Lesson 1RAM: capacity, speed, latency, dual-channel vs single, recommended kits and XMP/EXPOThis part covers picking memory size, quickness, and delay for games and work, comparing one or two channels, and turning on XMP or EXPO while looking at board lists for steady, matching memory sets.
Recommended RAM sizes by workloadDDR generations and naming schemesFrequency, timings, and real latencySingle vs dual channel performanceXMP and EXPO profile configurationChecking motherboard QVL for kitsLesson 2CPU selection criteria: cores, threads, single-thread performance; shortlist processLearn to pick processors by number of cores, threads, and speed behavior, compare one-task and many-task power, and think about base life, power use, and cooler needs to choose the best value for your work.
Defining gaming vs creator prioritiesReading core, thread, and boost specsInterpreting benchmark score chartsPlatform upgrade path and socketsPower limits, heat, and cooler needsPrice-to-performance comparisonsLesson 3Case fans and cooling plan: fan count, static pressure vs airflow, fan placement for positive pressureMake a full air flow plan for the case by picking good fans, balancing push and flow types, and placing in and out fans to get a bit positive air that cools better and keeps less dust.
120 mm vs 140 mm fan characteristicsAirflow vs static pressure fan bladesFront, top, rear, and bottom placementCreating positive or neutral pressurePWM vs DC control and fan curvesNoise reduction and vibration controlLesson 4CPU cooler choice: stock vs aftermarket, TDP ratings, airflow vs AIO considerationsLearn to choose between basic and extra coolers for processor by knowing heat limits, fit types, sound levels, and air versus liquid ways, so your chip stays cool, quiet, and safe.
Reading CPU TDP and cooler ratingsStock coolers: pros, cons, safe use casesAir tower coolers: size, noise, clearanceAIO liquid coolers: risks and benefitsThermal paste types and applicationCase airflow impact on CPU coolingLesson 5Case: airflow vs aesthetics, tempered glass and RGB considerations, form factor, dust filtersLearn to check PC cases for air flow, strong build, and easy putting together while mixing glass sides, light colors, and looks. You will also look at dust covers, water cooler fit, and space for big graphics and coolers.
Mesh vs solid front panel airflowTempered glass safety and tintingRGB fans, strips, and control hubsGPU, PSU, and cooler clearanceDust filter locations and cleaningCable management space and grommetsLesson 6Motherboard selection: chipset features, VRM quality, form factor, expansion slotsSee how to pick the main board by chip set, power strength, and size. You will match processor fit, memory rules, add-on spaces, back connections, and setup features to your speed goals and later plans.
Matching socket and chipset to CPUVRM phases, cooling, and stabilityATX, mATX, ITX form factor trade-offsPCIe slots for GPU and add-in cardsM.2 and SATA storage connectivityRear I/O ports and internal headersLesson 7GPU: performance targets at 1080p/1440p, power draw, VRAM requirements, recommended modelsKnow how to pick graphics card based on screen size, refresh speed, and game settings. You will compare memory needs, power use, cooler styles, and seller types while stopping blocks with processor and power unit.
1080p, 1440p, and 4K performance goalsVRAM capacity for modern game assetsReference vs custom cooler designsPower connectors and PSU demandsAvoiding CPU bottlenecks in gamesUsed vs new GPU buying considerationsLesson 8Storage: NVMe vs SATA, capacity sizing for OS/games/video projects, endurance (TBW)Learn to choose between fast NVMe and regular SATA drives, size space for system, games, and work, and read lasting power like TBW. You will plan layers of storage for quickness, trust, and easy growth later.
NVMe vs SATA performance and use casesSystem drive vs bulk storage strategyCapacity planning for games and mediaTBW, DWPD, and warranty coverageQLC vs TLC NAND characteristicsPartitioning and backup strategiesLesson 9Gathering current price ranges: how to do quick market checks and record reliable approximate pricesThis part teaches easy ways to find now prices for parts using big shops, local places, and price watchers. You will note real ranges, see odd ones, and keep a simple list new for later builds.
Choosing reliable pricing websitesUsing filters and sorting effectivelyRecording low, typical, and high pricesTracking sales, rebates, and bundlesRegional price and tax differencesMaintaining a reusable price sheetLesson 10Power supply: wattage sizing method, efficiency (80 PLUS), modularity, recommended wattage and modelsThis part explains how to size power unit strength for your build, read 80 PLUS good use marks, and pick between fixed, half-fixed, and full-fixed types, with clear strength goals for common processor and graphics pairs.
Estimating system peak power drawHeadroom for transient GPU spikesUnderstanding 80 PLUS certificationsSingle vs multi 12V rail designsModular vs non-modular cablingBrand reliability and warranty lengthLesson 11Operating system license: Windows versions, OEM vs retail, approximate costsHere you will compare Windows types used for games and work, know maker versus shop rights, and learn usual price ranges, turn-on ways, and how to skip too cheap or fake right sources.
Windows Home vs Pro feature needsOEM vs retail license differencesTypical price ranges and discountsWhere to buy legitimate licensesActivation, accounts, and transfersBudgeting OS cost into full build
