If you’re looking at pre-built gaming computers online, you’ve probably come across Apex Gaming PC. The big question on your mind is likely, is Apex Gaming PC legit? It’s smart to be cautious before spending a significant amount of money on a new rig. This review will look at the company’s reputation, product quality, customer service, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll break down everything you need to know, from build quality and pricing to where you can actually buy their systems. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether Apex Gaming PC is a trustworthy choice for your next computer.
Is Apex Gaming PC Legit
Yes, Apex Gaming PC is a legitimate company. They are not a scam. They are a real, registered business that designs, builds, and sells custom and pre-configured gaming desktop computers. You can find their systems on major retail platforms like Amazon, Newegg, and Walmart, as well as on their own website. The presence on these established marketplaces adds a significant layer of credibility, as these platforms have their own buyer protection policies.
However, “legitimate” doesn’t automatically mean “perfect” or “the best choice for everyone.” It simply means they are a real business that delivers products. The real evaluation comes from looking at the details of their operation, the quality of their builds, and the experiences of their customers. We need to assess if they offer good value and reliable service.
Who is Apex Gaming PC?
Apex Gaming PC is a system integrator. This means they don’t manufacture the core components like NVIDIA or AMD does; instead, they source parts from various manufacturers (like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Corsair) and assemble them into complete computers. They focus primarily on the gaming market, offering a range of desktops from budget-friendly 1080p machines to high-end rigs capable of 4K gaming and content creation.
Their business model is similar to other well-known system integrators like iBUYPOWER, CyberPowerPC, and SkyTech. They compete by offering pre-built convenience, sometimes at competitive prices, especially when considering the cost and effort of sourcing parts individually during times of component shortages.
Where to Buy Apex Gaming PCs
You have a few main options for purchasing an Apex system:
* Official Website: The direct source, offering their full range of custom and pre-built options.
* Amazon: A huge selection of their pre-configured models, often with Prime shipping and Amazon’s return policy.
* Newegg: Another major tech retailer carrying their systems, frequent sales and bundles.
* Walmart: Typically offers more entry-level and mid-range configurations.
Buying from a major retailer like Amazon can provide a more familiar and sometimes more flexible purchasing and return experience compared to buying directly. It’s always worth comparing prices and bundle deals across all these platforms.
Evaluating Build Quality & Components
The legitimacy of a PC builder is heavily tied to the quality of the machines they put together. A cheap case with poor airflow or a no-name power supply can turn a great set of core components into a problematic machine.
Chassis and Cooling
Apex uses a variety of cases, often from brands like DeepCool, Apevia, and sometimes their own branded cases. The quality here can vary significantly between models.
* Airflow: Some cases have solid front panels which can look cool but restrict airflow, leading to higher temperatures. Look for models with mesh fronts for better thermal performance.
* Fans: They usually include a basic fan setup. For high-performance builds, you might need to add more fans for optimal cooling.
* Aesthetics: They lean into the RGB gaming aesthetic, with tempered glass side panels and multiple lighting zones.
Internal Components: The Good and The “Generic”
This is the most critical area. Apex, like many system integrators, uses a mix of well-known brand-name parts and less familiar “generic” or OEM parts.
* CPU & GPU: These are always brand-name (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA). You get what is advertised.
* Motherboard: This is often where cost-cutting happens. You might get a motherboard from a reputable brand like ASRock or Gigabyte, but it will frequently be a basic, entry-level model for that chipset. It does the job, but may lack premium features like robust VRMs for overclocking or extra M.2 slots.
* RAM: Usually brand-name (like ADATA XPG or TeamGroup), which is good.
* Storage: Typically a combination of a brand-name NVMe SSD (like WD or ADATA) for the boot drive and sometimes a secondary hard drive or SSD.
