
Learn to build your own computer in a two-part course: inspect core components like the CPU and power supply, then assemble and connect them using online compatibility tools.
Discover how to use pc part picker to assemble a compatible, budget-conscious computer for Oculus Rift by selecting components that fit together and tracking price drops.
Choose the right case by size and motherboard compatibility, plan for future upgrades, and consider drive bays, usb ports, and aesthetics like a side window.
Explore the case interior, identify motherboard placement, bottom power supply, and drive bays, and optimize airflow with front and rear fans to improve cooling and component longevity.
Explore how a full ATX motherboard acts as the central hub of a build, connecting storage drives and PCIe slots and supporting multiple graphics cards while case size matters.
Install a motherboard in an ATX case by placing spacers, aligning holes, and tightening screws with the included tool to lift the board off the case.
Understand how the CPU handles all calculations and powers your computer, guiding your choice by workload and the need for case airflow.
Learn how to verify socket compatibility (LGA 1150) for a CPU and its heat sink, compare stock versus custom coolers, and install the mounting plate for a secure, cooler setup.
Align the cpu with the triangle and notches in the socket, insert straight to avoid bent pins, then remove the protective cover and prepare for the heat sink.
Choose a compatible cpu heat sink, verify fit with your cpu, and read reviews; learn how cooling and two installation options—customized or stock—prevent overheating.
Install the cpu heat sink by aligning the bracket with screws, seating it in the notch, applying thermal paste to the cpu, and connecting the cp fan header.
Learn how ram stores active programs in random access memory for speed, why more ram avoids slow hard drive swaps, and that z97 motherboard supports 32 gigs with four slots.
Install two 8GB RAM sticks into the motherboard, ensuring correct alignment and a click to confirm, and upgrade later by adding two more identical sticks to reach 32GB.
Choose a graphics card based on brand compatibility with Intel CPUs and memory; Nvidia or AMD options with a dedicated GPU and 4 GB RAM boost performance.
Install a graphics card by seating it in a PCI slot, removing protective caps, attaching power cables, securing with screws, and locking the card for reliable monitor output.
Calculate the total watts drawn by all components, including a graphics card or built-in graphics, to determine the power your ATX, micro ATX, or mini-ITX supply must deliver.
Learn to select a 650-watt power supply that fits your case, choose appropriate connectors for the motherboard, graphics cards, and drives, and mount it securely for future expansion.
Learn how to connect power supply cables to the motherboard, sata drives, and video card, and how cpq power connectors and overclocking influence power and cooling.
Pick an optical drive by prioritizing ease of use, OS installation from disk, and future driver support, since cheap drives handle OS disks and media playback, with boot-from-drive options.
insert the optical drive into the bay, align with the front lip, then secure with screws to prevent movement; adjust back screws as needed.
Choose an ssd for your operating system and programs to boot quickly, then pair a larger hdd for data storage. An ssd has no moving parts, but costs more.
Install a hard drive by connecting SATA data and power cables from the motherboard, using a solid state drive for faster performance in standard drive bays.
Have you ever wanted to build your own computer? What components do you buy? Will they fit together? Are they the right ones?
These are all questions that Brian had when he thought about building his own computer. So he approached one of his good friends, Dan, to help walk him through the process.
Over the course of a couple hours, we'll look at how to take some of the scariness out of building a computer. One of the key things Brian found out when building his computer is that there's a ton of different options. Do you pick an Intel processor? AMD? How much RAM do you need on your GPU? How can you make sure your power supply supports everything in your computer?
These are all tough questions that you'll need to answer every time you build a computer. And since every computer is built differently, there's not necessarily a correct answer for every scenario. A huge part of the computers you build is dependent on why you want to build it and what you'll be using it for.
So instead of focusing on the specific parts Brian picked out for his computer, we'll look at why they were picked and talk about how you can start choosing your own.
We've structured this in a way where both Brian and Dan will chat about each component first. We'll start each module with an introduction where we'll look at what the component is, why we picked that particular one and offer some tips and insights for how you can pick your own parts.
From there, in each module we'll take a look at how the components are installed. Again, we'll focus on not only the specific pieces we're building in this course but looking at some more general tips you can use for your own build.
Join Brian and Dan on this journey as they take the stress out of building a computer and help you do the same.