Lesson 1Power supplies: figuring out wattage, efficiency ratings (80 Plus), modularity, needed connectors (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, PCIe), and extra capacity for reliabilityFind out how to size your PSU right for the build, read 80 Plus ratings, pick non-modular or modular ones, check power connectors, and leave room for upgrades and lasting dependability.
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, number of fans and where to put them for good positive flowGet how fan sizes and bearing types change noise and life span, when to go for high static pressure or airflow fans, and plan fan numbers, spots, and speeds for slightly positive, efficient airflow.
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 check list: matching CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU space, PSU connectors and power, M.2/SATA slots availableUse a proper list to confirm CPU socket, RAM type and speed, GPU fit, PSU power and connectors, and storage slots, cutting down surprises when putting together and first switch-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 cards: built-in vs separate GPUs, VRAM for Adobe Creative Cloud and simple video editing, size and power needsKnow the difference between built-in and separate GPUs, VRAM needed for Adobe programmes and light video work, and check card length, width, 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 5RAM: DDR4 vs DDR5, amount planning (32GB for design work), speeds, timings, and dual-channel setupLearn how DDR4 and DDR5 differ in speed and cost, RAM amount design jobs usually need, and how timings, dual-channel, and board support affect real 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 picking: sizes (ATX/mATX/Mini-ITX), chipset features, VRM quality, slots, and connectionsFind out how to choose a motherboard that fits your case, works with CPU and RAM, and has right chipset, VRM quality, slots, storage links, and back connections 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 types and sockets: Intel vs AMD, latest generations, spotting matching sockets (LGA/AM4/AM5)Learn main Intel and AMD desktop CPU lines, how generations link to power 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 choices: stock vs aftermarket air coolers, AIO liquid, TDP match, paste and fittingLearn to pick between stock and aftermarket coolers, compare air and liquid AIO, match to CPU heat, and put on paste and pressure right for safe, quiet, good running.
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 9Working out part costs and sourcing: researching prices now, comparing shops, price trackers, budget split (tower under $1,200)Learn hands-on ways to check current part prices, compare big shops and local ones, use trackers and alerts, and split a tower budget under $1,200 over 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 choices and links: NVMe PCIe vs SATA SSD vs HDD, sizes, endurance (TBW), speed for big image filesKnow differences between NVMe PCIe, SATA SSDs, HDDs, how size and TBW affect life, and pick drives balancing speed and cost for big images and projects.
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: size match, inside layout, drive spots, cable tidy features, fan spotsCheck how to pick a case fitting motherboard size, GPU length, cooler height, with good airflow, drive bays, cable tidy, and fan or radiator spots for clean, 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