiment.
• Authenticity: Trustpilot’s verification processes help ensure that reviews are from real customers, which adds credibility to the overall rating. This third-party validation is crucial for online retailers.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

Beyond initial purchase satisfaction, the longevity of a product and the support available post-purchase are critical.

AWD-IT addresses this directly with their warranty policy.

• 3 Years Gaming PC Warranty Including Parts & Labour: This is a substantial commitment from AWD-IT. A three-year warranty is notably longer than the standard one-year warranty often offered by many electronics retailers.

  • Parts & Labour: The inclusion of both parts and labour in the warranty is a significant benefit. This means that if a component fails within the warranty period due to manufacturing defects, AWD-IT will cover the cost of the replacement part and the labour required to install it. This provides peace of mind, as repairs can otherwise be costly, especially for complex PC components.
  • Implication for Durability: Offering such a comprehensive warranty suggests confidence in the quality and durability of the components and the build process. Companies typically wouldn’t offer extended warranties if they expected a high failure rate.

• Importance of Support Channels: While the homepage highlights the warranty, it’s essential for customers to investigate the actual support channels. Typically, a reputable company would offer:

  • Phone Support: For immediate assistance.
  • Email Support/Ticketing System: For non-urgent queries and documentation.
  • Knowledge Base/FAQs: For self-help troubleshooting.

  The presence of social media links Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Discord also suggests avenues for community engagement and potentially, less formal support interactions.

Shipping and Delivery: Getting Your Gear On Time

For online purchases, especially high-value items like gaming PCs, shipping and delivery are crucial aspects of the customer experience.

AWD-IT highlights its shipping policies upfront, aiming to set clear expectations and provide convenient options. Insideoptions.io Reviews

Free UK Mainland Delivery

AWD-IT prominently advertises “FREE UK Mainland Delivery.” This is a significant perk, especially considering the size and weight of PC systems, which can incur substantial shipping costs.

• Cost Savings: For the customer, free delivery directly translates to cost savings. If a gaming PC costs, say, £800, and standard shipping might be £15-£30, then free delivery adds tangible value.
• Accessibility: It also removes a potential barrier to purchase. Customers are often deterred by hidden shipping fees, so upfront free delivery can increase conversion rates.
• Geographical Scope: The “UK Mainland” specification is important. It means customers in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and other remote areas might incur additional charges or have different delivery times. This is standard practice for many UK retailers due to increased logistics costs for these regions.

Additional Next Day Services

Beyond standard free delivery, AWD-IT offers “Additional Next Day Services.” This caters to customers who prioritize speed over cost.

• Urgency: This service is ideal for those who need their PC urgently, perhaps for a specific gaming event, a gift, or to replace a broken system.
• Flexibility: It provides flexibility for customers to choose a delivery speed that matches their needs. While the cost of these services isn’t specified on the homepage, it’s typically an add-on fee during the checkout process.
• “Next Day Gaming PC” Options: As noted earlier, some specific PC configurations are labeled as “Next Day Gaming PC,” indicating they are pre-assembled and ready for rapid dispatch. This streamlines the process for urgent orders. The website mentions systems like the “AWD-IT 3D Ryzen 5600X Six Core Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 8GB – Next Day Gaming PC” and “AWD-IT X= 3500X Intel Core i5 12400F 6 Core NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB White – Next Day Gaming PC.”
• Delivery Cut-off Times: For next-day delivery to be effective, there are usually specific cut-off times for orders e.g., order by 2 PM for next-day delivery. While not detailed on the homepage, this information would be critical for customers utilizing this service and should be sought on the relevant shipping policy pages.

Bank Holiday and Delivery Disruptions

The website explicitly mentions a “Bank Holiday: Heads up! No deliveries will be made on: Monday 26th May.” This is a good example of proactive communication regarding potential delivery disruptions.

• Setting Expectations: By clearly stating when deliveries will not occur, AWD-IT manages customer expectations and prevents frustration. This transparency is vital for customer satisfaction.
• Proactive Communication: Informing customers in advance about holidays or other factors affecting delivery schedules e.g., severe weather is a sign of good customer service. It allows customers to plan their purchases accordingly.

Payment Flexibility: Making Purchases Accessible

AWD-IT understands that high-value purchases like gaming PCs can be a significant investment.

By offering flexible payment options, they aim to make their products more accessible to a broader customer base, improving affordability and purchasing power.

