Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage sizing, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, required connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and headroom for reliabilityLearn how to size PSU wattage for your build, understand 80 Plus efficiency ratings, decide between non-modular and modular units, check required power connectors, and plan extra capacity for upgrades and dependable long-term use.
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 airflowGet to grips with how different fan sizes and bearing types impact noise and durability, when to pick high static pressure versus airflow fans, and how to arrange fan numbers, positions, and speeds for efficient positive 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 availabilityFollow a clear checklist to match CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU space, PSU power and connectors, and storage slots, cutting down risks of issues when putting it together or first switching 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 integrated versus discrete GPUs, VRAM requirements for Adobe apps and basic video editing, and how to match card size, thickness, and power use to your case and PSU capabilities.
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 considerationsSee how DDR4 and DDR5 compare in speed and cost, typical memory amounts needed for design work, and how timings, dual-channel setup, and board support influence everyday 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/OFind out how to pick a motherboard that fits your case, works with your CPU and RAM, and has the right chipset, power delivery, slots, storage options, and back connections for now and later.
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)Get familiar with main Intel and AMD desktop CPU lines, how generations link to performance and features, and spotting matching sockets like LGA1700, AM4, and AM5 for CPU-board pairs.
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 considerationsChoose between stock and aftermarket coolers, weigh air versus liquid AIO options, match cooling to CPU power rating, and apply paste and mounting right for safe, quiet running.
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)Master ways to check current part prices, compare shops big and small, use tracking tools for deals, and spread a tower-only budget under $1,200 across CPU, GPU, storage, and more.
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 filesKnow the differences in NVMe PCIe, SATA SSDs, and HDDs, how size and endurance like TBW affect life span, and pick drives balancing speed and price for big 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 locationsPick a case matching your motherboard size, GPU length, and cooler height, with solid airflow, drive spots, cable tidying, and places for fans or radiators for a neat, quiet setup.
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