Black desktop PC with RGB ring fans and illuminated memory

About NorthCore

Local Service From
Davis, CA

NorthCore is a Davis shop run by one hands-on owner who cares about getting your machine right. Straight answers, honest pricing, and no upsells you did not ask for.

Local

Davis Service

Custom

PC Builds

231

Customer Reviews

4.9★

Average Rating

By Appt.

Diagnostics Available

Ken, founder of NorthCore Computing Solutions, seated by the coast

Ken, Founder of NorthCore

UC Davis graduate and Davis local

Our History

Meet Ken, NorthCore's Founder

NorthCore grew from a curiosity I have had since I was 12. I am an Aggie and a Davis local, and building this business lets me pursue my passion for computers while helping the people around me.

Age 12

The curiosity started

I began tinkering with PCs because I wanted to understand what each part did and how the whole machine worked.

GTX 950

My first graphics card

That first GPU drew me deeper into PC hardware, upgrades, and the satisfaction of making a system work better.

UC Davis

A broader way to solve problems

I graduated after studying cognitive science and anthropology, and developed my software troubleshooting skills in college.

Today

NorthCore in Davis

After more than 10 years working with PCs, I get to put that experience to work for my neighbors as a local technician.

The part I enjoy most is finding the real cause of a problem and explaining it clearly. Whether I am diagnosing a repair or planning a custom PC, I listen first and give you choices that fit your goals and budget.

I know getting a computer to a repair appointment is not always easy. Students without a ride and families with full schedules can ask about pickup and return delivery when they contact me.

Our Process

Here is Exactly What Happens
When You Bring Us Your Device

From the first call to the final handoff, you always know what to expect. No surprises.

01

Consultation

You bring in your device or reach out by phone, and we sit down to understand exactly what is going on. No jargon, no pressure, and no charge for the conversation.

  • No-obligation conversation
  • Clear pricing before any work begins
  • Appointments scheduled around availability
02

Preparation

Once you approve the quote, we source the right parts, back up your data if needed, and prep everything before a single screw is touched. Nothing is left to chance.

  • Parts sourced to your exact specs
  • Backup needs discussed before data-sensitive work
  • No surprises, every step mapped out in advance
03

Repair or Build

We get to work, whether that is diagnosing a failing drive, replacing a model-specific laptop screen, clearing malware, or hand-assembling your custom build from the ground up with every cable routed clean.

  • All brands and configurations welcome
  • Custom builds assembled with care
  • Tested thoroughly during the process
04

Final Inspection

Before your device or build leaves our hands, we run stress tests, verify every function works as expected, and walk you through exactly what was done. You leave with full confidence.

  • Stress tests and boot verification
  • Full walkthrough with you at pickup
  • Completed work and findings reviewed with you

Do you want to know more? Get in touch

Black gaming PC with blue-lit fans and liquid cooling

NorthCore Computing

Davis, CA

Why NorthCore

Why People Choose NorthCore

We are not a big box store and we are not a franchise. We are a hands-on, local shop where every job gets personal attention and every customer gets a straight answer.

  • Clear findings and pricing before additional work begins
  • Appointment-based service with realistic turnaround estimates
  • Completed work tested against the original concern before handoff
  • All brands serviced including Dell, HP, Apple, Lenovo, ASUS, and custom builds
  • Locally owned and operated right here in Davis, CA
  • 4.9 star average across 231 reviews on Google, Facebook, OfferUp, and Yelp

Local

Davis Service

Custom

PC Builds

4.9★

Average Rating

Reviews

What Our Customers Say

From first PC builds to everyday purchases, here are their experiences in their own words.

Review counts updated October 1, 2026; platform ratings last verified September 28, 2026. Select a platform to view the source.

Bryan

My gaming pc had its random crash issue fixed here. Great service, would highly recommend for any desktop or laptop repair services, and for gaming pcs in Davis.

Let's Work Together

Ready to Get Started?
We Would Love to Help.

Whether you need a repair, a custom build, or just some honest advice, we are here for it. No jargon, no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common
Computer Repair & Build Questions

We believe in clear communication before any work begins. Here are the questions Davis customers ask us most - answered honestly.

Diagnostics start at $40. More complex issues may require additional testing, but we confirm the diagnostic fee with you before proceeding. The full diagnostic fee is credited toward an approved repair. You receive a clear explanation of the reported problem, the issue identified, and whether it was resolved.

Some RAM or SSD upgrades and virus-removal work may be completed the same day when scheduling and parts allow. Model-specific screen replacements, intermittent diagnostics, unstable-drive cloning, and large file transfers can take longer. We provide an estimate after reviewing the device and any required parts.

It depends on your games, applications, monitor, and any parts you already own. Share your total budget and we will discuss a suitable build. Your quote identifies components, assembly, and any Windows license or additional setup before work begins.

We assess major-brand laptops and desktops, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, Apple, and custom builds. The work we can offer depends on the model, fault, parts availability, and whether the hardware is serviceable. We confirm the available options after diagnosis.

NorthCore provides a 30-day workmanship warranty on eligible labor performed within the agreed scope. Parts, manufacturer warranties, customer-supplied components, unrelated failures, new damage, malware reinfection, and customer changes are handled separately. Applicable coverage is explained at handoff.

Almost always. Slowdowns are usually caused by malware, a failing drive, insufficient RAM, or software bloat. We will diagnose the root cause and recommend the most cost-effective fix, whether that is a tune-up, an SSD upgrade, or a fresh OS install.

Without question. An SSD upgrade is the single biggest performance improvement you can make to an older machine. Boot times drop from minutes to seconds and everyday use feels like a completely different computer.

Not locally if the drive has physically failed or is no longer detected. NorthCore focuses on assessing readable or partially readable storage, cloning suitable drives, and transferring accessible files. Deleted-file recovery, damaged file-system recovery, firmware work, clean-room work, and chip-level recovery are outside our local scope; when appropriate, we explain why a specialist may be the safer next step.

NorthCore diagnoses laptop problems and offers model-specific screen replacement, compatible fan replacement, CPU and GPU thermal service, cooling maintenance, SSD installation, and RAM upgrades on serviceable models. We confirm compatibility, parts availability, scope, and expected turnaround after reviewing the exact laptop and symptoms.

Yes, when a compatible panel or display assembly is available. We identify the exact part, provide a quote, and order it after approval. NorthCore does not keep replacement screens in stock, so turnaround depends on supplier availability and shipping.

Yes. We work with UC Davis students on laptop repairs, virus removal, drive cloning, and file transfers. If getting across town is difficult, ask about repair pickup and return delivery when booking. We confirm availability, coverage, and any transport fee first.

Yes, repair pickup and return delivery can be arranged when available. You can also bring your device in by appointment. Tell us your location and preferred timing when you contact us, and we will confirm coverage, availability, and any transport fee before scheduling. This can help students without transportation, families, or anyone who cannot easily make the trip.

Write down or photograph the error code if you can, then bring it in. BSODs are usually caused by a failing drive, bad RAM, a driver conflict, or overheating. We will run a full diagnostic to find the culprit and fix it.