Klarna Availability at Checkout

The prominent mention of “Klarna Available at Checkout” is a key indicator of their commitment to payment flexibility.

Klarna is a widely recognized ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ BNPL service that allows consumers to spread the cost of their purchases.

• Understanding Klarna: Klarna offers several payment options, typically including:
  • Pay in 3/4 Installments: Customers can split their purchase into 3 or 4 interest-free payments, usually paid every two weeks or monthly. This allows for immediate possession of the item without the full upfront cost.
  • Pay in 30 Days: Customers can try the product first and pay the full amount up to 30 days later, without interest.
  • Financing Longer Term: For larger purchases, Klarna might offer longer-term financing options, which may or may not include interest, depending on the terms and the customer’s creditworthiness.
• Benefits for Customers:
  • Improved Affordability: Breaking down a large sum into smaller, manageable payments makes high-end gaming PCs more accessible to a wider range of budgets.
  • Budget Management: It allows customers to manage their cash flow more effectively, rather than tying up a significant portion of their funds in one go.
  • No Upfront Interest for installments: The interest-free nature of the installment plans is a major draw, as customers avoid additional costs compared to traditional credit cards if they pay on time.
• Benefits for AWD-IT:
  • Increased Sales: Offering BNPL options has been shown to boost conversion rates and average order values, as customers are more likely to complete a purchase and potentially buy higher-value items.
  • Broader Customer Base: It attracts customers who might not have the immediate funds for a full purchase but can comfortably manage installments.
  • Customer Loyalty: A positive payment experience can contribute to repeat business and customer loyalty.
• Responsible Lending: While Klarna offers convenience, it’s important for customers to use it responsibly. Klarna conducts soft credit checks and reports payment behavior, which can impact credit scores if payments are missed. AWD-IT’s role is to provide the option, and it’s up to the consumer to manage their finances.

Other Payment Methods

While Klarna is highlighted, a reputable e-commerce site like AWD-IT would undoubtedly support other standard payment methods, typically displayed at checkout or in a dedicated “Payment Methods” section.

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express are universally accepted and form the backbone of online transactions.
• PayPal: A popular and secure online payment system that allows users to pay directly from their bank account or linked cards without sharing their financial details with the merchant.
• Bank Transfer: For some businesses, particularly for very large or custom orders, a direct bank transfer might be an option, though less common for standard e-commerce.
• Security of Transactions: Regardless of the method, the website should employ secure payment gateways e.g., SSL encryption to protect sensitive financial data during transactions. The presence of a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar signifies a secure connection.

Performance and Value: Decoding AWD-IT’s Gaming PC Specs

AWD-IT’s core business revolves around providing high-performance gaming PCs.

Their product listings prominently feature specifications that cater directly to gamers, with an emphasis on key components that dictate in-game performance. Rugette.co.uk Reviews

Understanding these specifications is crucial for assessing the value and suitability of their offerings.

Component Selection and Gaming Performance

The names of the gaming PCs on AWD-IT’s site often directly reflect the primary components within them.

This allows users to quickly identify the performance tier.