* Power Supply (PSU): This is the most important component to check. Apex has been known to use PSUs from brands like Apevia or other less prominent manufacturers. While not inherently bad, the power supply is the heart of your system, and a failure can take other components with it. Many enthusiasts recommend replacing a generic PSU with a unit from a top-tier brand like Corsair, Seasonic, or EVGA for long-term reliability, especially in high-power systems.
Cable Management and Assembly
Reviews on build quality are mixed. Some customers report clean, professional cable management, while others post pictures of messy interiors with cables obstructing airflow. This inconsistency suggests that build quality can depend on which technician assembled your particular unit. It’s not a universal negative, but it’s a potential lottery.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Are Apex Gaming PCs a good deal? The answer is: it depends on the market.
* During Normal/High Component Supply: When you can easily buy parts at MSRP, building your own PC (DIY) is almost always cheaper and results in a higher-quality system because you select every component. Apex’s pricing is often higher than the sum of its parts, which is how they make a profit for the assembly, warranty, and convenience.
* During Shortages or High Demand: When GPU prices are inflated, a pre-built from Apex can sometimes be a better value. System integrators often get components at better bulk rates, and that savings can (sometimes) be passed on, making the total system cost competitive or even cheaper than sourcing a GPU alone on the open market.
You should always:
1. Take the exact component list from an Apex PC you’re considering.
2. Price those exact parts (or very close equivalents) on PCPartPicker.
3. Add about $100-$150 for a fair assembly fee and the value of a unified warranty.
4. Compare that total to the Apex price.
This will give you a clear picture of the “convenience premium” you are paying.
Customer Service and Warranty Experience
This is arguably the most common pain point for any system integrator, and Apex is no exception. Feedback on their customer service is polarized.
The Warranty
Apex typically offers a standard 1-year parts and labor warranty on their systems. Some retailers or specific promotions might extend this. It’s crucial to register your product on their website to activate the warranty.
Common Customer Service Complaints
* Slow Response Times: Getting a reply via email or ticket system can take days.
* Phone Support Challenges: Some users report long hold times or difficulty reaching a knowledgeable technician.
* RMA Process: The process for returning a faulty part can be slow, involving diagnostic steps, shipping the unit back at your expense (unless otherwise stated), and waiting for repair or replacement.
* Quality Control (QC): Some complaints stem from DOA (Dead On Arrival) units or components failing shortly after arrival, which points to potential QC issues before shipping.
Positive Experiences
Many customers have had flawless experiences—their PC arrived working perfectly, and they never needed to contact support. Others who did have issues report satisfactory resolutions after persisting through the process.
The key takeaway is to manage your expectations. Their support is unlikely to be as responsive as a massive company like Dell/Alienware. Patience and clear communication are necessary.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Apex Gaming PC
Let’s summarize the key advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
* Legitimate Business: Real products sold through major retailers.
* Convenience: Skip the research, sourcing, and assembly of a DIY build.
* Competitive Pricing in Certain Markets: Can be a good GPU deal during shortages.
* Warranty: Single warranty for the whole system, not individual parts.
* Wide Availability: Easy to find on Amazon, Newegg, etc., often with fast shipping.
Cons:
* Component Lottery: You may receive generic or lower-tier motherboards and power supplies.
* Inconsistent Build Quality: Cable management and assembly neatness can vary.
* Customer Service Inconsistency: Support can be slow and frustrating.
* Potential QC Issues: Higher chance of receiving a DOA unit compared to building yourself with known-good parts.
* Less Customization than True Boutique Builders: While they offer some customization, it’s not as extensive as some higher-end integrators.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Before You Buy
If you’re leaning towards an Apex PC, follow these steps to protect yourself and ensure you get a good system.
1. Choose Your Retailer Carefully. Consider buying from Amazon for their customer-friendly return policy, especially for your first unit.
2. Scrutinize the Spec Sheet. Don’t just look at the CPU and GPU. Note the exact model of the motherboard, PSU, and RAM if listed.
