Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage sizing, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, required connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and headroom for reliabilityLearn how to choose PSU wattage for your setup, understand 80 Plus ratings, pick modular or non-modular, check power connectors, and leave room for 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 count and placement for positive airflowGet to know how fan sizes and bearings affect noise and life, when to use pressure or airflow fans, and plan numbers, positions, and speeds for good 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 availabilityUse a clear checklist to match CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU space, PSU power and connectors, and storage slots to avoid issues when putting together and first switch-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 drawKnow the difference between built-in and separate GPUs, VRAM for Adobe apps and simple video work, and check card size, thickness, and power against case and PSU.
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 price, memory needs for design work, and how timings, dual-channel, and board 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/OChoose a motherboard that fits your case, supports CPU and RAM, with good chipset, VRM, slots, storage, and back connections for now and later add-ons.
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 and AMD desktop CPUs, how generations give performance and features, and match sockets like LGA1700, AM4, AM5 with boards.
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 considerationsPick between stock and aftermarket coolers, air vs liquid AIO, match to CPU heat, and apply paste and mount right for safe, quiet cooling.
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 current prices, compare shops local and online, use trackers, and plan budget under $1,200 for tower 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 filesCompare NVMe, SATA SSD, HDD, capacities, TBW for life, and pick drives for speed and cost with big image 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 for board size, GPU length, cooler height, with good air flow, bays, cable space, and fan spots for 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