• Processors CPUs: They use both Intel Core series e.g., i5 12400F and AMD Ryzen series e.g., Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
  • Intel: Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake and newer CPUs offer strong single-core performance, which is beneficial for many games. The ‘F’ designation e.g., 12400F indicates the CPU does not have integrated graphics, meaning a dedicated GPU is always required.
  • AMD Ryzen: AMD’s Ryzen series, especially the X3D variants e.g., Ryzen 7 9800X3D, are renowned for their exceptional gaming performance due to 3D V-Cache technology. Non-X3D Ryzens offer a great balance of gaming and multi-core productivity.
• Graphics Cards GPUs: This is arguably the most critical component for gaming performance. AWD-IT features a range of NVIDIA GeForce RTX series cards e.g., RTX 3050 6GB, RTX 4060 8GB, RTX 5060 8GB, RTX 5070 12GB, RTX 5080 16GB.
  • NVIDIA RTX Series: These GPUs are known for their real-time ray tracing capabilities and DLSS Deep Learning Super Sampling technology, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, significantly boosting frame rates without a noticeable loss in visual quality.
  • VRAM: The VRAM video memory specified e.g., 8GB, 12GB, 16GB is crucial, especially for playing modern games at higher resolutions QHD/4K and with high texture settings. More VRAM generally allows for smoother performance in demanding titles.
• RAM Memory: They specify RAM capacity e.g., 32GB and speed e.g., 3200Mhz.
  • Capacity: 16GB is the current standard for serious gaming, with 32GB becoming increasingly popular, especially for users who multi-task, stream, or run memory-intensive applications alongside gaming.
  • Speed: Faster RAM measured in Mhz can provide a noticeable, albeit smaller, performance boost in some games, particularly with AMD Ryzen processors.
• Storage SSD/NVMe: Systems commonly include NVMe SSDs e.g., 1TB NVMe.
  • NVMe SSDs: These are significantly faster than traditional SATA SSDs and vastly superior to old hard drives HDDs in terms of game loading times, boot times, and overall system responsiveness. A 1TB NVMe drive is a good starting point for a gaming PC, allowing for several large modern games to be installed.
• Cooling Systems: They mention solutions like “MSI 240mm Liquid Cooler.”
  • Liquid vs. Air Cooling: Liquid coolers AIOs – All-in-One generally offer superior cooling performance, especially for higher-end, hotter CPUs, and often provide quieter operation and a cleaner aesthetic. Air coolers are typically more cost-effective. Proper cooling is vital for maintaining sustained performance and preventing thermal throttling.

Benchmarking and Expected Performance

While AWD-IT’s website lists specifications, it’s crucial for consumers to understand what these specs translate to in terms of real-world gaming performance.

• Game Performance Targets:
  • RTX 3050/4060: Generally suitable for 1080p gaming at high to ultra settings, aiming for 60+ FPS in most modern titles. Might handle some less demanding games at 1440p.
  • RTX 5060/5070: Aimed at strong 1080p and capable 1440p gaming 60-100+ FPS with good settings. Ray tracing performance becomes more viable at this tier.
  • RTX 5080: Designed for high refresh rate 1440p gaming and capable 4K gaming at 60+ FPS, often with ray tracing enabled and DLSS assisting.
• “Boost Your Gaming Performance” Feature: The “CHOOSE YOUR PC SYSTEM BY GAME” feature is an excellent utility. This allows users to select a specific game e.g., Call of Duty, Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite and see which PC configurations are recommended for optimal performance in that title. This simplifies the decision-making process for gamers who have specific games in mind.
• Future-Proofing: While no PC is truly “future-proof,” opting for higher-tier components like more VRAM or a more powerful GPU/CPU allows the system to remain relevant and capable for a longer period, supporting newer game releases and higher graphical demands.
• Value Proposition: The “Special Price” and “was” pricing on many systems indicate competitive pricing and potential savings. For example, an “AWD-IT Mesh Ryzen 5 5500 6 Core Gigabyte NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB Desktop PC” listed at Special Price £589.99 was £899.99 shows a substantial markdown, indicating a good potential value for the components offered. It’s important to compare these prices to building a similar PC yourself or buying from competitors to truly assess the value.

User Experience and Website Navigation

A well-designed and intuitive website is paramount for an online retailer, especially for products as complex as gaming PCs.

AWD-IT.co.uk appears to prioritize a clean layout and user-friendly navigation to enhance the customer journey.

Design and Layout

The overall aesthetic and structure of the website contribute significantly to the user experience.

• Clean and Modern Design: The homepage snippet suggests a clean, uncluttered layout with clear calls to action. A modern design often implies a professional and trustworthy business. The use of clear product images and concise descriptions helps users quickly grasp what’s on offer.
• Prominent Information: Key trust signals like warranty, delivery, and payment options are prominently displayed at the top or near the product listings, which is excellent for building immediate confidence. Information like “3 Years Gaming PC Warranty,” “FREE UK Mainland Delivery,” and “Klarna Available” are front and center.
• Cookie Consent: The presence of a cookie consent banner “We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more. Allow Cookies” indicates compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR, which is a sign of a responsible online business.

Navigation and Search Functionality

Efficient navigation and a robust search function are critical for users to find what they’re looking for quickly.

