
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
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.
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
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
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
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

NorthCore Computing
Davis, CAWhy 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.
4.9 stars
231 platform reviews
4.8
Facebook · 169 reviews
5.0
OfferUp · 50 reviews
5.0
Yelp · 4 reviews
5.0
Google · 8 reviews
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.
Ryan Khull
I've always used a laptop, but getting a personal computer from NorthCore has been an upgrade in performance, productivity, and repairability. The technician was able to help install this PC at my house and gave me a 30-day warranty guarantee in case anything in the PC didn't work properly, and even a lifetime shop discount. I got a great deal for this, and would recommend NorthCore for anyone who is looking for reliable computers and tech.
Luke Pham
I had a custom PC built through Northcore Computing Solutions and I'm really happy with how everything turned out. They were helpful with choosing the right parts and made sure everything worked well together. The PC was put together very neatly, with clean cable management, and everything was properly tested before I received it. They also handled the Windows installation, drivers, updates, and general setup, so the PC was ready to use right away. Overall, the process was smooth and the PC has been running great. I really appreciate the work and attention to detail, and I'd definitely recommend Northcore Computing Solutions for anyone looking for a custom PC build.
sojje
I was dealing with constant crashes and random issues with my PC and couldn't figure out what was wrong. I had already tried a few different fixes, but nothing seemed to work. NorthCore was able to track down the problem, explain what was causing it, and get my PC running normally again. Everything has been stable since, and I haven't had any more crashes. Great communication, quick service, and I'd definitely recommend NorthCore to anyone having PC problems.
Mr skin Playz
Brought my laptop to NorthCore for some maintenance and to upgrade the RAM and SSD. They got everything installed and running quickly, and my laptop feels so much faster now! They were professional, explained everything clearly, and made the whole process super easy. Definitely recommend them for any laptop upgrades or repairs!
digitalhawk
My PC blew up, and NorthCore was able to diagnose and fix the problem the same day! It turned out to be an issue with my motherboard, and they were incredibly quick and professional in figuring out what was wrong.
AJW
Exceptional. Clear communication, understood all the problems clearly, addressed the problems perfectly, and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Ivan L.
Ken's been super helpful whenever I've needed maintenance or help with my laptop. He's easy to work with, knowledgeable, and doesn't make things more complicated than they need to be. After going to him for a while, I eventually ended up buying a new laptop from him too. Definitely recommend him if you need help with your computer.
Tristan N.
Brought my laptop in because it was constantly overheating and sounding like a jet engine. Not only was the cooling issue completely fixed, but they also walked me through a few great upgrade options. We went ahead with adding more RAM and expanding the storage, and it honestly feels like a brand new machine now. Fast turnaround, honest advice, and excellent work. Highly recommend!

Tony
Good deal great computer. Thanks!

Ariel
Went above and beyond to help me get the item. Great communication and good seller!

Andrew
Fast and went to me, accurate item

Jaysen
Ken is very knowledgeable about PC building and repairing. The pricing was much better than expected! He was quick to respond and got me in to help me with my first build. I highly recommend Ken for anything computer related.

Тэнүүн
My experience was really good with this guy

Von
Great Guy Great customer service and Great Pc For the price definitely recommend if your buying your first gaming pc this guys the real deal

Arian
Omg ken is amazing, he is so patient and professional and caring! He invited us to his office and we tested out the item fully and completely under no pressure and he made the stressful experience of facebook buying super easy! 10/10 buy from him!

Jacob
Everything worked as described, quick and to the point for a deal!

Mario
Very happy with the trade thank you !

Andy
Ken was very quick to reply and gave me a great price on my DS controller. When I found an issue with it he offered to replace it right away.

Scott
Great experience everything was as advertised

Sierra
Seller was very friendly and was able to meet me right away also gave me a very good price!

Minh
Very understanding and friendly. Responds back quickly.

Mimi
Very good person . Everything was like described . Thank you Ken
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.

