The 5 Best Computer Stores in Ottawa Tech Nerds Love to Shop At
I’m an extremely stingy person. Case in point: I don’t replace things as long as I can still use them without any trouble. But whether I like it or not, I know a time will come when I need to let go of my laptop.
That realization came to me when I was finishing a project last week. My laptop turned off a couple of times—a very irritating experience when you’re chasing deadlines.
To avoid any further work inconvenience, I went out the next day to look for shops and canvass a new device. Luckily, I found some gems.
These are the best computer stores in Ottawa where you’ll see tech nerds raving.
How much does a computer cost in Ottawa?
The cost of buying a computer in Ottawa generally ranges from around $400 for a basic model to over $2,000 for high-performance systems, depending on the type, brand, and specifications.
1. Computer Rise
Address: 1803 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans
Phone: +1 613 841 7885
Business hours:
- Mon-Wed: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Thu-Fri: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Computer Rise is a trusted computer sales and service provider offering a wide range of products for every type of user.
Their selection of desktops and laptops gives customers plenty of options to match their specific preferences and performance needs. They carry products from well-known brands like ASUS, Minisforum, and MSI.
If you’re looking to save without sacrificing performance, the store’s lineup of refurbished Chromebooks, notebooks, and tablets is worth checking out. Each device offers dependable functionality at a fraction of the cost of brand-new tech.
You’ll also find shelves stocked with computer parts like CPUs, motherboards, and video cards, perfect for those who enjoy hands-on upgrades or personalized builds.
For shoppers who’d rather skip the DIY route, the team can even assemble a custom computer from the ground up, tailoring every component to your requests.
However, I noticed that the items listed on their website don’t always match what’s available in-store.
Sympathetic, professional, very knowledgeable, with a great sense of humor
“Service with a smile every time. I’ve known the owner Eli for more than 20 years. Sympathetic, professional, very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. I walk out satisfied with the work that has been done. I’ve bought computers, laptops and printers. Alex the technician is a great asset for fixing, installing and recommending what your computer needs. I trust them wholeheartedly and wouldn’t go elsewhere.”
– Joanne P, Google Review
The after-sales service and advice in resolving my problems have been invaluable
“I have been dealing with Eli and his staff at Computer Rise for the last number of years and I’m always amazed by the quality professional service I receive. I have always been satisfied with all my purchases and I have no hesitation recommending Computer Rise to family and friends whenever computer issues come up. The after-sales service and knowledgeable advice in resolving my problems has been invaluable. Thanks so much for being there.”
– Randy Denley, Google Review
2. RB Computing
Address: 235 Menten Pl #106, Nepean
Phone: +1 613 829 9994
Business hours: Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
RB Computing is a Canadian-owned computer supplier that’s been serving Ottawa and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. They’ve earned a strong reputation in the local tech scene.
You’ll find many trusted and popular brands here, from ASUS and Acer to HP, giving you plenty of reliable, high-quality options to choose from.
The store also offers a great deal of computer peripherals, from monitors and keyboards to mice and other input and output devices that complete any setup.
What I like most, though, is their variety of portable microcomputers. There’s a model suited for work, travel, or a bit of entertainment you can take with you anywhere you go.
The only weak point is that they’re closed on weekends, just when most of us finally have time to shop.
Pretty quick, and you can tell they care about their customers
“I couldn’t recommend RBC enough. You might pay a little more than their bigger competitors some of the time, but you get far better service and you’re supporting a small Canadian business. It’s quick and you can tell they care about their customers. I’ve bought 2 CPUs from them and I will definitely be getting my computer parts from them in the future.”
– John Hughes, Google Review
I’ve put this computer through a lot of gaming, and I have had no issues to report
“My experience with RB Computing was very positive! I am normally one to build my own PC; however, my planned build was very expensive and my cable management usually leaves a lot to be desired, so I thought it would be worth the price to have a professional handle the build for me for the peace of mind. I was absolutely correct! Kendal was very helpful with helping me select the parts to suit my needs over a short email chain, and the price of both the labour and shipping were very reasonable. Almost all of the parts used were offered for a lower price here than at other online stores, so the price ended up being very similar having the system built and shipped to my door than if I had built it myself! I have put this computer through a lot of gaming since I received it two months ago, and I have had no issues to report.”
– Martin Brennan, Google Review
3. The Trailing Edge
Address: 2720 Queensview Dr B113
Phone: +1 613 860 2001
Business hours: Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
The Trailing Edge, founded in 1997, has been one of Ottawa’s most trusted destinations for computers and related tech products.
Their selection of refurbished laptops and desktops, mostly from Lenovo and other well-known brands, is definitely worth checking out. They assure quality through rigorous testing to make sure every unit is worth the penny.
I also like the wide range of accessories they have, including laptop bags, monitor mounts, and mouse pads, making them a one-stop shop for those who want a complete setup.
You’ll even find lots of video conferencing devices, such as headphones, cameras, speakers, and microphones.
The only small downside is that the store is closed on weekends.
