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Cody Ray Miller

Learn how to build your very own custom gaming PC from the ground up. No prior experience or knowledge is required to enroll in this do-it-yourself project course.

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Learn how to build your very own custom gaming PC from the ground up. No prior experience or knowledge is required to enroll in this do-it-yourself project course.

My name is Cody Ray Miller, an IT professional and complete computer geek. I'll be walking you through the process of building your own PC step-by-step.

The course covers everything from selecting custom parts, to putting it all together. Plus bonus sections to help you.

Although intended for absolute beginners, anyone can enroll in this course and follow along to build an awesome gaming PC for less than $1,000.

After taking this course, you'll know exactly how to DESIGN and BUILD a computer system of any kind, for any purpose. You'll be fully equipped to create systems for other people, according to their specific needs.

You'll also increase your knowledge of all system components, thereby improving your ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair PC hardware.

All course updates are 100% FREE. Buy this course one time and you own it for life. Not only that, but you will also gain lifetime access to me as your personal instructor. Have a question about building a PC? Just ask. You, as my student, are my #1 priority.

Wait, are you still reading this?. The course comes with a genuine 30 day, no hassles, money-back guarantee. So, there is absolutely nothing to risk here. Enroll today.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Design and build a custom pc
  • Select appropriate parts for any build and budget
  • Install and remove all pc component parts
  • Manage cables for proper pc case airflow
  • Build pcs for other people

Syllabus

Welcome and Course Overview
Introduction
How to Use This Course
Preparing to Build!
Read more
Introduction to System Design
My Parts List
Selecting Custom Parts
System Cooling
Operating Systems
Additional Build Components
Selecting and Preparing Your PC Case
JUST THE FACTS: PC Cases
JUST SHOW ME: Preparing Your Case
JUST SHOW ME: Case Fan Setup
DIGGING DEEP: Case Air Pressures
Selecting and Installing a Motherboard
JUST THE FACTS: Motherboards
JUST SHOW ME: Motherboard Installation
DIGGING DEEP: Bios, Overclocking, and More...
Learn About and Install an Optical Disc Drive!
JUST THE FACTS: Optical Drives
JUST SHOW ME: Optical Drive Installation
DIGGING DEEP: Bluray Players, Encryption, and Copy Protection
Storage Devices: HDDs and SSDs
JUST THE FACTS: HDDs and SSDs
JUST SHOW ME: Installing the SSD
DIGGING DEEP: RAID Arrays
Learn About and Install a Power Supply Unit
JUST THE FACTS: Power Supply Units
JUST SHOW ME: PSU Installation
DIGGING DEEP: Modular Designs
Select and Install an Awesome CPU!
JUST THE FACTS: CPUs
JUST SHOW ME: Installing the CPU
DIGGING DEEP: Thermal Paste
Picking the Right RAM and Getting It Installed...
JUST THE FACTS: RAM
JUST SHOW ME: RAM Installation
DIGGING DEEP: Latency, Bus Speed, and Timing
Select and Install a Graphics Card
WAIT! Before connecting the GPU and PCIe Cards
JUST THE FACTS: GPUs
JUST SHOW ME: Installing the GPU
DIGGING DEEP: SLI and Crossfire
Selecting Expansion Cards and Installing Them
JUST THE FACTS: PCI/e Cards
Connecting the Front Panel Audio to Card
JUST SHOW ME: PCIe Sound Card Installation
DIGGING DEEP: PCIe Lanes (x1. x4. x8. x16, x32)
Wrapping Things Up
Power Connections
Additional Cable Management
Closing Thoughts
Troubleshooting (If Things Aren't Working...)

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops advanced hardware assembly and diagnostics skills, which are core for IT support
Covers PC hardware assembly and diagnostics from scratch, which is great for beginners
Offers lifetime access to the instructor for support, which is highly valuable for troubleshooting
Provides a comprehensive study of PC hardware assembly and components, which is great for building a strong foundation
Emphasizes hands-on learning with clear instructions, which is ideal for learners with a practical bent of mind
Taught by Cody Ray Miller, an experienced IT professional and a well-known instructor in the field, which adds credibility to the course

