Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage calculation, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, necessary connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and extra capacity for dependabilityLearn how to calculate PSU wattage for your setup, understand 80 Plus efficiency ratings, decide between non-modular and modular PSUs, check required power connectors, and include headroom for future upgrades and lasting 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 quantity and positioning for positive pressureGrasp how various fan sizes and bearing types impact noise and durability, when to opt for high static pressure versus airflow fans, and how to plan fan numbers, positions, and speed curves for 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 space, PSU connectors and wattage, M.2/SATA slot availabilityEmploy a systematic checklist to confirm CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU clearance, PSU wattage and connectors, and storage slot availability, minimising surprises during assembly and initial boot-up.
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 requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud and basic video editing, physical size and power consumptionUnderstand differences between integrated and discrete GPUs, VRAM needs for Adobe software and light video editing, and verify card length, width, and power usage against case and PSU capacities.
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 tasks), speeds, timings, and dual-channel setupDiscover how DDR4 and DDR5 vary in speed and cost, memory needs for design workflows, and how timings, dual-channel mode, and motherboard compatibility influence actual 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 capabilities, VRM quality, expansion slots, and I/O portsFind out how to pick a motherboard fitting your case, supporting your CPU and RAM, with suitable chipset features, VRM strength, expansion slots, storage ports, and rear I/O for present and future 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, latest generations, recognising compatible sockets (LGA/AM4/AM5)Learn principal Intel and AMD desktop CPU families, generation-wise performance and features, and identify matching sockets like LGA1700, AM4, AM5 when pairing CPUs 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 coolers, TDP matching, thermal paste and mounting tipsMaster choosing between stock and aftermarket coolers, air versus AIO liquid, matching cooler to CPU TDP, and properly applying thermal paste with correct mounting for safe, quiet, efficient functioning.
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: researching current prices, comparing shops, using price alert tools and total budget split (tower under ₹1,00,000)Master practical ways to check current part prices, compare online retailers and local vendors, utilise price-tracking tools, and distribute a tower-only budget under ₹1,00,000 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), performance for large image filesKnow differences between NVMe PCIe, SATA SSDs, HDDs, capacity and TBW endurance impact on life, and select drives balancing speed and cost for hefty 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 fit, internal space, drive bays, cable management, fan mounting spotsSelect a case suiting motherboard form factor, GPU length, cooler height, ensuring good airflow, drive bays, cable management, and fan/radiator mounts for a neat, quiet assembly.
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