Lesson 1Case selection: sizes, airflow vs aesthetics, drive bays, clearance for CPU coolers and GPUsFind out how to choose a PC case by its size, how air flows through it, and what features it has for building. Balance looks, noise levels, and cooling while checking space for CPU coolers, GPUs, radiators, and extra storage.
ATX, mATX, and ITX case sizesFront, top, and rear airflow pathsMesh vs glass and noise trade-offsCPU cooler and GPU clearanceRadiator and fan mounting optionsDrive bays and cable managementLesson 2Power supply fundamentals: wattage calculation, efficiency (80 Plus), modularity, rail stabilityLearn how to pick the right size power supply for gaming or work computers using real power needs. Compare 80 Plus ratings for efficiency, modular versus fixed designs, power rail steadiness, safety features, and trusted brands.
Estimating system power drawHeadroom for upgrades and spikes80 Plus efficiency certificationsSingle vs multi 12V railsModular, semi, and fixed cablingProtections and PSU quality tiersLesson 3GPU options for mid-range gaming: integrated vs discrete mid-range GPUs and performance targetsLook at graphics card choices for average gaming, from built-in graphics to separate cards. Learn to match screen size, refresh speed, and game settings to what you want, considering power use, noise, and cost limits.
Integrated graphics capabilitiesMid-range discrete GPU tiers1080p and 1440p performance goalsVRAM capacity and game demandsPower, cooling, and noise factorsBrand, warranty, and value checksLesson 4Storage options: SATA SSD vs NVMe PCIe (Gen3/Gen4) and capacities for OS/apps/mediaUnderstand choices for storing your operating system, programs, and files. Compare SATA SSDs and NVMe drives over different PCIe speeds, looking at size, quickness, lasting power, and how many your setup can handle.
SATA SSD vs NVMe performancePCIe Gen3 vs Gen4 trade-offsOS, apps, and game drive sizingBulk media and backup storageEndurance, TBW, and warrantyDrive count and M.2 slot limitsLesson 5Cooling choices: stock vs aftermarket air coolers, AIO liquid coolers, fan curves and noise targetsLearn to choose between basic and extra cooling options, compare air and liquid systems, and set fan speeds. Understand noise, heat levels, case air flow, and dependability to keep your computer cool and not too loud.
Stock vs aftermarket air coolersAIO liquid coolers: pros and consThermal performance vs noise targetsFan curves and motherboard controlCase airflow paths and pressureLesson 6CPU platform comparison: Intel vs AMD generations, sockets, performance-per-dollarCompare Intel and AMD processor setups from recent types. Learn about connection points, board lifespans, value for money, power saving, and ways to upgrade later to pick a solid start for your build.
Recent Intel and AMD lineupsSocket longevity and upgradesPerformance per dollar analysisPower efficiency and thermalsIntegrated graphics availabilityPlatform features and ecosystemLesson 7Memory selection: DDR4 vs DDR5, capacity, speed, timings, single vs dual channel impactCompare DDR4 and DDR5 memory for price, quickness, and what setups support them. Learn how amount, speed, and settings affect real work, and why using two channels and right setup matters for new computers.
DDR4 vs DDR5: cost and supportRecommended capacity by workloadFrequency, timings, and latencySingle vs dual channel impactXMP and EXPO profile configurationLesson 8Understanding workload requirements: office, light photo editing, casual gaming trade-offsTurn your real work needs into part choices. Compare what you need for office jobs, internet use, simple photo work, and easy gaming, balancing processor, graphics, memory, and storage without spending too much.
Profiling typical daily workloadsOffice and web browsing needsLight photo and media editingCasual and eSports gaming needsBalancing CPU, GPU, and RAMAvoiding overkill and bottlenecksLesson 9Compatibility checklist: socket, TDP, RAM type, GPU length, PSU connectors, case clearance and thermal considerationsMake a full list to check if parts work together, covering processor connection, board type, memory kind, graphics size, and power connections. Learn to check case space, air flow, and heat limits before buying anything.
CPU socket and chipset matchingTDP limits and cooler supportRAM type, speed, and capacityGPU length, height, and thicknessPSU connectors and wattage needsCase clearance and airflow checksLesson 10Motherboard selection: chipset features, form factors (ATX/mATX), VRM quality, BIOS supportLearn to pick a motherboard by its board type, size, and connections. Check power delivery quality, setup features, memory help, and extra slots to fit your processor, case, and plans for later upgrades.
Chipset tiers and key featuresATX, mATX, and ITX form factorsVRM design and cooling qualityRAM support and QVL listsPCIe slots and M.2 layoutBIOS features and update support