Lesson 1Case selection: sizes, airflow vs aesthetics, drive bays, clearance for CPU coolers and GPUsDive into choosing a PC case based on size, airflow setup, and building features. Weigh up looks, noise levels, and cooling support while confirming space for CPU coolers, GPUs, radiators, and extra storage options.
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 stabilityGrasp how to pick the right PSU size for gaming and work setups using real power needs. Compare 80 Plus efficiency levels, modular versus non-modular options, rail steadiness, safety features, and trusted brands available locally.
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 targetsAssess GPU choices for mid-level gaming, from solid built-in graphics to separate cards. Match screen resolution, refresh speed, and game settings to performance aims, considering power use, noise, and costs in the Zimbabwean market.
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/mediaGet to know storage choices for operating systems, applications, and media files. Compare SATA SSDs and NVMe drives over PCIe versions, emphasising capacity, speed, durability, 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 targetsFind out how to select between basic and upgraded cooling, compare air and liquid AIO systems, and adjust fan speeds. Understand noise, heat management, case airflow, and dependability to maintain a cool and quiet machine.
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 CPU platforms from latest generations. Learn about sockets, chipset durability, value for money, power saving, and upgrade options to select a solid foundation for your build in local conditions.
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 RAM for price, speed, and compatibility. See how size, frequency, and timings influence actual performance, and why dual channel setup is key for today's 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 everyday task needs into smart part choices. Compare demands for office work, internet browsing, basic photo editing, and relaxed gaming, balancing CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage to avoid extra spending.
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 considerationsCreate a full compatibility list covering CPU socket, chipset, RAM type, GPU dimensions, and PSU plugs. Verify case space, airflow routes, and heat limits before purchasing any items.
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 choose a motherboard by chipset, size, and connections. Assess VRM strength, BIOS options, memory compatibility, and expansion slots to suit your CPU, case, and future plans.
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