Lesson 1Power supplies: wattage sizing, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, required connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and headroom for reliabilityFind out how to pick the right PSU wattage for your setup, understand 80 Plus efficiency ratings, decide on non-modular or modular types, check needed power connectors, and leave extra capacity for upgrades and steady performance.
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 different fan sizes and bearing types impact noise and durability, when to pick high static pressure or airflow fans, and how to arrange fan 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 availabilityFollow a clear checklist to confirm CPU socket match, RAM type and speed, GPU space, PSU power and connectors, and storage slots, to avoid issues when putting together and first powering 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 needs for Adobe Creative Cloud and light video editing, physical dimensions and power drawKnow the difference between integrated and separate GPUs, VRAM amount needed for Adobe apps and simple video editing, and how to check card size, thickness, and power use against case and 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 and DDR5 differ in speed and cost, memory amount needed for design tasks, and how timings, dual-channel setup, and board support affect 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 selection: form factors (ATX/mATX/Mini-ITX), chipset features, VRM quality, expansion slots, and I/OFind out how to choose a motherboard that fits your case, works with your CPU and RAM, and has the right chipset, VRM strength, slots, storage connections, and back I/O for now and later.
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)Know the key Intel and AMD desktop CPU lines, how generations link to power and features, and how to spot matching sockets like LGA1700, AM4, AM5 when matching CPUs to 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 considerationsLearn to choose between stock and aftermarket coolers, compare air and liquid AIO types, match cooler strength to CPU TDP, and apply thermal paste right with proper mounting for safe, quiet work.
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 smart ways to check current part prices, compare big shops and local sellers, use price alerts, and share a tower-only budget under $1,200 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 filesUnderstand NVMe PCIe vs SATA SSDs and HDDs, how size and TBW endurance affect life span, and pick drives that mix speed and cost for big 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 compatibility, internal layout, drive bays, cable management features, and fan mounting locationsPick a case that suits your motherboard size, GPU length, cooler height, with good airflow, drive spaces, cable tidy spots, and fan or radiator mounts for a neat, 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