Lesson 1Power supplies: figuring out wattage needs, 80 Plus efficiency ratings, modular cables, key connectors like 24-pin and 8-pin CPU plus PCIe, and extra capacity for reliabilityLearn how to pick the right PSU wattage for your setup, understand 80 Plus ratings, decide on modular or non-modular, check needed connectors, and plan extra power for upgrades and lasting dependability.
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: types of fans, static pressure versus airflow, number of fans and best spots for positive pressureGet to grips with how fan sizes and bearings impact noise and life span, choose between pressure or airflow fans, and plan fan numbers, positions, and speeds for smooth, efficient cooling.
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 checklist: matching CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU space, PSU connectors and power, M.2 and SATA slotsFollow a clear checklist to match CPU sockets, RAM specs, GPU fit, PSU power and plugs, and storage options, cutting down risks when putting it together and first switching 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 cards: built-in versus separate GPUs, VRAM for Adobe apps and basic video work, size and power needsKnow the difference between integrated and dedicated graphics, VRAM amounts for design software and light editing, and check card size, slots, and power against your 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 5RAM: DDR4 versus DDR5, amounts like 32GB for design work, speeds, timings, and dual-channel setupUnderstand DDR4 and DDR5 differences in speed and cost, RAM needs for creative jobs, and how timings, pairing sticks, and board support boost everyday 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 choices: sizes like ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX, chipset options, power delivery, slots, and connectionsPick a motherboard that fits your case, works with CPU and RAM, has good power stages, slots, storage links, and back ports 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 types and sockets: Intel against AMD, latest models, matching sockets like LGA or AM4/AM5Learn key Intel and AMD CPUs for desktops, how newer ones improve speed and features, and spot matching sockets when teaming chips with boards.
Intel Core generations and namingAMD Ryzen lineups and segmentsSocket types LGA, AM4, and AM5Chipset support and BIOS updatesChoosing CPUs for design workloadsLesson 8Coolers: stock versus aftermarket air, liquid AIOs, matching TDP, paste application and fittingChoose between basic and upgrade coolers, air or liquid, match to CPU heat output, apply paste right, and fit securely for cool, quiet running.
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 9Part costs and sourcing: checking prices now, comparing shops, trackers, budget split under $1,200 for towerFind current prices across shops local and online, use trackers for deals, and plan a tower build budget under $1,200 covering CPU, 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: NVMe PCIe versus SATA SSD or HDD, sizes, endurance TBW, speeds for big image filesCompare NVMe, SATA SSDs, and HDDs, check capacity and wear ratings, pick drives balancing speed and price for handling large design 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: size match, inside space, drive spots, cable tidy features, fan mountsSelect a case fitting your board size, graphics length, cooler height, with good airflow paths, drive bays, cable routing, and fan/radiator spots for neat 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