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 choose the right PSU wattage for your setup, understand 80 Plus efficiency labels, decide on modular or non-modular, check needed connectors, and leave extra capacity for upgrades and dependable 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 airflowLearn how fan sizes and bearing types impact noise and life span, when to pick high static pressure or airflow fans, and how to set up fan numbers, positions, and speeds for good positive airflow that's efficient.
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 match CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU space, PSU power and connectors, and storage slots, to avoid problems when putting it together or first turning it 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 processors: integrated vs discrete GPUs, VRAM needs for Adobe Creative Cloud and light video editing, physical dimensions and power drawKnow the difference between built-in and separate GPUs, VRAM amounts needed for Adobe programmes and basic video work, and how to check card size, thickness, and power 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 considerationsSee how DDR4 and DDR5 compare in speed and price, memory amounts needed for design work, and how timings, dual-channel setup, and board support influence 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/OPick a motherboard that fits your case, works with your CPU and RAM, and has the right chipset, power delivery, slots, storage connections, 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 families and sockets: Intel vs AMD, current generations, identifying compatible sockets (LGA/AM4/AM5)Get to know main Intel and AMD desktop CPUs, how newer generations improve performance and features, and spot matching sockets like LGA1700, AM4, AM5 when matching chips 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 considerationsChoose between stock and upgrade coolers, compare air and liquid AIOs, match to CPU heat output, and apply paste and mount properly for safe, quiet, effective cooling.
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)Practical ways to check current prices, compare shops online and local, use trackers and alerts, and split a tower 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 filesDifferences between NVMe PCIe, SATA SSDs, HDDs, how size and TBW ratings affect life, and pick drives balancing 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 locationsChoose a case fitting motherboard size, GPU length, cooler height, with good airflow, drive spots, cable tidy features, and fan 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