Which guides are you looking at that say to do it after? I've built a few PCs and putting the CPU in before the motherboard goes in the case is way easier in my experience. You have so much more room to work and can see exactly what you're doing. Trying to line up that little triangle and get the locking arm down inside a cramped case sounds like a nightmare. I'd be way too worried about bending pins or dropping the CPU. Doing it on a flat, open table just feels a lot safer to me.

Have you ever tried to explain a weird hobby and seen people tune out? In my experience, timing is key, so jumping into fabric grain details unprompted often seems random. Your mileage may vary, but I find it helps to start with a relatable hook, like how grain changes how fabric hangs. If they show interest, then you can get technical. Otherwise, save the deep talk for when someone asks. It's a tough balance, but reading the room makes a big difference.