• Clear Menu Structure: The “Toggle Nav” and “Menu” options suggest a well-defined navigation system. Typically, this would include categories like “Gaming PCs,” “Components,” “Monitors,” “Peripherals,” and potentially “Deals” or “Clearance.”
• “Account” and “Basket” Accessibility: “Account,” “My Account,” “Sign In,” and “Basket” are standard e-commerce features that are clearly accessible, allowing users to manage their profiles, track orders, and complete purchases.
• Search Bar: A prominent “Search” bar is essential for direct product lookup. This allows users who know exactly what they want e.g., “RTX 4060 PC” or “Ryzen 7 9800X3D” to bypass category browsing.
• Filters and Sorting: While not explicitly shown in the snippet, a good product listing page would include filters e.g., by CPU type, GPU, RAM, price range, brand and sorting options e.g., by price low to high, popularity, newest. This is crucial for narrowing down the extensive selection of PCs and components.
• “Choose Your PC System by Game”: This specific feature is an excellent example of user-centric design. By allowing users to filter PCs based on the games they want to play, AWD-IT simplifies the complex decision of matching hardware to gaming needs. This intuitive approach helps less tech-savvy users make informed choices.

Checkout Process

A streamlined and secure checkout process is vital for converting browsers into buyers.

• Clear Steps: A good checkout typically involves distinct steps: basket review, shipping information, payment selection, and order confirmation.
• Guest Checkout: Offering a guest checkout option allows users to complete purchases without creating an account, which can reduce friction for first-time buyers.
• Security Badges: During the checkout, look for security indicators like HTTPS in the URL, padlock icons, and trust seals e.g., PCI DSS compliance to ensure that payment information is handled securely.
• Order Confirmation and Tracking: After purchase, customers should receive an immediate order confirmation email with details and, ideally, a tracking number once the item is dispatched.

Community Engagement and Resources

Beyond direct sales, a strong online presence often involves engaging with the customer base and providing valuable resources. Roddandgunn.com Reviews

AWD-IT.co.uk appears to be taking steps in this direction through social media and a dedicated blog.

Social Media Presence

AWD-IT lists links to several social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Discord.

This multi-platform approach allows them to connect with different segments of their audience where they are most active.

• Facebook: Often used for general announcements, customer service queries, promotions, and community building. A strong Facebook presence can foster a loyal customer base and allow for direct interaction.
• Twitter: Ideal for quick updates, flash sales, tech news, and immediate customer service responses. Many tech enthusiasts follow brands on Twitter for real-time information.
• YouTube: Crucial for a PC builder. This platform can host:
  • Product Showcases: Videos demonstrating specific PC builds, their aesthetics, and internal components.
  • Performance Benchmarks: Videos showing actual in-game performance of their systems, which is highly valuable for gamers.
  • Tutorials/Guides: How-to videos for basic troubleshooting, upgrades, or PC maintenance.
  • Behind-the-Scenes: Content showing their build process, quality control, or team, which builds transparency and trust.
• Instagram: Visually driven, perfect for showcasing the aesthetics of their PCs, custom builds, and workstation setups. High-quality images and short videos can attract a design-conscious audience.
• Discord: Increasingly popular among gamers and tech communities. A Discord server can serve as:
  • Direct Support Channel: For real-time help and advice.
  • Community Hub: Where users can discuss games, hardware, and share their AWD-IT builds.
  • Event Hosting: For gaming tournaments, Q&A sessions with experts, or new product reveals.
  • Feedback Collection: A direct channel for gathering user feedback and suggestions.
• Benefits of Social Engagement: Active social media channels indicate a modern, accessible company willing to engage with its customers beyond transactional interactions. It helps build brand loyalty, provides additional support avenues, and can be a source of user-generated content.

The AWD-IT Blog

The website features a “VISIT OUR BLOG” section, highlighting recent posts such as “HAVN HS 420 – First Look, Features & Full Review” and “Take Your Streaming to the Next Level with Elgato.” A company blog is a valuable resource for both the company and its customers.

