Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage sizing, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, required connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and headroom for reliabilityCheck out how fi size PSU wattage fi yuh build, read 80 Plus efficiency ratings, pick non-modular or modular units, check required power connectors, an add extra headroom fi future upgrades an long-time 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 an bearing types affect noise an lifespan, when fi use high static pressure vs airflow fans, an how fi plan fan count, placement, an curves fi get slight 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 proper checklist fi confirm CPU socket, RAM type an speed, GPU clearance, PSU wattage an connectors, an storage slot availability, cuttin down risk a surprises when assemblin an 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 drawGet how integrated an discrete GPUs differ, how much VRAM need fi Adobe apps an light video editin, an how fi check card length, thickness, an power draw against case an 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 an DDR5 differ in speed an price, how much memory design work need, an how timins, dual-channel setup, an motherboard support affect real 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 fi pick motherboard weh fit yuh case, support yuh CPU an RAM, an have right chipset features, VRM quality, expansion slots, storage connectors, an rear I/O fi now an 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 main Intel an AMD desktop CPU families, how generations link to performance an features, an how fi spot compatible sockets like LGA1700, AM4, an AM5 when pairin processors wid 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 fi choose between stock an aftermarket coolers, compare air an AIO liquid options, match cooler to CPU TDP, an apply thermal paste an mountin pressure right fi safe, quiet, efficient runnin.
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 real ways fi research current part prices, compare big retailers an local shops, use price-trackin an alert tools, an split a tower-only budget under $1,200 cross CPU, GPU, storage, an other parts.
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 difference between NVMe PCIe, SATA SSDs, an HDDs, how capacity an endurance like TBW affect lifespan, an how fi pick drives weh balance speed an cost fi big image an 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 locationsCheck how fi pick case weh fit motherboard form factor, GPU length, an cooler height, while givin good airflow, drive bays, cable management, an fan or radiator mountin fi 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