Autor: Dzhemal

The final full week of my internship at PC-Box Valencia began with a mix of organization and repair work. On Monday, I spent the first half of the day sorting and labeling spare parts in the storage room – a surprisingly calming task. Later, I replaced a faulty power supply in an older office PC and ensured the system was fully operational again.

Tuesday marked the beginning of something big – literally. I started assembling a high-end gaming PC worth around €6000. Because of its value, every step had to be carefully documented. I prepped the case, installed the motherboard, CPU, and RAM, and began setting up the custom water cooling system. The pressure was definitely on, but it was one of the most rewarding builds I’ve worked on.

On Wednesday, I completed the hardware installation and moved on to cable management and final connections. Everything looked perfect – until we powered it up and discovered the Lian Li RGB fans weren’t spinning. They lit up, but didn’t move. A round of troubleshooting began.

Outside of work, though, things were less smooth. The cockroach problem at our shared apartment had escalated to the point where I’d had enough. I made the decision to book an Airbnb for the last few days – and honestly, it was the best decision I made the entire trip. Quiet, clean, private… finally a place where I could rest properly.

Back at work on Thursday, we dove deeper into the fan issue. After reassigning the RGB controllers and reconfiguring the setup, we managed to get the lighting effects working as intended. However, the LCD displays on the fans were still inactive. The investigation continued, with a focus on possible USB conflicts and cable routing.

That night, I returned to my Airbnb and just felt relief. Having a space that felt like my own – even just for a few days – made all the difference. I was able to finally relax, focus, and sleep without unexpected crawling guests.

By Friday, we had solved the last technical puzzle. It turned out the LCD fans needed a dedicated USB connection through an external hub, which had to be reconfigured manually. Once set up correctly, everything worked. We ran a final system test, documented the build from start to finish, and prepared it for delivery.

Saturday was departure day. After a hectic morning of packing and checking out, we headed to the airport and made our way back home. The flight itself was… let’s just say, an adventure – but we landed safely, and that’s what counts.

Now I’m back home – a little tired, but happy and honestly grateful. For the experiences, the work, the chaos, the people… and for finally having a shower that doesn’t have mystery insects in it.

The week at PC-Box Valencia began with hands-on tasks and a steady workflow. On Monday, I handled incoming customer PCs – documenting their arrival, checking for visible damage, and performing initial diagnostics, especially for devices that refused to boot. It was all about the first impression: a quick check, a sharp eye, and a calm approach.

Tuesday was more in-depth. I reinstalled Windows 11 on a gaming PC, updated all drivers and the BIOS, and set up client-requested software like Office and Steam. Once the system was up and running, I ran several stress tests to ensure everything remained stable under load – no blue screens, no thermal throttling. Solid.

On Wednesday, I tackled a dusty monster of a PC. After disassembling the case, I used compressed air, brushes, and patience to remove layers of dust. I also replaced the old case fans with new ones. To quantify the results, I measured temperature differences before and after cleaning – and yep, it made a noticeable difference.

Thursday focused more on planning than action: I created a component list for a new build based on the customer’s budget and usage goals.

By Friday, it was time to bring the build to life. I assembled the two PC from scratch, took care of clean cable management, installed the operating system and essential programs, and ran a full test before preparing the final documentation for handoff. Smooth, neat, and fully functional.

After work, I hopped on a train to Madrid with Florian. Once there, we kicked off the evening with some sightseeing:
Palacio Real – massive, majestic, and giving full royalty-core.
Plaza Mayor – charming but pricey, especially the coffee.
Puerta del Sol – the literal heart of Spain.
Parque del Retiro – ducks, rowboats, sunshine, and serious nap potential.
Gran Vía – crowded, chaotic, and full-on city life.

Our Airbnb was a blessing: quiet, clean, and actually comfortable. A soft couch, real towels, and a floor that didn’t stick? Luxury. We grabbed food, kicked back, and watched anime like two very refined gentlemen.

On Saturday, we explored the trendier side of Madrid – first through the cool cafés and vintage shops in Malasaña and Chueca, then at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, surrounded by confused tourists and die-hard fans. We also passed through Madrid’s high-end fashion district, where the only thing I could afford was the air conditioning. In the evening, we caught the train back to Valencia – tired but full of new impressions.

Sunday brought a fun change of pace. We went bowling, cheered each other on through chaotic frames, and then hit the arcade. There’s something timeless about racing games and button-mashing showdowns that makes you forget everything else for a while. We played a few rounds, laughed a lot, and let the day wind down slowly. After that, we headed home – tired, content, and ready to face whatever comes next.

