Lesson 1RAM: capacity, speed, latency, dual-channel vs single, recommended kits and XMP/EXPOThis part covers choosing RAM size, speed, and delay for games and work, comparing one versus two channels, and turning on XMP or EXPO while checking board lists for steady, matching memory sets.
Suggested RAM sizes by taskDDR types and naming waysSpeed, timings, and true delayOne vs two channel speedXMP and EXPO setupChecking board QVL for setsLesson 2CPU selection criteria: cores, threads, single-thread performance; shortlist processLearn to narrow CPUs by cores, threads, and clock work, compare one-task and many-task speed, and think about setup life, power use, and cooler needs to pick the best value chip for your task.
Setting gaming vs maker wantsReading core, thread, and boost detailsUnderstanding benchmark chartsSetup upgrade path and socketsPower caps, heat, and cooler needsPrice-to-speed comparisonsLesson 3Case fans and cooling plan: fan count, static pressure vs airflow, fan placement for positive pressurePlan full case air flow by picking good fans, balancing push and flow types, and placing in and out fans for a bit positive pressure that cools better and cuts dust build-up.
120 mm vs 140 mm fan traitsFlow vs push fan bladesFront, top, back, and bottom spotsMaking positive or even pressurePWM vs DC control and fan linesNoise cut and shake controlLesson 4CPU cooler choice: stock vs aftermarket, TDP ratings, airflow vs AIO considerationsLearn to choose between basic and extra CPU coolers by knowing TDP levels, socket fit, noise, and air versus liquid AIO, so your chip stays cool, quiet, and safe.
Reading CPU TDP and cooler levelsBasic coolers: good, bad, safe usesAir tower coolers: size, noise, spaceAIO liquid coolers: risks and gainsThermal paste types and putting onCase air flow effect on CPU coolingLesson 5Case: airflow vs aesthetics, tempered glass and RGB considerations, form factor, dust filtersLearn to check PC cases for air flow, build strength, and easy putting together while balancing glass sides, RGB lights, and looks. You'll also check dust filters, water support, and space for big GPUs and coolers.
Mesh vs solid front air flowTempered glass safety and colourRGB fans, strips, and control boxesGPU, PSU, and cooler spaceDust filter spots and cleaningCable tidy space and holesLesson 6Motherboard selection: chipset features, VRM quality, form factor, expansion slotsExplore picking a motherboard by chipset, VRM strength, and size. You'll learn to match CPU fit, RAM rules, add slots, back ports, and BIOS to your speed aims and future plans.
Matching socket and chipset to CPUVRM stages, cooling, and steadyATX, mATX, ITX size trade-offsPCIe slots for GPU and addsM.2 and SATA storage linksBack ports and inside headersLesson 7GPU: performance targets at 1080p/1440p, power draw, VRAM requirements, recommended modelsUnderstand picking a GPU by target screen size, refresh, and game settings. You'll compare VRAM needs, power use, cooler styles, and seller types while dodging blocks with your CPU and power.
1080p, 1440p, and 4K speed aimsVRAM size for new game partsStandard vs custom cooler stylesPower plugs and PSU needsAvoiding CPU blocks in gamesUsed vs new GPU buying thoughtsLesson 8Storage: NVMe vs SATA, capacity sizing for OS/games/video projects, endurance (TBW)Learn to choose between NVMe and SATA drives, size storage for system, games, and work, and read endurance like TBW. You'll also plan layered storage for speed, trust, and easy adds.
NVMe vs SATA speed and usesSystem drive vs big storage planSize planning for games and mediaTBW, DWPD, and warranty coverQLC vs TLC NAND traitsSplitting and backup plansLesson 9Gathering current price ranges: how to do quick market checks and record reliable approximate pricesThis part teaches easy ways to get current part prices from big shops, local places, and trackers. You'll note real ranges, spot odd ones, and keep a simple list for later builds.
Picking trusted price sitesUsing filters and sorting wellNoting low, usual, and high pricesTracking deals, returns, and packsLocal price and tax diffsKeeping a reusable price listLesson 10Power supply: wattage sizing method, efficiency (80 PLUS), modularity, recommended wattage and modelsThis part explains sizing PSU power for your build, reading 80 PLUS efficiency, and choosing non-modular, semi, or full modular, with clear power targets for common CPU and GPU pairs.
Guessing system top power useSpace for quick GPU jumpsUnderstanding 80 PLUS certsOne vs many 12V rail stylesModular vs non-modular wiresBrand trust and warranty timeLesson 11Operating system licence: Windows versions, OEM vs retail, approximate costsHere you'll compare Windows types for games and work, get OEM versus shop licences, and learn usual price ranges, start ways, and how to dodge too-cheap or fake sources.
Windows Home vs Pro feature needsOEM vs shop licence diffsUsual price ranges and cutsWhere to buy real licencesStart, accounts, and movesBudgeting OS cost into full build