Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage sizing, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, required connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and headroom for reliabilityFind out how to pick the right power supply size for your computer, check 80 Plus ratings for saving power, decide on cable types, confirm needed plugs, and leave extra power for lasting 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 airflowLearn about fan sizes and types for less noise and longer life, when to pick pressure or flow fans, and how to place enough fans for good air movement that keeps things cool quietly.
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 list to check CPU fit, RAM type and speed, space for graphics card, power supply match, and storage spots to avoid problems when putting parts together first time.
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 drawSee the difference between built-in and separate graphics cards, how much memory for design programs and simple video work, and check size and power needs against case and supply.
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 considerationsUnderstand DDR4 and DDR5 speed and cost differences, memory amount for design tasks, and how settings, pair use, and board support change real speed in daily work.
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/OPick a motherboard that fits your case, works with CPU and memory, has good power parts, slots for extras, storage links, and back connections for now and later devices.
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)Know main Intel and AMD processors for desks, how new ones improve speed and extras, and match sockets like LGA1700, AM4, AM5 when choosing board and chip together.
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 basic and better coolers, air or water types, match to chip heat, and put paste right with good pressure for safe, quiet cooling that works well.
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)Find ways to check part costs now, compare shops big and small, use trackers for deals, and split under $1,200 for tower parts like chip, graphics, 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 fast NVMe, SATA solid drives, and hard disks, how size and life ratings matter, and pick ones that speed up big picture files without high cost.
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 locationsChoose a case for your board size, graphics length, cooler height, with good air flow, storage spots, cable tidy areas, and fan places for clean quiet builds.
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