COMPUTER PLATEFORMS

Designing a Computer System

There is a lot to consider when purchasing computer hardware and software. One of the most important things you can do when buying a new computer is make a list of the things that you will be using it for. There are so many different models - with different capabilities - that you can easily buy more, or less, than you really need if you don't

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TABLE OF CONTENT
C ONTENT P AGE Designing a Computer Systems...................................................................................2 Key Component............................................................................................................3 Difference type of computer user ...............................................................................4 Choosing Computer Parts.............................................................................................4 CPU ..........................................................................................................................5 Motherboard.............................................................................................................5 RAM..........................................................................................................................6 Monitor......................................................................................................................6 Hard Disk Drive.........................................................................................................7 Optical Drive.............................................................................................................7 Keyboard and Mouse................................................................................................8 Power supply.............................................................................................................8 Computer Case.........................................................................................................8 Networking................................................................................................................9 Complete Set of Computer System and Price...............................................................9

COMPUTER PLATFORMS
DESIGNING
A

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

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From the research of Assessment 1 (Investigate Computer Systems), PC that we are looking for is desktop computer system and we also gather some information about the various types of computer parts that we need to build a complete computer system for the training lab. Now we need to research and evaluate on which type of computer component that we need to purchase in order to build a computer that meets our requirement. Specifications like future upgrade, usefulness and budget of computer system need to put in the consideration.

KEY COMPONENT
We are building a computer system that students can use for simple web browsing to search for study info purpose, word processing, presentation and access some study application case, so we need a computer system that able to handle the daily computing with smooth, it wont be too slow when the users access the internet to search for information and handle the multitasking without any lagging. The key components that able to fulfill the requirement are motherboard, central processing unit (CPU) and random access memory (RAM). The motherboard is one of the most important components in your PC. The motherboard is the glue that brings all the separate PC components together. There are several factors you need to look at when choosing motherboards, like the form factor (usually ATX), supported CPU, bus speed, supported RAM, form factor, built-in sound/video/LAN. The processor is the heart of a desktop PC. Processors are distinguished by their speed measured in Gigahertz (GHz). The higher the speed, the faster the PC can run. For normal office-based PC usage, it is not necessary to buy the fastest processor. A typical processor running at about 2 GHz delivers excellent performance for normal office functions. Memory is used by the processor to run programs. Generally, the more random access memory (RAM) you have, the better the PC will run when using several programs at once. Depending on the type of software applications you are using, the amount of memory you need will be difference. Computers these days need at least 256 MB of RAM. Refer to the table below to see how much memory you will need based on the type of software you use. Type of Computer Usage Administrative Word processing, email, spreadsheets, surfing the web, general gaming, not many applications open at once. Amount of Memory needed

256 MB to 512 MB

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Professional Word processing, email, spreadsheets, presentations, videos, photos, surfing the web, general gaming, several applications open at once. Graphics Design/Software Development 3D CAD software, enterprise programming suites, simulation or modeling software

512 MB to 1 GB

1 GB or more

DIFFERENCE

TYPE OF COMPUTER USER

There are 3-difference types of users that are using the computer training lab at (CBS) and each of these user enroll in difference course, such as Diploma in Information Technology, Advance in Information Technology and Business and Accounting. Therefore, software such as Microsoft office, MYOB, UBS, and Visual Basic was needed in our computer system so that all the users can use the computer in the training lab although they are using the difference application. We need to ensure that the computer Operating system we are building can run all the required software and application.

CHOOSING COMPUTER PARTS

Now we are ready to setup the complete computer parts for the training lab. I did visit to Sim Lim square and some web site to search for the cheapest price of computer parts that I had chosen. Below statement and figures show the complete computer parts that I had chosen and why I choose these parts.

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CPU
I recommended Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300 2.6GHz 800MHz 2MB Socket 775 (Figure1) CPU for our current usage of computer system because it is suitable for the usage of the requirement and it is cheap compare with other CPU. This dual-core processor also delivers great mobile performance, low power enhancements, and multitasking for everyday computing.

For our current requirement of computer system, Im not choosing Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel Quad Core because both of the CPU is more benefit for digital video editing, music creation on PC and graphic design and it is much more beyond for our task required.

Motherboard
For motherboard, Gigabyte G31M-ES2L Intel P43 LGA775 ATX Motherboard (Figure2) is my choice. This motherboard is compatible with the Duo Core CPU socket775 that we had chosen. It also able to support other high-end CPU such as Core 2 Duo and Quad core CPU, its for allowing future upgrades purpose.

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This motherboard also comes with built in audio and graphic. We are searching for a built in audio and graphic motherboard. As for our current requirement, a high performance sound and graphic is unnecessary. This also can save us some cost, as the graphic card is the most expensive component for a computer.

Advantages of this motherboard: 1. Revolution energy saving design with Easy Energy Saver technology to FSB 1600 (O.C.) 2. Supports Intel Core 2 multi-core and upcoming 45nm processors 3. Solid capacitors and Ferrite core choke design in CPU VRM 4. Dual Channel DDR2 1066(O.C.) for remarkable system performance 5. Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 (Intel GMA 3100) 6. Features high speed Gigabit Ethernet 7. Integrated 8 channel High Definition audio 8. Dual BIOS solution gives a multiple security to the system

RAM
Ram is to stores information and used to run programs and applications. More memory lets you run more applications at the same time without lagging. A KINGSTON 2GB (PC2-6400) 800MHz DDR2-800 (Figure3) of ram is suitable for our current computer system usage, its reliable and it offers a lifetime warranty. I choose 2 GB of RAM, as we need the PC to run fast and stable in order to handle software such as 3D CAD software, enterprise programming suites, simulation or modeling software for now or in future.

