AI Didn’t Write the Manual
One thing I wasn’t expecting to use AI for was call-in support. Several weeks ago, I could hear one of my PC fans starting to die. My computer is at least seven years old, so a failing component isn’t unexpected. After opening up the case, I located the whining fan on one of my GPUs.
I started searching for replacement fans when I realized that it would be easier to swap out the GPU. The age of my motherboard limited my upgrade options. I used Claude Code to query my system and recommend used GPU options.
Finding a compatible GPU model was relatively straightforward. Then I started wondering whether I should swap out the still-working GPU. Claude correctly pointed out that my PSU was a bit underpowered for two new GPUs and recommended upgrading it.
New PSUs are quite easy to find. But Claude also flagged another issue that hadn’t crossed my mind: my motherboard has a proprietary pin-out, and a standard cable could fry it. That sent me on the hunt for an adapter cable.
As I was searching for things, or rather, as Claude was searching eBay listings, I wondered if there were other practical upgrades. I was curious about running a local AI model. While I knew my computer wouldn’t be quick, it would give me a way to test models without limits and without worrying about how my conversations might be used. A side conversation with Claude confirmed that it was possible, but also recommended a CPU upgrade.
Once I had most of the parts in hand, I started with the PSU swap. I removed the old one and started to put in the new one. The PSU I picked was modular, a first for me, if that tells you about how long it’s been since I’ve done any major upgrades.
I connected the PSU to the adapter, then to the motherboard. So far, so good. Then, I found a port that I didn’t have a cable for. Not wanting to put the old one back in to do some additional research, I fired up the mobile app. While I prefer typing, it was convenient to talk to the AI and describe what I was trying to do. I was today years old when I learned that some modular cables are meant to split. Mind blown! When I ran into a similar issue trying to plug in an 8-pin cable into one of the GPU’s 6-pin ports, I wasn’t stymied this time.
I had similar questions as I was swapping out the CPU. The last one I had done required me to pry it out and didn’t require thermal paste or a heatsink. (Did I mention how long it’s been since I’ve had to swap out hardware?) But, rather than having to call a support line, I kept my voice conversation open.
A few things crossed my mind as I was going through this process. First, components are easier to swap out now than I remembered.
Second, there are always new things to learn. Some modular cables can split. Who knew? As an educator, I should expect to be surprised, and it’s still fun when I am.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, AI won’t replace everyone. Sure, it may require jobs to change. But my upgrade venture was only successful because a person (multiple people, likely) captured that information somewhere. AI didn’t create the information; it just facilitated my access to it. It was like the first time I connected online (on a BBS); it opened new avenues for education and exploration.