Staff are very knowledgeable, experienced, yet not condescending
“Excellent experience, and has been consistently so for the 15+ years that I have been a customer. Staff are very knowledgeable, experienced, yet not condescending. They listen – carefully and patiently! – recommend solutions or products that address the actual requirements, not just what is on sale. I actually purchased a laptop there today, but even when I have made small or no purchases, the visit has been a pleasant experience. Have recommended to friends and family, and their experiences have been very favourable also. Highly recommend. They are tucked away on Bexley Pl – the street behind Mark’s and Mario’s in Bell’s Corners.”
– Tom Wilson, Google Review
Very knowledgeable about what I needed in a computer
“I bought my laptop from them a year ago. Still works great. The young man at the desk was very helpful and also entertained our shared interest in classic metal bands. He was very knowledgeable about what I needed in a computer and they seem to have everything you really could need. They are worth a look if you live near Bells.”
– Patrick G, Google Review
4. The PC Room
Address: 546 Gladstone Ave
Phone: +1 613 907 7666
Business hours:
- Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
The PC Room operates in downtown Ottawa and specializes in refurbished laptops and desktops. They’re often regarded as the city’s top downtown destination for quality secondhand computers.
Here, I saw brands like Dell, Lenovo, HP, and other names you often hear of. Some customers, however, mentioned receiving units with minor water damage, which led to additional repair costs.
On the bright side, the store has an impressive selection of computer gear, including monitors, keyboards, and mice, among other things.
Plus, they provide flexible financing options through PayPlan, allowing customers to pay for their purchases over time at competitive interest rates.
The PC Room also offers reliable delivery services, with many regular online shoppers praising the fast next-day delivery — a major plus for those who prefer to buy from home.
Got a refurbished desktop pc for 550$ that beats every spec from other stores
“Needed to get a new PC for my parents, but everything from big box stores is absolute junk unless you’re willing to pay 1000$+ (even then, I question the parts). Got a refurbished desktop pc for 550$ that beats just about every spec from other stores. They clean it up really well, almost looks new. Everything was ready to go. If all you need is a basic daily driver for browsing and other small tasks, this is the way to go.”
– Frank G, Google Review
The employees were very knowledgeable and polite with the customers
“This morning I arrived at this store and I was quite pleased with the stocked items for sale. 🖥️💻⌨️🖱️ I spoke with a couple of the store employees and they were very knowledgeable and polite with the customers. This I like, when I am on the market for looking for a computer. Please note that all computers in this store are Refurbished, but they look to be in very good condition. The product prices are well priced and believe me, there is a variety to look at. If you are interested in a gently used Computer or Laptop, stop in and visit this store first. I am sure that you will be pleased with the effort. 👍👍👍 Please note: This store is not wheelchair accessible.”
– David Par, Google Review
5. Canada Computers & Electronics – Ottawa Downtown
Address: 279 Laurier Ave W Suite 100
Phone: +1 613 903 5990
Business hours:
- Mon: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Tue: 12:30 PM – 8 PM
- Wed-Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Canada Computers & Electronics began in 1991 with a mission to offer high-quality computers. Over the years, they’ve expanded nationwide, including a convenient location in downtown Ottawa.
Their laptop lineup is impressive, featuring gaming, business, and Windows models, plus Chromebooks for those who prefer Google’s OS. The store carries more than 60 brands, including well-known names like Gigabyte, Nvidia, and Samsung.
I appreciate the bundle deals they offer on computer parts that usually include two or three products, like a desktop processor and a motherboard in a single purchase.
For those with busy schedules, it’s an advantage that the store is open seven days a week.
Of course, no business is without flaws. Some customers have noted occasional miscommunications with staff, such as mix-ups between returns and exchanges.
The sales associate helping me was so patient and helpful in giving advice
“I’ve been an occasional customer of Canada Computers for about ten years (not being from the area originally). I’ve mostly patronized their downtown location, but I have always found their staff to be extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I recently went to their downtown location to get a custom-build PC. The process took well over an hour (I had a lot of questions), but the sales associate helping me was so patient and helpful in giving advice, suggestions (even saving me money, or giving me options about which products could be swapped for a cheaper brand without sacrificing quality and which ones may involve a trade-off). The PC was built and ready for pick-up a week later (faster than I expected). I experienced a couple of (admittedly) user-related errors, but I was able to call, explain my issues, and was given suggestions of things to try, and the problems were resolved quickly and easily. It’s been more than a month now and I love my new PC :)”
– Melissa Melissa, Google Review
If you’re looking for an electronic, this store is always worth checking
“I’ve never had a bad experience at a Canada Computers store. The price is almost always amazing, they have a great inventory, there always seems to be a great sale going on, and the staff knows what they’re talking about. I figure that the area makes it difficult to run a computer store; the staff told me a story of a costumer walking out with an entire tower in his backpack, so the staff has to take some precautions to make sure they don’t lose inventory. Despite this, I’ve still never had a bad experience here, and if you’re looking for an electronic of some sort this store is always worth checking.”
– Noel Dickson, Google Review