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Build a Custom Gaming PC with these activities:
Practice identifying and selecting compatible PC components
Repetitive practice in selecting compatible components reinforces decision-making skills and strengthens understanding of component specifications.
Show steps
  • Use online resources or compatibility checkers to identify compatible components.
  • Practice building virtual PCs using online PC building tools.
  • Analyze different PC builds and evaluate their compatibility and performance.
Join a study group or online forum for PC building
Engaging in discussions and sharing knowledge with peers can foster a deeper understanding of PC building concepts.
Browse courses on PC Building
Show steps
  • Join an online forum or study group dedicated to PC building.
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own experiences.
  • Collaborate with others on PC building projects or troubleshooting issues.
Follow online tutorials on specific PC components
In-depth exploration of specific PC components can supplement the course material and enhance understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify specific PC components that you want to learn more about.
  • Search for and select reputable online tutorials that cover those components.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the techniques shown.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Contribute to open source PC building projects
Contributing to open source projects provides practical experience in PC building and exposes you to a wider community of experts.
Browse courses on PC Building
Show steps
  • Identify open source PC building projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project documentation and contribute bug reports or feature suggestions.
  • Collaborate with other contributors to develop and improve the project.
Attend PC building workshop
Hands-on experience assembling a PC can solidify the concepts learned in the course.
Browse courses on PC Building
Show steps
  • Search for and register for a PC building workshop in your area.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the PC building process.
  • Ask questions and take notes during the workshop to reinforce your understanding.
Build a simple PC from scratch
Building a PC from scratch provides hands-on experience and practical application of the course concepts.
Browse courses on PC Building
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary components based on your budget and the course guidelines.
  • Follow the course material and online resources to assemble the PC step-by-step.
  • Troubleshoot any issues that arise during the assembly process.
  • Configure the operating system and install necessary software.
  • Test the functionality of the PC and optimize its performance.
Create a presentation or video tutorial on a specific PC building topic
Creating a presentation or tutorial allows you to synthesize your knowledge and share it with others, reinforcing your understanding.
Browse courses on PC Building
Show steps
  • Choose a specific PC building topic that you are knowledgeable about.
  • Develop a presentation or video tutorial that covers the topic in a clear and engaging way.
  • Share your presentation or tutorial with others to receive feedback and improve your delivery.
Mentor or tutor beginner PC builders
Teaching and mentoring others solidifies your understanding of PC building concepts and allows you to share your knowledge.
Browse courses on PC Building
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor or tutor beginner PC builders in your community or online.
  • Share your knowledge and experience to help others build their own PCs.
  • Provide guidance and support throughout the PC building process.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Build a Custom Gaming PC will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware systems. They work with a variety of components, including processors, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices. This course can provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of computer hardware design and development. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware components and how they work together to create a functioning system. You will also gain hands-on experience in building and troubleshooting computer hardware systems.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with users to determine their needs and then design systems that meet those needs. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Computer Systems Analyst. You will learn about the different phases of the systems development lifecycle and how to use a variety of tools and techniques to design and implement computer systems.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Network Administrator. You will learn about the different types of network devices and how they work together to create a functioning network. You will also gain hands-on experience in configuring and troubleshooting network devices.
IT Support Specialist
IT Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They help users with a variety of problems, including hardware and software issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful IT Support Specialist. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware and software and how to troubleshoot and resolve common problems.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work with a variety of programming languages and development tools. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Computer Programmer. You will learn about the different phases of the software development lifecycle and how to use a variety of programming languages and development tools.
Computer Technician
Computer Technicians repair and maintain computer hardware and software. They work with a variety of computer systems, including desktops, laptops, and servers. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Computer Technician. You will learn about the different types of computer hardware and software and how to troubleshoot and resolve common problems.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and web development tools. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies the web.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They work with a variety of database management systems. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies databases.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and data. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies computer security.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They develop new theories and algorithms and design new computer systems. This course may be useful for Computer Scientists who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies computer systems.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and development tools. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies software systems.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain complex systems. They work with a variety of hardware and software components. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies complex systems.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies data science.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. They work with a variety of machine learning algorithms and tools. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies machine learning.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Artificial Intelligence Engineers design, develop, and deploy artificial intelligence systems. They work with a variety of artificial intelligence algorithms and tools. This course may be useful for Artificial Intelligence Engineers who want to learn more about the hardware and software that underlies artificial intelligence.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Build a Custom Gaming PC.
A university-level textbook providing a deep dive into modern processor design, addressing superscalar processors.
A university-level textbook providing a thorough grounding in computer architecture, useful as background reading for this course.
An online textbook and video course providing a great background on operating systems, useful as additional reading for this course.
University-level textbook focusing on computer systems from a programmer's perspective.

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