Lesson 1Graphics card (GPU): discrete vs integrated, power connectors; check PCIe slot seating, auxiliary power plugged, monitor port selectionUnderstand discrete versus integrated GPUs, PCIe slot types, and power needs. You'll verify card seating, auxiliary PCIe power connectors, and monitor port selection to ensure stable graphics output and performance.
Integrated GPU versus discrete GPU rolesPCIe x16 slot selection and bandwidth impactChecking full insertion and bracket alignment6/8‑pin PCIe power connector requirementsChoosing HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI outputsTesting GPU under load for stability issuesLesson 2Power supply (PSU): function, rails, wattage ratings; basic checks: PSU switch, voltmeter/PSU tester, peripheral connectors seatingUnderstand PSU function, rails, efficiency, and wattage ratings. You'll verify rear switch position, modular cable selection, connector seating, and use of testers or multimeters for basic power troubleshooting.
PSU form factors and mounting orientationWattage, rails, and efficiency certificationsFixed versus modular cable management24‑pin, CPU, PCIe, and peripheral outputsUsing PSU testers or multimeters safelyVerifying PSU switch and input voltageLesson 3PC case: structure, mounting points, airflow; check standoffs and panel clearanceExplore PC case structure, materials, and mounting standards. You'll check motherboard standoffs, PSU and drive mounting, cable paths, and airflow clearances to avoid shorts, vibration, and thermal or noise issues.
ATX, microATX, and ITX form factor compatibilityInstalling and verifying motherboard standoffsPSU, drive cage, and SSD bracket mountingFront, top, and rear airflow path planningDust filter placement and maintenance accessSide panel fit, clearance, and vibration controlLesson 4CPU and socket: role, cooling interface, thermal paste; check correct orientation, retention, no bent pinsExamine CPU roles, socket types, and the cooling interface. You'll verify correct CPU orientation, inspect pins or pads, apply thermal paste, and secure the retention mechanism without bending pins or damaging contacts.
Identifying socket types and keying notchesSafe CPU handling and ESD precautionsAligning triangle markers and orientation keysInspecting pins or pads for damageLocking the retention arm or frame correctlyCleaning and reapplying thermal interfaceLesson 5RAM modules: function, types (DDR generations), channels; check seating, proper slot population, single-stick testingStudy RAM roles, DDR generations, and channel configurations. You'll verify module orientation, slot population order, and seating, then use single-stick testing and diagnostics to resolve memory-related issues.
DDR generations and speed ratingsSingle, dual, and quad‑channel layoutsAligning the notch and inserting DIMMsUsing recommended motherboard RAM slotsRunning memory diagnostics and stress testsTroubleshooting boot and POST RAM errorsLesson 6Peripherals and display: monitor, keyboard, mouse; check input selection, cable integrity, adapter useReview common PC peripherals and display connections. You'll verify monitor input selection, cable integrity, adapters, and USB ports so keyboards, mice, and displays function reliably during setup and troubleshooting.
Monitor inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGASelecting the correct monitor input sourceChecking cable strain relief and connector wearUsing adapters and active converters safelyUSB ports, hubs, and receiver placementBasic display and input troubleshooting stepsLesson 7Cooling: CPU cooler types, case fans, airflow patterns; check mounting pressure, fan headers and RPM reportingStudy CPU coolers, case fans, and airflow patterns. You'll verify cooler mounting pressure, thermal contact, fan orientation, and header connections so the system maintains safe temperatures and acceptable noise levels.
Air coolers, AIO liquid, and stock coolersApplying thermal paste and seating the coolerFan orientation for intake and exhaust pathsConnecting fans to CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN headersMonitoring RPM and curves in BIOS or softwareDiagnosing noise, vibration, and hot spotsLesson 8Cabling and front-panel connectors: SATA, Molex, 24-pin ATX, 8/4-pin CPU, front-panel switches/LEDs; check secure latching and correct pin mappingLearn common internal PC power and data cabling plus front-panel connectors. You'll verify latch engagement, polarity, and pin mapping to ensure stable power delivery, signal integrity, and reliable power and reset controls.
Identifying SATA, Molex, PCIe, and ATX cables24‑pin ATX and 4/8‑pin CPU power routingFront‑panel power, reset, HDD LED, and speaker pinsCorrect polarity and pin mapping on front headersChecking latch engagement and strain reliefTracing cables for airflow and serviceabilityLesson 9Motherboard: function, chipset, sockets, headers; check socket pins, standoffs, BIOS battery seatingExplore motherboard roles, chipsets, and onboard headers. You'll verify socket and slot condition, standoff placement, BIOS battery seating, and front-panel and fan header connections for a stable platform.
Chipset roles and feature segmentationCPU socket, RAM slots, and PCIe slot layoutFront‑panel, USB, and audio header locationsChecking socket pins and slot cleanlinessInstalling and securing the CMOS batteryUpdating BIOS and clearing CMOS safelyLesson 10Storage devices: HDD/SSD types and interfaces (SATA, NVMe); check power/data cable seating and BIOS/UEFI detectionLearn HDD and SSD technologies, SATA and NVMe interfaces, and mounting methods. You'll verify power and data connections, slot usage, and BIOS or UEFI detection to ensure reliable storage performance.
Comparing HDD, SATA SSD, and NVMe SSD2.5‑inch, 3.5‑inch, and M.2 mounting methodsSATA data and power cable seating checksM.2 slot selection and standoff placementVerifying drives in BIOS or UEFI menusBasic drive health and SMART status checks