The weekend kicked off early on Saturday, May 10th – though not entirely by choice. Sleeping in was impossible, as a local festival was being set up right outside our window. The noise made it clear: the day had begun. We got up early and set out for a day trip to Altea. Since there was no direct (and affordable) connection, we took the bus to Benidorm and then continued with the city tram. Once in Altea, we made our way to the historic old town, which is perched on a hill above the coastline.

The town was stunning – narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and a calm Mediterranean atmosphere. From one of the viewpoints, we had a breathtaking view over the sea. We continued walking up to the church that sits at the center of the old town – a beautiful building, both inside and out. After soaking in the view and the peaceful vibe, we spent our last hour relaxing in a small bar before making our way back. Everyone was pretty exhausted. The return journey was dramatic – a nearly empty bus drove us back through a heavy thunderstorm, which added a strangely cinematic mood to the end of the day.

Sunday was supposed to be a rest day, but once again, the town had other plans. The morning started with fireworks and loud bangs – no chance to sleep in. Still, we tried to take it easy. It turned out to be a quiet day with some nice conversations and an early night to catch up on rest.

Monday marked the official start of my internship at PC-Box Valencia. I was welcomed to the store, introduced to the team, and given a short overview of the daily routines. It felt good to finally start something structured after so many weeks of waiting.

Tuesday was more hands-on: I installed missing drivers on a laptop and replaced a faulty RAM module in a desktop PC. After that, I ran a full system check to confirm everything was working smoothly again.

On Wednesday, I assembled two full desktop systems according to customer specifications. I then performed benchmark tests and documented temperature and voltage values under load to ensure stability.

Thursday brought a technical challenge: one system with a 13th-gen Intel CPU kept crashing during boost mode. After a thorough diagnosis, I flashed a BIOS update and adjusted the voltage, which resolved the issue. It was satisfying to see the direct impact of the fix.

Friday was all about cooling – literally. I installed a custom AIO water-cooling setup, bent the tubing, mounted the radiator, and filled the loop with coolant. Everything held tight, and the system passed all tests. In the evening, things got sporty: we went out for paintball and GoKarting. Three rounds of paintball: one narrow loss, one clear win, and one chaotic match where I ran out of ammo – but it was fun all the same. After that, we hit the GoKart track, which was a bit messy but still enjoyable.

Saturday started with more noise – once again, fireworks in the morning. Everyone was sore and tired from the previous evening. The first half of the day was quiet; we just picked up some cleaning supplies. In the afternoon, we visited the local planetarium for a show called Himmelsfähre. The film was decent, though the sound was too quiet and the seats not the most comfortable. Still, it was a chill way to spend the afternoon. In the evening, we cooked together and kept it relaxed – we had plans to head to the beach the next morning.

On Sunday, we got up early to catch the sunrise at the beach. We took an Uber, found a good spot, and played some music while watching the sky light up. The atmosphere was calm, and it was the perfect way to start the day. Later, we caught up on sleep and spent the rest of the day taking it easy: writing blog entries, sorting photos, studying a bit, and handling some small tasks.

The start of the week was fairly uneventful. On Monday, I continued working through my Udemy courses – steady progress, but not much to report. In the evening, though, we brought a bit of life into the day by having a small barbecue together, which was a nice way to wrap things up.

Tuesday followed a similar rhythm: calm and quiet during the day, but in the evening we gathered to watch the football match between Inter and Barcelona. A good game and a relaxed atmosphere.

Wednesday took us back to the Mall Inglés, where we walked around a bit and did some light window shopping. It wasn’t the most exciting outing, but sometimes it’s just nice to be out and about.

Then, finally, some news: on Thursday, I received my internship placement! I’ll be working at a gaming store called PcGamingCenter, and my interview is scheduled for the next day. After all the waiting, it feels great to finally have a direction and something to look forward to.

On Friday, I visited the store for the first time. The team welcomed me warmly, and I immediately felt at ease. There’s even another Spanish intern working there, which made settling in a bit easier. The shop not only sells and repairs gaming PCs, but also offers custom setups, accessories, and advice for local gamers. It looks like an exciting environment to be part of – both technically and socially.

And now it’s Saturday: I’m currently on my way to Altea, sitting on the bus as I write this. More to come soon…

Thursday was May 1st – a public holiday – so we took it slow. No obligations, no plans, just a relaxed day to rest and enjoy the calm. The same went for Friday, which passed quietly and gave us a bit more breathing room after the previous days.

