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Course Description

If you do not currently hold an NIH-issued badge, we ask that you email us at registrar@faes.org as soon as you register so we can start the visitor process. Once you confirm that you do not hold a current NIH badge you will receive a secure link from the VisitNIH system which will prompt you to input your information; further steps may be necessary if you are a non-U.S. person visitor. We also ask that you review the NIH Visitor Information page, so you are prepared for your visit to the NIH Bethesda Campus. Please note this process may take up to 45 days. 

This is an in-person laboratory training workshop taking place at the National Institutes of Health, Main Campus in Bethesda, MD on November 17, 2026.

This beginner-friendly one-day workshop helps trainees understand the basics of hardware that powers our computers, from laptops to AI compute servers. Trainees will gain theoretical knowledge of core computing hardware such as CPUs, GPUs, different types of memory and common terminology employed such as ATX vs mATX, DDR generations, CUDA units and more. After this primer, trainees will gain hands-on experience in building a computer and installing an operating system on it (windows/linux). This will provide trainees with the knowledge needed to plan, assemble, and test computers to meet their needs.

Learner Outcomes

When you complete the workshop successfully, you will be able to:
  • Define the key components that fundamentally comprise a computer
  • Compare specifications of different product offerings to choose the correct hardware for their needs
  • List the hardware that would meet the requirements of their software of interest
  • Build a computer from parts and install an operating system of their choice

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this workshop. You do not need to know anything about PC hardware.

Target Audience 
None. All materials will be provided.

Software/Equipment Requirements
Anyone curious about how PC hardware works, how to create devices that can support AI models, or just want to learn more about computer building.

Credit
Although no grades are given for courses, each participant will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on the number of contact hours. One CEU is equal to ten contact hours. Upon completion of this course each participant will receive a certificate, showing completion of the workshop and .7 CEUs.

Refund Policy
Follow the link to review Workshop Refund Policy.

Notification

  • FAES reserves the right to cancel any workshops prior to the workshop start date. Notifications will be emailed upon cancellation, and a tuition refund will be issued. We encourage the purchase of refundable travel reservations in the event that a workshop is cancelled.
  • All cancellations must be received in writing via email to  registrar@faes.org.
  • Cancellations received after 4:00 pm (ET) on business days or received on non-business days are time marked for the following business day.
  • All refund payments will be processed by the start of the initial workshop.

By registering for this event, you agree to allow FAES to take photographs of you during the event and to use these photos for promotional purposes, including on our website, social media, and marketing materials, without further compensation. You understand that you have no right to review or approve the final use of these images.

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To Register Click on "Add to Cart"

Section Title
PC BUILDING 101
Type
In Person
Days
T
Time
9:00AM to 5:00PM ET
Dates
Nov 17, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
8.0
Location
Total Cost (Includes $100 non-refundable technology fee per course when applicable)
Eligible Discounts Can Be Applied at Checkout $690.00
Potential Discount(s)
CEUs
0.7 CEUs
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