From child prodigy to chief scientist

Xu Xiao was naturally not very satisfied with this configuration. In his previous life, this kind of computer wouldn't even fetch a lot of money as scrap.

However, it was only 2005, so Xu Xiao couldn't have too high requirements for computer configuration.

If the configuration is really as he described, then the price of 3800 is indeed not expensive.

"Okay, then let's install it according to this configuration."

"That's settled then. This is our best-selling configuration, and I just assembled this unit today. You can try it out and take it if there are no problems."

This computer case looks very new; it definitely looks like a newly assembled machine.

After turning on the computer, Xu Lang tried it out briefly and didn't find any problems. It even seemed to run more smoothly than the bank's computers.

Xu Xiao, however, was clearly not taking it lightly. After simply checking the configuration, he discovered many things that were not right.

"Boss, is this CPU of yours overclocked?"

Although the displayed real-time CPU frequency is indeed 2.4GHz, the system properties interface clearly shows that the CPU frequency is only 2.0GHz.

Upon hearing Xu Xiao's words, the shop owner immediately showed a surprised expression.

He never expected that this elementary school-aged child would even understand CPU overclocking.

When he assembles computers for others, apart from a very few people who are particularly knowledgeable about computers, almost no one would notice this detail.

Despite this, the shop owner did not immediately admit it, but continued to make excuses.

"Just look at this for CPU frequency, bro. See, it shows 2.4GHz here, doesn't it?"

Xu Lang glanced at the computer screen and found that it was indeed as his boss had said, leaving him unsure of whose advice to follow.

Xu Xiao had no intention of arguing with the shop owner any further. After shutting down the computer, he unplugged the power cord and skillfully opened the computer case.

"Hey kid, what are you doing?"

"Since they sold us the computers, surely they can open them up and take a look, right?"

"You can look at it, but don't break it."

As a programmer, Xu Xiao may not be able to handle all kinds of computer hardware and software malfunctions, but he is very skilled at assembling and disassembling computers.

Upon finding the CPU inside the computer case, Xu Xiao indeed discovered the trickery involved.

"Although it says 2.4G on this, there are obvious sandpaper marks. It must have been sanded off the original 2.0G and then reprinted. Constantly overclocking the CPU will significantly reduce the lifespan of both the CPU and the motherboard..."

This practice of refurbishing CPUs is a common tactic used in many computer stores.

Under Xu Xiao's guidance, Xu Lang also felt that the CPU did indeed look refurbished.

After listening to Xu Xiao's explanation of "CPU overclocking", Xu Lang realized that he had indeed been fooled by the boss.

"Regarding overclocking... I admit I didn't explain it clearly, but the CPU's quality is definitely not a problem. If you're worried about it affecting its lifespan, I'll just turn the CPU's clock speed back down."

Seeing that his little trick had been exposed, the shop owner could only stammer an explanation.

Seeing this, Xu Xiao didn't give him any face and continued to point out the problems with the other parts.

"If you're not using Kingston RAM, at least get a decent domestic brand like ADATA. This cheap, refurbished RAM will probably cause a blue screen after three months, right?"

「显卡明显是64M显存的FX5200，硬是刷BIOS刷成128M的，实际性能还不一定比得上32M的MX440呢。」

"Even the power supply is a no-name, substandard brand. Are you sure it won't blow up the motherboard within six months?"

Hearing Xu Xiao's series of questions, the shop owner wanted to refute them, but in the end he was left speechless.

After all, all the problems that Xu Xiao pointed out are objectively real.

Even someone who doesn't know much about computers can basically understand the problem after Xu Xiao's explanation.

He simply couldn't understand why such a young child would know so much about computer parts.

"Young man, I didn't realize you knew so much about computers!"

"It's alright, I only know a little bit. I've put the computer back in your house, let's go look around some more."

Xu Xiao had initially thought the shops on the second floor wouldn't be such a rip-off, but it seems he was too naive.

In his previous life, he never dared to buy a computer from a computer mall. He mostly bought laptops online or assembled computers himself by buying computer parts, just in case he was afraid of being ripped off by the unscrupulous merchants in the computer mall.

In retrospect, these rumors were not exaggerated at all.

Xu Lang was also angry about the boss's tactics, but he was even more surprised by his son's performance.

Unexpectedly, Xu Xiao is not only so good at math, but also so proficient in computer knowledge.

The surrounding shopkeepers witnessed what had just happened.

Upon seeing them emerge, the owner of a nearby shop immediately waved to them.

"Come to us for your parts, we guarantee all the components are genuine, and the prices are fair."

Having just experienced this, Xu Xiao knew that other shops probably wouldn't dare to fool them so easily.

However, he was also worried that there might be other tricks involved. After thinking for a moment, he took out a pen and paper and wrote down a configuration list.

"Boss, give us a fair price for this configuration. If it works, we'll get it installed here; if not, we'll find another place."

After taking a look at Xu Xiao's configuration list, the boss couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

The configurations Xu Xiao wrote about all feature components with very high cost-performance ratios; none of them are the kind of "scams" that are just a waste of money. Only someone who truly understands the industry could write such configurations.

He certainly won't make much money from this kind of customer, but it's better than not making any business at all.

"Yes, it's possible. Let me calculate the price for you. The CPU is 780 yuan, the motherboard is 520 yuan... that's a total of 4010 yuan. Just give me 4000 yuan."

"Boss, I don't need you to assemble the computer for me. Just give me the hardware and I'll assemble it myself. I'll just call it 3800."

Besides saving some money, buying the hardware directly also ensures that the store won't try to fool you with refurbished hardware.

"Young man, I wouldn't even make a profit if I just sold you the hardware. How about this: you give me 3900, and I'll install the computer for you and give you a free operating system and some commonly used software."

The price was quite reasonable, and Xu Xiao thought that it was indeed inconvenient to install the system and software himself in this era, so he agreed.

After paying a deposit of 500 yuan, the shop owner found the parts and started assembling the machine.

To be on the safe side, Xu Xiao kept a close eye on the entire process of the shop assembling the computer to ensure that all the parts he used were brand new and genuine.

The boss really didn't have any intention of playing tricks on Xu Xiao; he proactively showed Xu Xiao each component.

If you encounter someone who truly knows their stuff, trying to use tricks will only lead to trouble.

After assembling the computer, the shopkeeper whispered to Xu Xiao:

"I secretly installed a few games for you without telling your dad. I didn't put the shortcuts on the desktop, but you should be able to find them yourself when you get back."