Back in the early 2000s, when the UK JobCentres actively tried to help you get into work, I found myself on work experience through New Deal.

The work experience was in a local independent computer shop. One that builds and repairs computers, while also selling computer accessories and components.

The layout is straight forward. There were only 3 rooms. From front to back was an all-in-one sails and work area. Then kitchen, then toilet.

So if you’re working on a computer, you can hear and see what’s happening at the customer service counter.

The amount of crazy repairs that came through wasn’t all that often. The same with computer builds.

This is one of those crazy computer builds.

I was sat doesn’t a diagnostic on a computer when a guy came in asking for a computer to be built and handed over a spec list to my boss who handles customers.

My boss said that he’ll just go over the list to see how much it’ll cost only for me to hear this.

Boss – Sorry, but it’s not possible to build a computer with these components.

Customer – Why not? They’re all components that came out in the last few years.

Boss – True. These are components that came out recently. However, they’re not compatible.

Customer – What do you mean?

Boss – Sorry, but an Intel CPU doesn’t fit into an AMD motherboard. You’ve also listed SO-DIMM memory instead of DIMM memory. I’m assuming that the CPU is one of those that comes with its own cooling, which in turn, just like the CPU, would not fit the motherboard.

My boss did a quick search on the computer and then returned to the customer.

Boss – Although you did pick a good power supply, it’s sadly not good enough. You need one that’s 100W more powerful.

Customer – So just picking components that look good isn’t good enough.

Boss shaking his head – Sorry, but no. SO-DIMM memory is for laptops. Intel CPUs require a motherboard with and Intel socket for it. The same with AMD. Usually CPUs come with their own cooling, but some don’t so you need to pick one that fits the motherboard. From a similar build that we do, you need a more powerful power supply or you’d end up with problems.

Customer tapping is spec list – But I want this computer.

Boss – I can order you the components, but we cannot build you the computer. You’ll have to try and do that yourself. Or we can go through our build list and pick out a computer to suit your needs.

Customer tapping the list again – But why not these?

Boss – Do you know anything about cars?

Customer – Who doesn’t?

Boss – OK. Then picture this. Can you use Diesel in an Unleaded car? Can you fit a 2 litre van engine into a Ford Fiesta? What about a Lorry’s windscreen in a Transit Van?

He reached under the counter and pulled out some CPUs and RAM before grabbing a customers laptop.

He then showed the customer an AMD and Intel CPU.

Boss – There is a physical difference between the CPUs, in both the shape and the amount of pins they have.

He then opened the laptop and removed the RAM.

Boss – This is SO-DIMM and this is regular RAM needed for desktop computers. As you can see, they’re also physically different.

As the boss returned the stuff the customer spoke up.

Customer – So the list that I’ve chosen is useless?

Boss – Pretty much.

Customer – So what do I do? I want a new computer.

Boss pulled out a couple of sheets with prebuilt specs.

Boss – Let’s talk about your needs and wants.

With that, they started discussing what sort of computer is will do.