> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opentechacademy.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Computer Hardware Course Catalog (HW101 to HW401)

> Browse the full Open Tech Academy Computer Hardware curriculum, from HW101 fundamentals through HW401 system building, with modules, quizzes, and projects.

Our Computer Hardware curriculum is designed to take learners from absolute zero to advanced hardware proficiency. All courses listed below are fully published and available today in the Learning Center.

Select any course to view its detailed module breakdown, lessons, quizzes, and assignments.

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## Computer Hardware Path Courses

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="HW101: Hardware Fundamentals" icon="gauge" href="/programs/courses/hw101">
    *Beginner · 22 Hours*

    Learn what the main parts inside a computer do, how they connect, and how to recognize them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW201: CPU Deep Dive" icon="microchip" href="/programs/courses/hw201">
    *Intermediate · 12 Hours*

    Learn CPU ideas in plain English: cores/threads, clock speed, caching, thermal throttling, and troubleshooting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW202: Motherboard Deep Dive" icon="circuit-board" href="/programs/courses/hw202">
    *Intermediate · 12 Hours*

    Explore chipset lane allocations, firmware configurations (BIOS/UEFI), and no-POST diagnostics.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW203: RAM Deep Dive" icon="memory" href="/programs/courses/hw203">
    *Intermediate · 11 Hours*

    Understand temporary workspaces, memory channel routing, timings, compatibility, and hardware stability testing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW204: Storage Deep Dive" icon="database" href="/programs/courses/hw204">
    *Intermediate · 11 Hours*

    Detail SATA and NVMe SSD interfaces, hard drives, data backups, cloning setups, and wear management.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW205: Expansion, Power & Cooling" icon="fan" href="/programs/courses/hw205">
    *Intermediate · 11 Hours*

    Covers expansion cards, PSU rails and headroom, case airflow design, and upgrade validation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW206: Graphics Deep Dive" icon="gamepad" href="/programs/courses/hw206">
    *Intermediate · 13 Hours*

    Understand GPU pipelines, VRAM bandwidth, display connector standards, graphics drivers, and displays.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW301: Protocols & Connectors" icon="cable" href="/programs/courses/hw301">
    *Advanced · 15 Hours*

    Learn internal buses, external interfaces, network protocols, cable limits, and connector pinouts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HW401: Full System Integration" icon="laptop-code" href="/programs/courses/hw401">
    *Advanced · 18 Hours*

    Bring the hardware stack together: planning, compatibility, validation, and an autograded capstone system project.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Next Steps

Ready to start learning? Go to [learn.opentechacademy.org](https://learn.opentechacademy.org) to enroll in your first course. You can also view the certificate milestones on our [Certificates & Verification](/programs/certificates) page.