Learn to Build a Computer (PC) in 2026 - all types!

Name: Learn to Build a Computer (PC) in 2026 - all types!
Rating: 4.8 (225 reviews)

How I budget for and pick the right parts for any computer build, watch me build a pc, setup software and test it!

Bestseller

Highest Rated

Created byDavid Pedley

Last updated 2/2026

English

What you'll learn

Understand the component parts of a computer and what they all do, and to read product listings for all components and understand what everything means
Understand different types of computer build (gamer, worker, budget) and how you would tailor component choices to suit these users
Learn how to assemble all components into a computer case, setup software and burn-in test a new computer build
Learn how to install components to upgrade an existing computer.

Course content

6 sections • 57 lectures • 6h 3m total length

Understanding PC Components21:36
Learn the basics of computer technology by going through the different components of a computer and understanding what each of them does.
Planning Your PC Build Budget4:14
How to set and track a PC build budget using a useful template spreadsheet and the benefits of upfront spending.
Tailoring Tech - How to Build for Different Users18:02
Learn how to tailor a build budget and component selection for different users, budget users, gamers, workers etc.
Used vs New Components - Can you save money buying used parts? Should you?8:36
Can you save money purchasing used computer components? If you can, which ones should you buy and which should you stay away from?

Choosing a CPU (Central Processing Unit)33:27
Understanding the CPU market, CPU specs and product listings and how to choose a CPU for specific use cases.
Choosing a cooling solution - Air (AIO) or Water?12:38
Do you need a cooling solution? How to choose between air and AIO coolers. How to setup case cooling for the best results and achieve positive case pressure.
Choosing memory (RAM) - How much is enough?17:06
Understanding RAM (DRAM) memory listings, the memory market, compatability and how to choose RAM for your build. How much do you really need?
Choosing a motherboard - Model ranges and specs16:55
Learn all about motherboards, the market and manufacturers, sockets, sizes and specs. Which model should you choose?
Choosing a GPU (Graphics Card) - Which chipset should you pick? ($200 or $1500)27:04
Understanding the GPU market and GPU specs. How do you choose which GPU you need? Do you even need one?
Choosing internal storage - SSD/M.2 or HDD? And how much do you need? RAID?12:32
M.2, SSD or HDD? Should you setup a RAID array? How much storage do you need?
Choosing a power supply (PSU) - How many watts do I need? What's 80 Plus?12:24
Learn about power supplies and understand the recommended specs and wattage you need to correctly power a build.
Choosing a computer case - Case sizes, types and understanding cable routing.10:28
Computer cases come in different sizes and have different features. Learn to choose between them.
Checklist - Questions to answer before you purchase any component!1:31
A checklist of questions to ask yourself before purchasing any component for your build.

Setting up your build workspace1:31
What sort of workspace do you need to build a computer. How much room and where should you work?
What do you need to assemble a computer? (Tools and other useful things...)2:35
The essentials you must have before attempting to assemble any computer components.
ESD - Electrostatic Discharge, how to (and should you?) protect your components3:33
ESD protection, learn about ESD, what it is and whether you need to protect your computer components from it and how you can do this cheaply and easily whilst building.
Isopropanol/Isopropyl alcohol (Optional)1:30
What is this stuff and why might you need some....
5mm socket (Optional)1:36
You might need a 5mm socket, but why?
Cable ties (Optional)1:15
Zip/cable ties, useful for tidying up the build cabling.
Workspace setup checklist0:44

Build Steps - An overview of the build steps0:44
Inserting the CPU into the motherboard (Installing the CPU)5:28
Meet our CPU cooler (AIO water cooler)0:56
We are using an AIO (All-In-One) water cooler for our build. Let's take a closer look at it.
Installing the cooler CPU mount backplate (For aftermarket coolers only)2:26
If your cooler has a backplate and your case doesn't allow access to the back of the CPU area when the board is mounted, you need to install the cooler backplate first.
Meet the computer case - Overview and familiarization5:31
Meet our computer case and be introduced to it's features, a mid tower ATX gaming case from Kolink.
Adjusting motherboard stand-offs (If you need to)3:02
Install Motherboard - Mounting the motherboard into the case2:02
Meet a modular power supply unit (PSU)2:40
Meet a modular PSU.
Install the PSU into the case3:24
Meet our RAM (DDR4) and some DDR5 and see the differences1:01
Installing memory (DDR RAM)3:53
Installing M.2 NVMe SSD drives into the case5:42
Installing 2.5" SSD's into the case3:40
Installing 5.25" HDD's into the case4:31
Removing thermal paste (should you need to)2:06
If your cooler doesn't have thermal paste applied, or you need to re-apply it, watch me clean a CPU and cooler mount ready for re-application.
AIR Cooler - Intel stock AIR cooler installation3:36
AIO Cooler - Positioning0:53
Before installing an AIO cooler, take some time to think about how you'll position the radiator and pipes for maximum airflow and aesthetics.
AIO Cooler - Mounting the radiator1:55
AIO Cooler - Applying thermal paste and attaching the pump head to the CPU3:39
AIO Cooler - Why we haven't installed the radiator fans yet1:02
Motherboard - Connecting to power6:23
AIO Cooler - Installing the radiator fans13:19
Connecting fans to power and LED connections on the motherboard9:03
Case front panel (control panel) connections to the motherboard12:56
Storage Drives - power and data (SATA) connections8:31
GPU - Installing a GPU (Graphics Card)4:11
GPU - Connecting power and setting the support bracket3:15
Fire it up! First power on expectations and troubleshooting4:18
What happens and what should you expect when you first turn on your new build?

BIOS - Tweaking the default FAN curves for silent running2:49
Windows - Creating installation media (and error 0x8007007B)5:29
Windows - Installation (No licence necessary)3:53
WIndows - Installation - Adding Wi-Fi drivers8:56
Installing manufacturer hardware drivers using manufacturer utility (Option 1)1:47
Installing manufacturer hardware drivers manually (Option 2)0:22
Stress testing for any system using AIDA646:00
Stress testing for a gaming system using 3DMark4:41

Requirements

No experience needed, you'll learn everything you need to know from the basics up.

Description

Learn how to build your own computer, whether it's your dream gaming rig, a work from home PC or a budget casual build with my online course.

Learn from a seasoned PC builder, hands-on learning, budget friendly tips, no experience needed.

This course will take you from complete novice to 'know it all' in the world of desktop computer hardware.

Learn valuable skills that will not only allow you to build a PC, but might help you land a job in the tech world!

What you'll learn:

The fundamentals of computer hardware, what each component is and what it does
How to set a budget for a new build
How to allocate that budget to tailor a build to suit you (gamer, home worker, casual user, engineer)
Know how to shop for different components by understanding markets and specifications and what they mean
Full computer assembly, step-by-step over the shoulder lessons where you watch me build a mid-range gaming PC
Know how to install an operating system on a newly built PC (no licence key required)
The basics of debugging build issues
Learn how to benchmark and burn-in test a new build to ensure it's stable and will work when put under load.

Who this course is for:

Anyone who wants to build their own computer.
Anyone who wants to upgrade their own computer.

Learn to Build a Computer (PC) in 2026 - all types!

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Planning A Computer Build - Budget and Aims4 lectures • 52min

Choosing Components - Components In-Depth (Markets and Specs)9 lectures • 2hr 24min

Workspace Setup : Necessary and optional tools7 lectures • 13min

Step-by-step Build - Watch me build a mid-range gaming PC28 lectures • 2hr

BIOS, Operating System Setup and Burn-In Testing8 lectures • 34min

Last (but not least)....1 lecture • 1min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: