Lesson 1RAM: capacity, speed, latency, dual-channel vs single, recommended kits and XMP/EXPOThis part covers choosing RAM size, quickness, and delay for games and work, comparing one versus two channels, and turning on XMP or EXPO while looking at board lists for steady, matching memory sets.
Suggested RAM sizes by taskDDR types and naming waysSpeed, timings, and true delayOne vs two channel speedXMP and EXPO setupChecking board QVL for setsLesson 2CPU selection criteria: cores, threads, single-thread performance; shortlist processLearn to narrow CPUs by cores, threads, and speed habits, compare one-task and many-task speed, and think about setup life, power use, and cooler fits to choose the best value chip for your main tasks.
Setting gaming vs maker wantsReading core, thread, and boost detailsUnderstanding benchmark chartsSetup upgrade way and socketsPower caps, heat, and cooler needsPrice to speed matchesLesson 3Case fans and cooling plan: fan count, static pressure vs airflow, fan placement for positive pressurePlan full case air flow by picking good fans, weighing push versus flow types, and placing in and out fans for a bit positive push that cools better and cuts dust build-up.
120 mm vs 140 mm fan traitsFlow vs push fan shapesFront, top, back, and bottom spotsMaking positive or even pushPWM vs DC control and fan linesSound cut and shake controlLesson 4CPU cooler choice: stock vs aftermarket, TDP ratings, airflow vs AIO considerationsLearn to pick between basic and extra CPU coolers by knowing heat ratings, fit types, sound, and air versus liquid AIO ways, so your chip stays cool, quiet, and safe.
Reading CPU heat and cooler ratingsBasic coolers: good and bad, safe usesAir tower coolers: size, sound, spaceAIO liquid coolers: risks and gainsHeat paste kinds and putting onCase air flow effect on CPU coolingLesson 5Case: airflow vs aesthetics, tempered glass and RGB considerations, form factor, dust filtersLearn to check PC cases for air flow, build strength, and easy putting together while weighing glass sides, RGB lights, and looks. You will also look at dust screens, water support, and space for big graphics and coolers.
Mesh vs solid front air flowTempered glass safety and shadeRGB fans, strips, and control boxesGraphics, PSU, and cooler spaceDust screen spots and cleaningCable space and entry holesLesson 6Motherboard selection: chipset features, VRM quality, form factor, expansion slotsLook at picking a motherboard by chip set, power quality, and size. You will learn to match chip support, memory rules, add slots, back ports, and setup features to your speed goals and future plans.
Matching socket and chip to CPUVRM steps, cooling, and steadyATX, mATX, ITX size tradesPCIe slots for graphics and addsM.2 and SATA storage linksBack ports and inside headersLesson 7GPU: performance targets at 1080p/1440p, power draw, VRAM requirements, recommended modelsKnow how to pick a graphics card based on screen size, refresh, and game settings. You will compare memory needs, power use, cooler styles, and seller types while dodging blocks with your chip and power unit.
1080p, 1440p, and 4K speed goalsVRAM size for new game partsStandard vs custom cooler stylesPower plugs and PSU needsDodging chip blocks in gamesUsed vs new graphics buying thoughtsLesson 8Storage: NVMe vs SATA, capacity sizing for OS/games/video projects, endurance (TBW)Learn to choose between NVMe and SATA drives, size storage for system, games, and works, and read life ratings like TBW. You will also plan layered storage for speed, trust, and easy adds later.
NVMe vs SATA speed and usesSystem drive vs big storage planSize planning for games and mediaTBW, daily write, and warranty coverQLC vs TLC memory traitsSplitting and backup plansLesson 9Gathering current price ranges: how to do quick market checks and record reliable approximate pricesThis part teaches real ways to get current part prices from big shops, local places, and price watchers. You will note real ranges, spot odd ones, and keep a basic list fresh for later builds.
Picking trusted price sitesUsing filters and sorts wellNoting low, usual, and high pricesFollowing sales, returns, and packsLocal price and tax diffsKeeping a useful price listLesson 10Power supply: wattage sizing method, efficiency (80 PLUS), modularity, recommended wattage and modelsThis part explains sizing power unit strength for your build, reading 80 PLUS good-use ratings, and picking non-change, half-change, or full-change types, with clear strength aims for common chip and graphics pairs.
Guessing system top power useSpace for sudden graphics jumpsKnowing 80 PLUS marksOne vs many 12V line stylesChange vs non-change wiringBrand trust and warranty timeLesson 11Operating system licence: Windows versions, OEM vs retail, approximate costsHere you will compare Windows types used for games and work, know OEM versus shop licences, and learn usual price ranges, turn-on ways, and how to skip too-cheap or fake licence spots.
Windows Home vs Pro feature needsOEM vs shop licence diffsUsual price ranges and cutsWhere to buy real licencesTurn-on, accounts, and movesBudgeting OS cost into full build