• Content Marketing: A blog allows AWD-IT to produce evergreen content that attracts organic search traffic. Articles on new hardware, gaming trends, or PC optimization can position them as industry experts.
• Educational Resource: The blog serves as an educational hub for customers. For example:
  • “HAVN HS 420 – First Look, Features & Full Review” provides in-depth information about a specific PC case, helping customers understand its benefits and specifications “Key Specifications Form Factor: Mid Tower Dimensions:”. This kind of detailed review is highly valuable.
  • “Take Your Streaming to the Next Level with Elgato” likely offers advice and product recommendations related to streaming hardware, appealing to a growing segment of gamers.
• News and Updates: The blog can be used to announce new product lines, company news, or special promotions.
• SEO Benefits: Regularly updated, high-quality blog content helps with Search Engine Optimization SEO, improving the website’s ranking in search results for relevant keywords.
• Building Authority: By consistently publishing informative and relevant content, AWD-IT can establish itself as an authority in the PC gaming space, further building trust with its audience.
• Community Building: Blog posts can encourage comments and discussions, fostering a sense of community around the brand.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While AWD-IT.co.uk presents a very positive front, like any online retailer, there are always areas for potential consideration or aspects that might be viewed as downsides by some customers.

It’s important to look beyond the highlighted benefits to form a comprehensive understanding.

Pricing Competitiveness Beyond Discounts

While AWD-IT frequently offers “Special Price” discounts and “was” prices, it’s essential for consumers to do their due diligence and compare final prices with other retailers.

• Market Fluctuations: PC component prices are highly dynamic. What might be a great deal one week could be matched or beaten by a competitor the next.
• Component-Level Comparison: When comparing pre-built systems, it’s not enough to compare the final price. Savvy buyers will break down the cost by individual components CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD, PSU, Motherboard, Case, Cooler, OS and compare them to building a similar PC themselves or purchasing from different system integrators. Sometimes, a “special price” might still be higher than buying components individually during a sale, though the convenience of a pre-built system often justifies a slight premium.
• Hidden Costs for Customization: While customization is a strong point, upgrading components in their configurator might sometimes result in a higher overall price than sourcing those upgrades separately. Customers should always check the incremental cost of upgrades.

Customization Limitations

While they offer “Built to order Configure” options, these configurators usually have predefined options and might not allow for every single component choice an extreme enthusiast might desire.

• Limited Brands/Models: Customers might be restricted to specific brands or models of components that AWD-IT has supply agreements for. For instance, if a customer is loyal to a specific brand of motherboard or a niche CPU cooler, they might not find it as an option.
• Less Granular Control: Unlike building a PC from scratch, users won’t have control over every single screw or cable management choice, which some hardcore DIY builders prefer.
• Aesthetic Options: While cases are often selectable, the range of RGB lighting options, custom cables, or unique aesthetic choices might be less extensive than what’s available to individual builders.

Returns and Customer Service for Specific Issues

While the 3-year warranty is excellent, the practicalities of returns and problem resolution can sometimes be a point of concern for any online retailer.

• RMA Process: Customers should review the detailed Return Merchandise Authorization RMA process. How easy is it to initiate a return or warranty claim? What are the typical turnaround times for repairs or replacements? Is shipping for returns/repairs covered?
• Troubleshooting Support: Before an RMA, customers might need technical support to diagnose issues. The quality and responsiveness of this initial troubleshooting support are crucial. Are they available via phone, email, or live chat? What are their operating hours?
• Dead on Arrival DOA Policies: While rare, components can sometimes be “Dead on Arrival.” How quickly does AWD-IT handle DOA cases, and do they offer immediate replacements or prioritize these issues?
• User Error vs. Manufacturer Defect: It’s important for customers to understand the warranty’s scope regarding user-induced damage versus manufacturer defects.

B-Grade Products

AWD-IT offers “B-Grade” products, such as monitors and cases, at discounted prices. Supermarketitaly.com Reviews

While this is great for budget-conscious buyers, it comes with specific considerations.

• Understanding “B-Grade”: These are typically products that are not brand new, might have minor cosmetic imperfections, or could be refurbished returns. They are usually fully functional but are discounted due to their condition.
• Warranty on B-Grade Items: Customers should explicitly check the warranty terms for B-Grade products. Are they covered by the same 3-year warranty, or do they have a shorter, specific warranty period?
• Transparency of Condition: The website should be very clear about the specific condition of each B-Grade item e.g., “minor scratch on bezel,” “no original packaging”.
• Limited Stock: B-Grade items are typically in limited supply and can sell out quickly.

By considering these potential downsides and doing thorough research, customers can make a more informed decision about purchasing from AWD-IT.co.uk.

The company’s strengths certainly outweigh these minor considerations for most users, but a balanced perspective is always beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Awd-it.co.uk?

Awd-it.co.uk is a UK-based online retailer specializing in custom-built gaming PCs, pre-configured desktop computers, individual PC components like graphics cards, CPUs, RAM, monitors, and PC peripherals.