On Saturday, we decided to explore a different side of Valencia and headed to a shopping mall for a casual outing. After that, we made our way down to the harbour. The weather was perfect, and being near the water always adds a special touch to the weekend vibe. We walked around for a while, enjoyed the sea breeze, and just soaked in the relaxed atmosphere.

Sunday wrapped up the weekend with a movie night – we went to see Thunderbolts. It was a fun way to end a slow but pleasant few days, and even though the week wasn’t packed with activity, it felt balanced and just right.

This week began in an unexpected way: Monday was marked by a complete blackout. No electricity, no internet – just an odd kind of quiet that wrapped around the day. With little else to do, we were more or less forced to take a break, which, in hindsight, wasn’t the worst thing. Sometimes slowing down is exactly what you need, even if it’s not by choice.

Tuesday brought a welcome shift. We met with our supervisor and enjoyed a traditional Valencian paella together. The meeting wasn’t just about food – it gave us a sense of orientation and reassurance in the middle of all the waiting. Sitting together, talking casually, and sharing a meal made things feel a little more real and grounded.

By Wednesday, the pace slowed again. We took the day to rest, do some cleaning, and reset a bit. There wasn’t much action, but the mix of small routines and quiet moments helped keep things balanced. Still no major updates on the internship front, but we’re staying patient.

Friday brought some much-needed variety. I spent the day at the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, located right here in Valencia. The sheer size and beauty of the place were truly breathtaking – from vibrant coral reefs to majestic sharks and playful dolphins, every section offered something new to marvel at. It was refreshing to dive (at least mentally) into the underwater world for a few hours and leave the everyday routine behind.

Later that evening, I headed to the cinema to watch Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Experiencing such an iconic film on the big screen again, especially here in Valencia, was a real treat. It felt nostalgic yet thrilling to share that atmosphere with an audience full of fellow fans.

On Saturday, I decided to revisit Valencia’s charming old town. Even after several visits, it never fails to surprise me – the narrow alleys, hidden squares, and the relaxed yet lively vibe give the city center a timeless magic that’s always worth experiencing again.

Sunday was all about seeing the city from a new perspective: I hopped on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour to explore parts of Valencia I hadn’t yet discovered on foot. It was a laid-back and easy way to cover a lot of ground while picking up interesting historical facts along the way. To round off the weekend, I watched another classic at home: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

And as for the internships… still no news. The waiting game continues.

Not much has changed this week either – we’re still waiting for a response regarding our internship placements. The uncertainty is slowly starting to feel a bit repetitive, and while patience is important, the lack of clarity makes it difficult to plan ahead or look forward with confidence.

Amidst this quiet and steady rhythm, one day stood out as a real highlight: my visit to the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, Valencia’s stunning science museum located in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, but what truly fascinated me was the special exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.

As I walked through the collection of his inventions, admired the intricate models, and interacted with various displays, I was struck by how far ahead of his time he truly was. His ideas were bold, complex, and deeply imaginative – a perfect reminder of what the human mind is capable of when curiosity meets vision.

In the days that followed, not much changed – I’m still waiting for feedback regarding our internship placements. Still, I didn’t want to let the time pass by unused. So I kept working through some of my old Udemy courses to refresh my knowledge in different areas and keep the sense of doing something meaningful.

At the same time, things got a little festive: Easter was just around the corner. Although the holiday felt different being away from home, we used the occasion to slow down, enjoy some good food, and share a few pleasant moments. Overall, it was a mix of learning, waiting, and taking small breaks – a kind of in-between time that had its own special value.

Monday – 14.04.2025

We’re still waiting to be assigned to our internship placements. Since a spontaneous interview could come up at any moment, we decided to stay in on Monday. To make the most of our time, Timur Kasperek and I agreed to go back through some old Udemy courses and refresh our knowledge. Better than just waiting around.

Tuesday – 15.04.2025
I had an interview scheduled for Tuesday, but unfortunately, it was canceled at the last minute. So, Timur and I decided to explore the city on foot. We walked all the way from Alboraya to downtown Valencia – it took us about two hours, but it was a great way to see more of the city. Afterwards, we treated ourselves to a delicious bowl of ramen at a cozy Asian restaurant. Totally worth it!

Wednesday – 16.04.2025
Still no updates from the agency. To pass the time, Timur and I went for a long walk along a trail that eventually led us to the sea. The scenery was beautiful and peaceful. Later, we grabbed some Italian food before heading back.