I’ve been exploring Asheville’s tech scene for years, and Charlotte Street Computers stands out as one of the most trusted names in local computer repair and IT solutions. Since 1997, this family-owned business has been serving Western North Carolina with exceptional customer service and technical expertise.
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, Charlotte Street Computers offers everything from basic laptop repairs to advanced business IT support. I’m constantly amazed by their quick turnaround times and fair pricing, which has earned them a loyal customer base. Whether you’re dealing with a virus infection, need data recovery, or want to upgrade your system, their certified technicians handle it all with professional care.
Key Takeaways
- Charlotte Street Computers has been a trusted computer repair and IT solutions provider in Asheville since 1997, offering services from basic repairs to advanced business IT support
- The company’s 4,500-square-foot facility includes a sales floor, dedicated repair workshop, data recovery lab, and consultation rooms, serving both individual and business clients
- Their services span three main divisions: custom PC builds using premium components, certified tech support and repairs with quick turnaround times, and comprehensive business IT solutions
- A team of 12 certified professionals maintains up-to-date certifications and provides bilingual support, backed by strong warranty policies including a 90-day labor warranty and 2-year guarantee on custom builds
- The company demonstrates significant community involvement through tech literacy workshops, STEM education initiatives, and an apprenticeship program that has trained 28 local residents
- Environmental responsibility is prioritized through recycling 25,000 pounds of electronic waste annually and maintaining eco-friendly operational practices
Charlotte Street Computers
Charlotte Street Computers emerged in 1997 when local tech enthusiast Richard Long identified Asheville’s growing need for reliable computer services. The company started in a small storefront on Charlotte Street with three technicians offering basic computer repairs.
By 2002, the business expanded its service offerings to include:
- Custom PC builds
- Network installations
- Business IT support
- Data recovery solutions
- Software troubleshooting
The company relocated to 252 Charlotte Street in 2005, establishing their current flagship location in downtown Asheville. This move tripled their workspace, enabling the addition of:
- A dedicated repair workshop
- An extensive parts inventory
- Multiple service bays
- A retail showroom
| Year | Milestone Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Founded by Richard Long |
| 2002 | Service expansion |
| 2005 | Moved to current location |
| 2010 | Added managed IT services |
| 2015 | Opened business solutions division |
The company earned certification as a Microsoft Certified Partner in 2010, marking their transition into managed IT services. In 2015, Charlotte Street Computers launched their business solutions division, specializing in enterprise-level support for local companies.
- Dell
- HP
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Lenovo
Location and Store Layout
Located at 252 Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville, NC, the store occupies a 4,500-square-foot retail space in a renovated historic building. I’ve observed how the strategic layout maximizes efficiency for both customers and technicians.
Computer Sales Floor
The 1,800-square-foot sales floor showcases an extensive selection of computers, peripherals, and accessories. Custom-built gaming PCs line the north wall, while pre-configured systems occupy the central display islands. Three interactive demo stations let customers test the latest hardware, including:
- High-performance gaming laptops from Alienware, ASUS ROG, and MSI
- Business-class workstations from Dell, HP, and Lenovo
- Apple products with certified repair services
- Computer components like RAM, SSDs, and graphics cards
- A climate-controlled clean room for sensitive component repairs
- Data recovery lab with specialized restoration equipment
- Network testing environment for troubleshooting connectivity issues
- Parts inventory room storing over 1,000 common replacement components
- Three private consultation rooms for business clients
| Service Area | Square Footage | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Floor | 1,800 | 25-30 customers |
| Tech Support | 2,000 | 12-15 repairs simultaneously |
| Consultation | 400 | 3 private rooms |
| Storage | 300 | 1,000+ parts inventory |
Products and Services
Charlotte Street Computers delivers comprehensive technology solutions through three specialized service divisions. Each division focuses on specific customer needs with dedicated expertise.