What kind of warranty does AWD-IT offer on their gaming PCs?

AWD-IT offers a comprehensive 3 Years Gaming PC Warranty Including Parts & Labour on their gaming PCs, which is a strong indicator of their confidence in product quality and after-sales support.

Does AWD-IT offer free delivery?

Yes, AWD-IT offers FREE UK Mainland Delivery on their products. Additional charges may apply for deliveries outside the UK mainland.

Can I pay for my PC in installments with AWD-IT?

Yes, AWD-IT offers Klarna Available at Checkout, allowing customers to spread the cost of their purchase through various “Buy Now, Pay Later” installment options.

What is AWD-IT’s star rating?

AWD-IT has a 4.3 Star Rating Rated Excellent, as prominently displayed on their homepage, likely reflecting their score on a third-party review platform like Trustpilot.

Are AWD-IT’s PCs pre-built or custom-built?

AWD-IT offers a mix of both: they have pre-configured “Next Day Gaming PCs” for quick dispatch and also provide “Built to order Configure” options, allowing customers to customize components like CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage.

Does AWD-IT sell PC components individually?

Yes, in addition to complete systems, AWD-IT sells individual PC components such as graphics cards, processors, RAM, storage drives, power supplies, and cases. Acbuy.com Reviews

What kind of monitors does AWD-IT sell?

AWD-IT sells a variety of gaming monitors, including different sizes, resolutions Full HD, QHD, 4K, refresh rates e.g., 144Hz, 180Hz, and panel types VA, IPS. They also offer “B-Grade” monitors at discounted prices.

How do I know which PC to choose for specific games?

AWD-IT features a helpful function called “CHOOSE YOUR PC SYSTEM BY GAME” on their website, allowing you to filter or view recommended PC configurations optimized for specific popular game titles.

What does “Next Day Gaming PC” mean?

“Next Day Gaming PC” refers to specific pre-built systems that are ready for rapid dispatch, enabling delivery as early as the next business day subject to order cut-off times and delivery location.

Does AWD-IT have a physical store?

Based on the website’s presentation as an online retailer, there’s no indication of a physical retail store.

Their operations appear to be primarily e-commerce based.

What payment methods does AWD-IT accept?

While Klarna is highlighted, typical payment methods accepted by online retailers include major credit/debit cards Visa, Mastercard and often PayPal, usually detailed at the checkout.

How can I contact AWD-IT customer service?

The website provides links to social media Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Discord, which often serve as customer service channels.

Specific contact details like phone numbers or email forms are usually found in their “Contact Us” or “Support” sections.

Does AWD-IT have a blog?

Yes, AWD-IT has a blog that features articles on PC gaming news, product reviews e.g., “HAVN HS 420 – First Look, Features & Full Review”, and guides e.g., “Take Your Streaming to the Next Level with Elgato”.

What are “B-Grade” products on AWD-IT?

“B-Grade” products are typically items that are not brand new and may have minor cosmetic imperfections or be refurbished. Novadrum.com Reviews

They are offered at a discounted price, and their specific condition and warranty terms should be checked before purchase.

Are AWD-IT’s prices competitive?

AWD-IT frequently offers “Special Price” discounts.

To determine competitiveness, it is advisable to compare their prices for specific configurations or components with those of other UK PC retailers and component suppliers.

Does AWD-IT build systems with both Intel and AMD processors?

Yes, AWD-IT builds systems using both Intel Core series CPUs e.g., Intel Core i5 12400F and AMD Ryzen series CPUs e.g., Ryzen 5 5500, Ryzen 7 5700X, Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

Do AWD-IT PCs come with an operating system?

Many of their gaming PC listings, such as the “AWD-IT X= 3500X Intel Core i5 12400F… Windows 11 AI Desktop PC,” indicate that they come pre-installed with Windows 11.

What kind of cooling solutions do AWD-IT PCs use?

AWD-IT PCs utilize various cooling solutions, including both air coolers and AIO All-in-One liquid coolers e.g., “MSI 240mm Liquid Cooler”, depending on the specific build and component requirements.

How does AWD-IT communicate delivery information?

AWD-IT provides clear communication regarding delivery.

For example, they proactively inform customers about bank holidays that may affect delivery schedules directly on their homepage.

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