Lab - Build a Specialized Computer System

Use the Internet, a newspaper, or a local store to gather information about building a specialized computer
system that supports hardware and software that allows a user to perform tasks that an off-the-shelf system
cannot perform. Be prepared to discuss your selections.
For this worksheet, assume the customer’s system will be compatible with the parts you order.
a. The customer runs an audio and video editing workstation to record and mix music, create music CDs,
CD labels, and create home movies. The customer wishes to upgrade the components listed in the table.

Brand and Model Features Cost

Number

Audio card is an internal expansion card that provides input and output ofCreative Sound
audio signals to and from a computer under control of Blaster Audigy
computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to FX PCIe 5.1
external audio interfaces used for professional audio Sound Card with
applications. High
Performance
Headphone Amp
Video card is an expansion card which generates a feed of output images ASUS $43.07Dual
to a display device (such as a computer monitor). Frequently, NVIDIA GeForce
these are advertised as discrete or dedicated graphics cards, GTX 1650 OC
emphasizing the distinction between these and integrated Edition Graphics
graphics. At the core of both is the graphics processing unit Card (PCIe 3.0,
(GPU), which is the main component that performs 4GB GDDR6
Hard drive is an electro-mechanical
computations, but should data
not bestorage device
confused withthat
the stores
graphicsand Seagate
$309.95, Portable
HDMI
retrieves digital data using magnetic storage and one or more 2TB
card as a whole, although "GPU" is often used as a metonymic 2.0, DisplayPortExternal
rigid rapidlytorotating
shorthand refer toplatters
graphicscoated
cards.with magnetic material. Hard
1.4a, Drive
IP5X Dust
The platters are paired with magnetic heads, usually arranged Portable Resistance,HDD –
on a moving actuator arm, which read and write data to the USB 3.0 for PC,
Auto-Extreme
platter surfaces.[2] Data is accessed in a random-access Mac, PlayStation,
Technology,
Dual monitors Dual
manner,Monitor Toolsthat
meaning is aindividual
software blocks
package of for
dataWindows users
can be stored Sceptre
& Xbox -20"
1-Year
GPU Tweak II)
with dual or multiple monitor setups.
and retrieved in any order. HDDs are a type of non-volatile 1600x900 75Hz
Rescue Service
storage, retaining stored data even when powered off.[3][4][5] Ultra Thin LED
(STGX2000400)
All the tools are open source and free, and each tool
Modern HDDs are typically in the form of a small rectangular is Monitor
$59.99 2x HDMI
independent
box. so you only need to install or run what you want. VGA Built-in
Speakers,
Machine Black
Wide Viewing
Provide reasons for the components purchased. How will they support the customer’s needs? Angle 170°
(Horizontal) /
160° (Vertical)
$120.94

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Lab - Build a Specialized Computer System

b. The customer runs computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software and
wishes to upgrade the components listed in the table.

Brand and Model Features Cost

Number

CPU A central processing unit (CPU), also called a central 200074

processor, main processor or just processor, is the electronic
circuitry that executes instructions comprising a computer
program. The CPU performs basic arithmetic, logic, controlling,
and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions in
the program. This contrasts with external components such as
main memory and I/O circuitry,[1] and specialized processors
such as graphics processing units (GPUs).
Video card ost graphics cards are not limited to simple display output. BlueAVS HDMI to
Their integrated graphics processor can perform additional USB Video
processing, removing this task from the central processor of Capture Card
the computer.[1] For example, Nvidia and AMD (previously 1080P for Live
ATI) produced cards that render the graphics pipelines Video Streaming
OpenGL and DirectX on the hardware level.[2] In the later Record via DSLR
2010s, there has also been a tendency to use the computing Camcorder Action
capabilities of the graphics processor to solve non-graphic Cam - Capture
RAM Random-access memory (RAM; /ræm/) is a form
tasks, which can be done through the use of OpenCL and of computer Dolgix
1080P 4GB DDR4
memory that can cards
CUDA. Graphics be read
areand changed
used in anyfor
extensively order, typically
AI training, 2400MHz
(Metal-Gray)
used to store working
cryptocurrency miningdata and machine
and molecular code.[1][2] A
simulation. PC4-19200 DIMM
random-access memory device allows data items to be read or 1.2V CL17
written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the 288-Pin Desktop
physical location of data inside the memory, in contrast with Memory RAM
other direct-access data storage media (such as hard disks, Module Upgrade
CD-RWs, DVD-RWs and the older magnetic tapes and drum $18.99
memory),
Provide reasons for the components where the time required
purchased. How willtothey
read and write
support the data items needs?
customer’s
varies significantly depending on their physical locations on the
recording medium, due to mechanical limitations such as
media rotation speeds and arm movement.

© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 2 of 5
Lab - Build a Specialized Computer System

c. The customer uses virtualization technologies to run several different operating systems to test software
compatibility. The customer wishes to upgrade the components listed in the table.

Brand and Model Features Cost

Number

RAM RAM contains multiplexing and demultiplexing circuitry, to Samsung 4GB

connect the data lines to the addressed storage for reading or DDR4
writing the entry. Usually more than one bit of storage is PC4-21300,
accessed by the same address, and RAM devices often have 2666MHZ, 288
multiple data lines and are said to be "8-bit" or "16-bit", etc. PIN DIMM, 1.2V,
devices CL 19 Desktop
ram Memory
Module
CPU Most modern CPUs are implemented on integrated circuit (IC) $29.99
microprocessors, with one or more CPUs on a single
metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) IC chip. Microprocessor
chips with multiple CPUs are multi-core processors. The
individual physical CPUs, processor cores, can also be
multithreaded to create additional virtual or logical CPUs.[2]

Provide reasons for the components purchased. How will they support the customer’s needs?

© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 3 of 5
Lab - Build a Specialized Computer System

d. The customer wishes to upgrade an HTPC with the components listed in the table.

Brand and Model Features Cost

Number

Case a set of software engineering tools and methods for

software design that helps to ensure high-quality
programs, error-free and easy-to-maintain software
products.[1] CASE is also understood as a set of
methods and tools for designing information
systems using CASE tools[

A power supply is an electrical device that supplies electric power to an electrical load. The main purpose 2000W Mining Power
Power supply of a power supply is to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency
to power the load. As a result, power supplies are sometimes referred to as electric power converters.
Supply for for 8 GPUs
Some power supplies are separate standalone pieces of equipment, while others are built into the load ETH Rig Ethereum
appliances that they power. Examples of the latter include power supplies found in desktop computers Miner, Mining Rig PSU
and consumer electronics devices. Other functions that power supplies may perform include limiting the
current drawn by the load to safe levels, shutting off the current in the event of an electrical fault, power
ATX PC Power Supply,
conditioning to prevent electronic noise or voltage surges on the input from reaching the load, 100V-220V PSU with
power-factor correction, and storing energy so it can continue to power the load in the event of a Adapter Cable (Black)
temporary interruption in the source power (uninterruptible power supply).
Brand: Generic

Price: $169.00

Surround sound is a technique for enriching the fidelity and depth of sound
Surround sound Klipsch Black
audio reproduction by using multiple audio channels from speakers that surround the
listener (surround channels). Its first application was in movie theaters. Prior to Reference
surround sound, theater sound systems commonly had three screen channels
Theater Pack
of sound that played from three loudspeakers (left, center, and right) located in
front of the audience. Surround sound adds one or more channels from 5.1 Surround
loudspeakers to the side or behind the listener that are able to create the
Sound System
sensation of sound coming from any horizontal direction (at ground level)
around the listener. $332.00

TV tuner and A TV tuner card is a kind of television tuner that MT-D1000 dvb t2 set
cable cards top box tv digital dual
allows television signals to be received by a core STB digital tv
computer. Most TV tuners also function as video tuner full HD TV t2
set-top box with USB
capture cards, allowing them to record television WIFI AV ports
programs onto a hard disk much like the digital FOB Reference Price:
Get Latest Price
video recorder (DVR) does. $4.00 - $17.00/

Provide reasons for the components purchased. How will they support the customer’s needs?

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Lab - Build a Specialized Computer System

e. The customer wishes to upgrade a gaming computer with the components listed in the table.

Brand and Model Features Cost

Number

CPU

Video card

Sound card

Cooling system

RAM

Hard drive

Provide reasons for the components purchased. How will they support the customer’s needs?

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