Monitor
Choosing monitor for the lab, Ill recognize LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) rather than CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). There are several pros and cons to consider and the few items listed below will be considered. 1) Size The overall size and weight of CRT monitors far exceeds that of LCD monitors.

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2) Energy Consumption - The huge tube in a CRT monitor is the source of most of its energy consumption, and a comparably sized LCD may use just a fraction of the electricity. 3) Personal Comfort and Health LCD can reduce strain on your eyes. The reduced glare on the screens surface, and the elimination of a typical CRTs refresh, can prevent your eyes from getting tired from extended use. A CRT monitor redraws the image on the entire screen as it refreshes, whereas an LCD monitor only changes the necessary pixels during a refresh.

As result, I have chosen this monitor for the computer lab, Acer X203H 20" Wide LCD Monitor. (Figure 4)

Hard Disk Drive

As for hard disk drive, I recommended a minimum of 200G of storage space because as the technology. As result, I choose Seagate 250GB SATA/300 7200RPM 8MB HDD (Figure5) for the computer system because it is reliable and Seagate promise a 3 years warranty. The Barracuda 7200.10 is the largest, most reliable disc drive around. New perpendicular recording technology supports vertically stored data bits, enabling increased areal density - and dependability - for workstations and performance of the PCs.

Optical Drive
LG-GH22NS30 22xSATA DVD (Figure 6) This drive is a Super-Multi DVD writer, supporting all DVD media currently available. The drive we got is a bulk version meaning that it comes with no software or any other goodies found in the retail packages of other drives. Now in computer world, there is no longer using floppy disk or CD

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to read/write data as the DVD is much more memory space, faster and the price is almost the same compare with them. In detail, the LG drive is able to burn DVDR media at 22X, DVD+R DL at 16X, DVD-R/+R DL at 16X, DVD+RW media at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X and DVD-RAM at 12X. It is connected to the computer via an S-ATA interface, thus allowing Burst Transfer Rates of up to 1.5Gbps.

Keyboard and Mouse

LOGITECH INTERNET PRO BLACK KEYBOARD + OPTICAL MOUSE (Figure 7) The Logitech Internet Pro Desktop Black features seven productivity keys to provide one-touch access to frequent tasks such as email, visiting websites, and music. The new optical mouse is sure to help flying through documents and websites with its precise tracking methods, and the soft touch keys will aid in smooth typing while the spill proof design.

Power supply
AcBel E2 470(Max 470W, 420W True Watt) 8cm Fan (OEM) Support Intel & AMD dual core CPUS Dual rails +12V output Automatic fan speed control 24 pin detachable header for M/B 4+4pin for dual CPUS No load operation Power line disturbance TTL compatible power good signal Blue Angel: input less than 1W when 5Vs is 0.1 A

Computer Case
COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX mid Tower Computer Case (Figure 9) The reason I choose this chassis because it is compatible and can fit in with my motherboard, which is ATX form. 8

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Advantages of this chassis

Tool-Free mechanical design for quick assembly and maintenance Meshed front panel design provides the superior airflow and maximum cooling performance Built-in washable front air filter 120mm fans in the front and rear to give your PC the best ventilation while maintain silent cooling solution Solid construction makes the chassis durable and sturdy

Networking
Linksys -CISCO Linksys WIRELESS-G USB Adapter WUSB54G Network Adapter (WUSB54G) (Figure 10) Since the computer lab consists of 15 computers, I decided to connect them to the Internet using wireless method. Im not using cable connection as it will cause the training lab looks messy due to the untidy cable routing and the users might get injured due to accidentally strike out the cable and fall down. Connect your USB-equipped desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network at incredible speeds with the Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. By incorporating two new, blazing fast technologies - USB 2.0 and Wireless-G - the Adapter delivers data rates up to 54Mbps (5 times as fast as 802.11b), without the trouble of opening up the case of your desktop computer.

COMPLETE SET

OF

COMPUTER SYSTEM

AND

PRICE

Below table shows the complete set of computer system of training lab. I also search for the cheapest price of each computer components at Sim Lim square and web site. For price details please refer to the figures.
Item Specifications Price

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CPU

Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300 2.6GHz 800MHz 2MB Socket 775 Gigabyte G31M-ES2L Intel P43 LGA775 ATX Motherboard

S$113 (figure 11) S$99 (figure 12) S$31.50 (figure 13) S$169.00 (figure 14) S$68 (5 y warranty) (figure 15) S$36 (figure 16) S$25 (figure 17) S$69.00 (5 y warranty) (figure 18) S$69 (figure 19) S$38 (figure 20)

Main board

RAM

KINGSTON 2GB (PC2-6400) 800MHz DDR2-800

Monitor

Acer X203H 20" Wide LCD Monitor.

Hard Disk

Seagate 250GB SATA/300 7200RPM 8MB HDD

Optical Drive

LG-GH22NS30 22xSATA DVD LOGITECH INTERNET PRO BLACK KEYBOARD + OPTICAL MOUSE

Keyboard & Mouse

Power Supply

AcBel E2 470(Max 470W, 420W True Watt) 8cm Fan (OEM)

Chassis

COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX mid Tower Computer Case Linksys -CISCO Linksys WIRELESS-G USB Adapter WUSB54G Network Adapter (WUSB54G)

Wireless Adapter

Total:

S$717.50

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