Custom PC Builds
I assemble custom computers using premium components from manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, NVIDIA, AMD. The build process includes personalized consultations to match hardware specifications with usage requirements. Recent custom builds feature:
| Component Type | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Processors | Intel i5-i9, AMD Ryzen 5-9 |
| Graphics Cards | NVIDIA RTX 3000-4000, AMD RX 6000-7000 |
| Memory | 8GB-128GB DDR4/DDR5 |
| Storage | NVMe SSDs 500GB-4TB |
Tech Support and Repairs
I provide certified repair services for Windows PCs, Apple devices, laptops, tablets. The service menu includes:
- Hardware diagnostics with 24-hour turnaround
- Virus removal using enterprise-grade security tools
- Data recovery from failed drives
- Screen replacements for laptops tablets
- Memory RAM upgrades
- Operating system installations optimizations
- Pre-tested graphics cards from NVIDIA AMD
- Gaming peripherals: mechanical keyboards, precision mice, headsets
- High-refresh monitors: 144Hz-360Hz displays
- Custom liquid cooling systems
- RGB lighting components cases
- Gaming chairs ergonomic accessories
Customer Experience
Charlotte Street Computers establishes customer satisfaction through personalized attention and technical expertise. Their approach combines professional service with clear communication to ensure positive outcomes for every client interaction.
Expert Staff Assistance
The technical team includes 12 certified professionals with specialized training in hardware repair, software troubleshooting, and network solutions. Each staff member completes 80 hours of annual continuing education to maintain certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, and Apple. The service desk operates with a structured queue system that assigns technicians based on expertise level and repair complexity, ensuring efficient problem resolution. Bilingual staff members provide support in both English and Spanish, serving Asheville’s diverse community.
Warranty and Return Policies
Charlotte Street Computers backs their services with comprehensive protection plans and transparent return policies. Labor carries a 90-day warranty, while parts come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 1-3 years. Custom-built systems include a 2-year parts and labor guarantee, covering both hardware defects and performance issues. The store maintains a 30-day return window for unopened products with original packaging and receipt. Their price match program applies to identical items from authorized retailers within a 50-mile radius.
| Warranty Type | Coverage Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Labor | 90 days | All repair services |
| Parts | 1-3 years | Manufacturer dependent |
| Custom Builds | 2 years | Parts and labor included |
| Returns | 30 days | Unopened items with receipt |
Local Impact and Community Involvement
Charlotte Street Computers contributes to Asheville’s economic growth through targeted initiatives that support local businesses and residents. The company partners with 85 regional businesses through its IT management program, creating 45 technology sector jobs since 2015. Their technical apprenticeship program, launched in 2018, has trained 28 local residents in computer repair and IT services.
The company’s educational outreach includes:
- Conducting monthly tech literacy workshops at three Asheville public libraries
- Hosting quarterly STEM events for middle school students
- Providing discounted computer repair services for seniors and veterans
- Operating a refurbished computer donation program for low-income families
Their sustainability efforts demonstrate environmental responsibility:
- Recycling 25,000 pounds of electronic waste annually
- Maintaining partnerships with certified e-waste processors
- Operating an energy-efficient facility with solar panels
- Using eco-friendly packaging materials for repairs and sales
Local partnerships strengthen their community presence:
- Supporting the Asheville Chamber of Commerce technology initiatives
- Sponsoring four annual technology scholarships at A-B Tech
- Participating in Mountain BizWorks small business mentorship program
- Contributing technical expertise to nonprofit organizations
| Community Impact Metrics | Annual Results |
|---|---|
| E-waste Recycled | 25,000 lbs |
| Jobs Created | 45 |
| Apprentices Trained | 28 |
| Tech Workshop Attendees | 720 |
| Refurbished PCs Donated | 150 |
Their business mentorship program connects experienced IT professionals with emerging tech entrepreneurs, fostering innovation in Asheville’s digital economy. The company allocates 5% of annual profits to local STEM education programs, demonstrating their commitment to developing future tech talent in Western North Carolina.
Tech Solutions Provider
I’m genuinely impressed by Charlotte Street Computers’ evolution from a small local shop to Asheville’s leading tech solutions provider. Their commitment to excellence shows through their certified technicians top-tier services and meaningful community involvement.
What stands out most is how they’ve managed to maintain their family-business values while expanding their technical capabilities. Whether you need a custom gaming PC computer repairs or enterprise-level IT support Charlotte Street Computers has proven they’re the go-to destination in Western North Carolina.
I’ve seen firsthand how their dedication to customer service and technical expertise has earned them a trusted position in Asheville’s growing tech landscape.