Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage sizing, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, required connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and headroom for reliabilityExplore how to size PSU wattage for your build, interpret 80 Plus efficiency ratings, choose between non-modular and modular units, verify required power connectors, and add headroom for future upgrades and long-term reliability.
Estimating system wattage and peak loadsUnderstanding 80 Plus efficiency levelsNon-modular vs semi and fully modularRequired CPU, PCIe, and SATA connectorsPlanning headroom for upgrades and agingLesson 2Case fans and airflow planning: fan types, static pressure vs airflow, fan count and placement for positive airflowUnderstand how different fan sizes and bearing types affect noise and lifespan, when to use high static pressure vs airflow fans, and how to plan fan count, placement, and curves to achieve slightly positive, efficient airflow.
Fan sizes, bearings, and noise profilesStatic pressure vs airflow fan rolesFront, top, rear, and bottom placementCreating positive or neutral pressureFan curves and motherboard headersLesson 3Compatibility verification checklist: matching CPU socket, RAM type and speed support, GPU clearance, PSU connectors and wattage, M.2/SATA slot availabilityUse a structured checklist to confirm CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU clearance, PSU wattage and connectors, and storage slot availability, reducing the risk of surprises during assembly and first power-on.
Confirming CPU socket and chipset matchValidating RAM type, speed, and QVLChecking GPU clearance and slot spacingPSU wattage, rails, and plug coverageM.2, SATA, and front-panel header checksLesson 4Graphics processors: integrated vs discrete GPUs, VRAM needs for Adobe Creative Cloud and light video editing, physical dimensions and power drawUnderstand the differences between integrated and discrete GPUs, how much VRAM is needed for Adobe apps and light video editing, and how to check card length, thickness, and power draw against case and PSU limits.
Integrated graphics capabilities and limitsDiscrete GPU tiers for design workVRAM needs for Adobe and light editingChecking GPU length, height, and slot widthPower connectors and PSU requirementsLesson 5Memory: DDR4 vs DDR5, capacity planning (32GB for design workflows), speeds, timings, and dual-channel considerationsLearn how DDR4 and DDR5 differ in speed and pricing, how much memory capacity design workflows typically need, and how timings, dual-channel configuration, and motherboard support affect real-world performance.
DDR4 vs DDR5 pros, cons, and pricingChoosing 32GB vs 64GB for workloadsUnderstanding speeds, timings, and XMPDual-channel and slot population rulesChecking motherboard RAM QVL listsLesson 6Motherboard selection: form factors (ATX/mATX/Mini-ITX), chipset features, VRM quality, expansion slots, and I/ODiscover how to select a motherboard that fits your case, supports your CPU and RAM, and offers the right chipset features, VRM quality, expansion slots, storage connectors, and rear I/O for your current and future peripherals.
ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX differencesChipset tiers and connectivity optionsVRM design, cooling, and power stagesPCIe slots for GPUs and add-in cardsM.2, SATA, and rear I/O port planningLesson 7CPU families and sockets: Intel vs AMD, current generations, identifying compatible sockets (LGA/AM4/AM5)Learn the main Intel and AMD desktop CPU families, how generations map to performance and features, and how to identify compatible sockets like LGA1700, AM4, and AM5 when pairing processors with motherboards.
Intel Core generations and namingAMD Ryzen lineups and segmentsSocket types LGA, AM4, and AM5Chipset support and BIOS updatesChoosing CPUs for design workloadsLesson 8Cooling solutions: stock vs aftermarket air coolers, AIO liquid options, TDP matching, thermal paste and mounting considerationsLearn how to choose between stock and aftermarket coolers, compare air and AIO liquid options, match cooler capability to CPU TDP, and correctly apply thermal paste and mounting pressure for safe, quiet, and efficient operation.
Comparing stock and aftermarket air coolersWhen to choose AIO liquid coolingMatching cooler ratings to CPU TDPThermal paste types and application patternsMounting pressure, orientation, and clearanceLesson 9Estimating part prices and sourcing: how to research current prices, comparing retailers, using price-tracking tools and total budget allocation (tower-only under $1,200)Learn practical methods to research current part prices, compare major retailers and local shops, use price-tracking and alert tools, and allocate a tower-only budget under $1,200 across CPU, GPU, storage, and other components.
Using PC part aggregators and filtersComparing retailers, shipping, and returnsPrice history charts and alert toolsBalancing budget across key componentsAvoiding scams, fakes, and gray importsLesson 10Storage options and interfaces: NVMe PCIe vs SATA SSD vs HDD, capacities, endurance (TBW), and expected performance for large image filesUnderstand the differences between NVMe PCIe and SATA SSDs and HDDs, how capacity and endurance ratings like TBW affect lifespan, and how to choose drives that balance speed and cost for large image and project files.
NVMe vs SATA SSD speed and latencyWhen HDDs still make sense for bulk dataCapacity planning for creative projectsEndurance ratings, TBW, and warrantiesConfiguring OS, scratch, and archive drivesLesson 11Cases and airflow: form factor compatibility, internal layout, drive bays, cable management features, and fan mounting locationsExplore how to choose a case that fits your motherboard form factor, GPU length, and cooler height, while providing good airflow, drive bays, cable management, and fan or radiator mounting options for a clean, quiet build.
Matching case size to motherboard typeGPU length and CPU cooler height limitsFront, top, and rear airflow pathsDrive bays and storage mounting optionsCable routing channels and tie-downs
