Electric Mouse Inc. in Chattanooga: Fast Turnaround Computer Repair and Custom Builds
Electric Mouse Inc. is a locally owned computer repair shop and custom PC builder located in Chattanooga that handles both routine hardware fixes and bespoke system assembly for gamers, professionals, and budget-conscious buyers who want to avoid big-box store repair departments.
What Electric Mouse Inc. actually is
Electric Mouse operates as a hybrid service: a repair-focused storefront that also takes custom build orders. The shop handles virus removal, hardware replacement, data recovery, software troubleshooting, and component upgrades for desktops and laptops. For customers wanting new machines, the business builds gaming PCs, workstations, and budget systems to specification, which lets buyers avoid assembly markup and choose exact parts. The owner sources components locally and regionally, meaning turnaround on repair jobs typically runs 2 to 5 business days for standard work, and custom builds take 7 to 14 days depending on parts availability and complexity.
Services and pricing
Repair diagnostics start at $50 and usually take one business day; that fee applies toward the final bill if you proceed. Common repairs—replacing a hard drive, adding RAM, or removing malware—range from $100 to $300 depending on parts and labor. Screen replacement on laptops runs $150 to $400 depending on the model. Data recovery from failed drives costs $200 to $600 depending on how badly the drive is damaged; call ahead before dropping off a machine, since recovery requires sending some drives to a partner lab and extends the timeline to 2 to 3 weeks.
Custom builds start at around $800 for a light gaming or office machine and scale up to $2,500 or more for high-end rigs. The shop typically charges cost-plus pricing on components plus a $150 to $250 assembly and testing fee, which is lower than prebuilt systems with identical specs from retailers like Best Buy or Micro Center (neither has a Chattanooga location). For comparison, a custom $1,200 gaming build at Electric Mouse costs roughly $150 to $200 less than the same configuration bought as a prebuilt from an online vendor, because you avoid manufacturer markup and shipping.
Prices are firm within the month but depend partly on component costs; call to confirm quotes on builds taking more than a few days to source.
How it compares to other Chattanooga IT repair options
Chattanooga has several repair outlets: Best Buy's Geek Squad (available online only for Chattanooga), local independent shops, and mail-in services. Electric Mouse differs in three ways. First, it does not upsell extended warranties or replacement plans the way big-box retailers do; the estimate is the estimate. Second, custom builds are its second revenue stream, so the owner has incentive to stock components and understand what actually works together, not just swap parts. Third, because it is local and small, you can walk in, talk directly to the technician, and ask questions without a script. The tradeoff is that Electric Mouse does not offer same-day turnaround on most repairs; if speed is critical, call first. For data recovery, Electric Mouse is cheaper than data-recovery specialists who charge $500 to $1,500 for the same work, but slower than trying a replacement drive yourself (which risks complete data loss if you guess wrong).
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Electric Mouse is right for anyone with a broken computer who wants a transparent price and an owner who understands the machine. It is especially useful for gamers or professionals who want a custom PC without visiting three websites and assembling parts themselves. It also serves repair customers who distrust big-box service departments.
It is not ideal if you need same-day turnaround, because repair jobs queue in order. It is not a good fit for very old machines (pre-2010 desktops or pre-2012 laptops) unless the repair is simple, since parts become scarce and the cost-to-value ratio tips against fixing them.
What the first visit involves
Walk in or call ahead with a description of the problem. The owner or technician will ask what the machine does (or does not do), run it through diagnostics if it powers on, and give you a quote. If you approve, they keep it for the estimated number of days, run the repair, and call you when it is done. You pay on pickup. For a custom build, bring a budget and a wish list (gaming, video editing, streaming, or general use), and they will suggest components and walk you through the build timeline.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Electric Mouse is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Sundays and Mondays. Street parking is available on the block. The shop accepts walk-ins and appointments; calling ahead cuts wait time. They take cash and card. Verify hours before visiting, since small shops occasionally shift them seasonally.
Electric Mouse fills a gap between mail-in services and chain stores in Chattanooga: it repairs computers with clarity and builds custom PCs at a fair price, making it worth a visit if you own a machine worth fixing or want a gaming PC without guesswork.
