Let's think about this for a second
This set is a step harder than Lesson 1 — it's designed around real build/troubleshooting scenarios you have to work through. You'll need to apply the concepts from the Assembly, Compatibility, and Troubleshooting chapters through scenario reasoning. For each task, you're expected to find the root cause and write out the fix steps in the right order. There's no new teaching here — if you refer back to the existing chapters, you can work out the answers.
Practice Exercises
Task 1: Given the scenario "the fans spin when I power on the PC, but nothing shows on the monitor," list out the order you'd check things in following the Troubleshooting chapter (RAM reseat, GPU cable, monitor input). Task 2: Explain whether a DDR5 RAM stick will fit into a DDR4-only motherboard, citing the compatibility rule. Task 3: Calculate whether a 450W PSU is enough for a system with a GPU rated at 250W TDP, and give your verdict. Task 4: Explain what can go wrong if you install the case fans (front intake, rear exhaust) reversed, and how you'd fix it.
Code Example
PRACTICE SET 2 (Scenarios)
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Task 1: No display, fans spin
Order to check: 1) ____ 2) ____ 3) ____
Task 2: DDR5 RAM in DDR4-only board
Will it fit? ____ Why/why not: ____
Task 3: PSU capacity check
PSU: 450W | GPU TDP: 250W | CPU TDP: 65W
Other (fans/drives) ~40W
Total estimated draw = ____ W
Is 450W enough with headroom? ____
Task 4: Reversed case fan airflow
Symptom: ____
Fix: ____You'll come away with practical troubleshooting skills — able to work through real-world build issues yourself using root cause analysis and a proper fix order.5-Minute Try-It
Spend 5 minutes checking the case fan direction on a friend's or family member's PC, and look for the airflow arrow markings.
A Quick Word of Caution
Forcing a DDR5 RAM stick into a DDR4 slot can snap the pins — always check whether the notch lines up first.