3. Research the Specific Model. Search for “[Exact Apex Model Name] review” on YouTube and tech forums. Look for tear-downs that show the actual interior.
4. Check the Return Window. Know how many days you have to test the PC thoroughly.
5. Inspect Immediately Upon Arrival.
* Check the exterior box for serious damage.
* Photograph the unboxing process.
* Before powering on, open the side panel and check for any loose cables, unseated RAM or GPU, or obvious damage.
* Ensure all advertised components are present.
6. Perform Stress Tests. Once powered on, use free software like FurMark (GPU stress) and Cinebench (CPU stress) to test stability and monitor temperatures with HWMonitor. High temps (over 85-90°C under load) could indicate poor cooling or bad thermal paste application.
7. Register for Warranty. Do this immediately after you confirm the system is working.
Alternatives to Consider
It’s wise to shop around. Here are some other legitimate pre-built companies:
* CyberPowerPC / iBUYPOWER: The direct competitors, with very similar business models, pros, and cons.
* SkyTech: Often praised for slightly better build quality and cable management in the same price bracket.
* ABS (Newegg’s Brand): Available on Newegg, sometimes offers excellent value with better component choices.
* Maingear, Origin PC, Falcon Northwest: These are boutique, high-end builders. You’ll pay a significant premium, but you get exceptional build quality, premium parts, and superior customer service. They are in a different tier.
* DIY (Building Your Own): The best option for total control, quality, and often cost, assuming you have the time and confidence to learn.
Final Verdict: Is Apex Gaming PC Right For You?
So, is Apex Gaming PC legit? Absolutely. They are a real company selling real gaming computers. Should you buy one? That depends on your priorities.
You might be a good fit for an Apex Gaming PC if:
* You value convenience over absolute best value.
* You find a specific model on sale that prices out favorably.
* You are uncomfortable building a PC yourself.
* You need a single warranty for the whole system.
* You’re willing to accept the risk of potentially needing to deal with slower customer service.
You should probably look elsewhere if:
* You are a strict budget-minimizer and component prices are normal.
* You demand high-quality, name-brand parts for every component (especially PSU and motherboard).
* You have zero tolerance for potential QC or customer service hassles.
* You enjoy the process of learning about and building your own machine.
In essence, Apex Gaming PC occupies a space in the market for affordable, accessible gaming rigs. They offer a legitimate path to a working gaming PC, but that path sometimes comes with compromises on component selection and post-purchase support. Do your homework on the specific model, buy from a reputable retailer, and test your new PC thoroughly when it arrives.
FAQ Section
Q: Is Apex Gaming PC a scam or a real company?
A: No, they are not a scam. Apex Gaming PC is a legitimate system integrator. Their computers are sold through their own website and major retailers like Amazon and Newegg.
Q: Does Apex Gaming PC use good quality parts?
A: They use a mix. The main components (CPU, GPU) are always brand-name. However, to keep costs down, they often use basic motherboards and sometimes power supplies from less familiar brands. It’s important to check the full spec list before buying.
Q: What is the warranty for an Apex gaming computer?
A: Most Apex Gaming PCs come with a standard 1-year warranty covering parts and labor. You usually need to register your product on their website to activate it. Always check the warranty terms for the specific model you’re buying.
Q: How does Apex Gaming PC compare to building my own PC?
A: Building your own PC is usually cheaper and guarantees you choose every component. Apex offers convenience and a single warranty, but you may pay a premium and have less control over part selection, especially for the motherboard and PSU.
Q: Where is the best place to buy an Apex Gaming PC?
A: Many people recommend buying from Amazon due to their straightforward and often more lenient return policy. This can provide a safety net if you receive a faulty unit. Comparing prices across Amazon, Newegg, and the official Apex site is always a good idea.
Q: Are there common problems with Apex PCs?
A: Some common complaints from users include inconsistent cable management inside the case, the use of lower-wattage or generic power supplies, and occasional difficulties with customer service response times when seeking support.