🚀 The Build Day Has Arrived! After months of anticipation and planning, the RTX 5090 finally launched and it was time to bring my AI/ML powerhouse to life.

This is more than just a computer build - it’s the foundation for exploring the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Every component was carefully selected to maximize performance for training neural networks, running inference, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with consumer AI hardware.

📸 Complete Visual Documentation - Follow along with 25 high-resolution photos and exclusive first-boot video footage as I transform a pile of premium components into a purpose-built AI training beast.

Step 1: Initial Setup (~20 minutes)

Starting with all components laid out and ready to go.

Initial component layout All components unboxed and ready for assembly

Component close-up Getting a closer look at the key components

Step 2: Case Preparation (~15 minutes)

Case prep 1 Preparing the case and initial component placement

Case prep 2 Case setup from another angle

Step 3: Initial Assembly (~30 minutes)

Early assembly First components going into the case

Assembly progress Making progress with the build

Component installation Installing key components

Step 4: Component Installation (~45 minutes)

Build progress 1 Significant progress made

Build progress 2 Another view of the assembly

Components in place Major components now installed

Nearly complete chassis Chassis assembly nearing completion

Step 5: Major Assembly (~1 hour)

Final assembly steps Working on final assembly details

Component fitting Ensuring everything fits properly

Major milestone Major assembly milestone reached

Step 6: Cable Management (~30 minutes)

Cable management 1 Starting the cable management process

Cable management 2 Routing cables for optimal airflow

Clean cable routing Achieving clean cable routing

Step 7: System Testing (~45 minutes)

System testing 1 Initial system testing phase

System testing 2 Verifying all connections

Final checks Running final system checks

Power testing Testing power delivery and stability

RTX 5090 First Boot Test

Before committing to the final case assembly, I wanted to test the RTX 5090 to ensure it was working properly. Here’s the moment of truth - the first time powering up the card:

This was a crucial step in the build process. Testing the GPU outside the case allowed me to verify functionality and ensure all power connections were solid before doing the final assembly and cable management.

Step 8: Final Assembly & Completion (~1.5 hours)

Near completion System nearing final completion

Final assembly Final assembly steps

Completed build 1 The completed AI workstation

Completed build 2 Another view of the finished build

Build Summary

The entire build took approximately 6 hours from start to finish, with the bulk of the time spent on:

  • Careful component installation to avoid any damage
  • Meticulous cable management for optimal airflow
  • Multiple test boots to ensure stability
  • Fine-tuning component placement

Key Learnings

  • Cable management is crucial - Took extra time but resulted in much better airflow
  • Test early and often - Multiple test boots caught potential issues early
  • RTX 5090 installation - Required careful handling due to size and weight
  • Power delivery - Ensuring adequate power connectors for the high-end GPU

Next Steps

With the hardware build complete, the next phase involves:

  • OS installation and driver setup
  • AI/ML framework installation (CUDA, PyTorch, etc.)
  • Performance benchmarking
  • First training runs

Stay tuned for the software setup and initial performance results!

Build completed on September 20th, 2025 | Total build time: ~6 hours