720 9th St., Lower Level (basement of The Regulator)
Durham, NC 27705
No appointment necessary!
Reliable, cost-effective computer repair
The repair experts at The Computer Cellar can fix up your damaged PC laptop or desktop, iMac, MacBook, or just about any other type of computer*. Hardware issues? We can diagnose problems with power supplies, hard drives, RAM, CPU, or logic board and help you find a solution to fit your budget. Viruses and spyware? We’ve got a team of techs ready to help take them out. Got an older laptop you want to be faster? Maybe even faster than it was when you bought it? We’ve got affordable upgrade solutions available. Dump your coffee on your keyboard? We can try to save it!
We provide fast service, thorough inspections, and reliable repairs, and we stand proudly behind our work. We take the time to explain the problems we diagnose, and explain how we can fix them, all with a smile and a sense of humor you won’t get from most “geeks” and “geniuses”, and in language you can understand.
*looking for mobile device/phone/tablet repair? We don’t do that, but we know some awesome local people that do! Click here for our recommendations.
A comfortable, simple process
Come in and spend up to 15 minutes in “triage” at no cost, as long as we don’t have to open the computer. We’ll make a diagnosis or a list of possibilities. If we need to do “exploratory surgery”, such as removing a hard drive or opening the casing of the computer, a $20 charge (tax included) will apply. In such cases we can usually diagnose on the spot and make a recommendation and estimate for repair. In complex cases, a $50 minimum diagnostic may apply and we’ll check your computer into our queue for a more thorough evaluation. Once we have a diagnosis, we’ll give you a list of repair options and pricing quotes. If we follow through with a computer repair, the bench and/or diagnostic fee is waived.
Quality, affordable refurbished computers
We also sell affordable, reliable refurbished laptop and desktop computers. Everything we offer has come from legitimate sources including electronics reclaimers and recyclers from the local area. All computers are thoroughly cleaned, tested, and repaired when necessary, then receives a fresh install of its operating system with no bloatware, and gets an assortment of free, useful utilities such as the fantastic open-source, Microsoft Office-compatible suite LibreOffice, virus and malware protection, and modern, secure web browsers with ad-blocking extensions and anti-phishing protection.
Our core rule of refurbished computers is that we would not ever sell you something we wouldn’t be confident in selling to our own families or friends. If you’re interested in a refurbished computer, please check our “Items for Sale” page, which is kept up to date with what is currently available.
Local pick-up for your convenience
We’re happy to pick up and drop off your computer if you are disabled or unable to visit us in person (we’re handicapped-accessible via the office’s back door, by the way!). If you live within a 3-mile radius, we’ll pick up your broken computer and drop it off again for free (additional surcharge if extensive on-site assistance is needed). If you’re over 3 miles away but within a 10-mile radius, check out our extended pick-up rates here.
Personal, friendly service and communication
When you call, visit our office, or email us via our contact page, you’re talking to the very same people who work tirelessly to keep your computer running. We pride ourselves on our small, tight-knit team of motivated, savvy individuals who combine their personal, friendly service with the utmost respect for you, your computer, and your personal data. We always take the time to explain what’s ailing your computer with patience, and in terms that you can understand.
Locally owned and operated
Our office is conveniently located in the Heart of Durham, on bustling 9th Street, in the basement of The Regulator Bookshop. There’s multiple convenient entrances – you can come in the back entrance, the side entrance on Alley 8, or through the front entrance of the bookstore and down the stairs.
The Computer Cellar is an American owned and operated small business, made up of a small team of local people that love Durham, Ninth Street, and their amazing communities.