Custom Computer System

Building a Custom Computer System

Your will be responsible for building 2 custom computer systems that fall into very specific budgets.

Scenario:
You work in a computer store building computers. Customers ask you to recommend the components of their new computers that you will then build. Please recommend computers for two of the following five customers using this format:


1. Type of Component Brand  2. Model  3. Place of purchase  4. Price 5. One sentence to summarize why you chose that item.

Example:

16GB DDR3 SDRAM (PC 12800) - 134.99 - New Egg

This ram was chosen for it's high capacity and transfer speed. It fits within our budget for the entertainment machine.

Build Easy PC is a very good resource to help you choose components and guides you on how to build a computer.

These sites are good places to find prices on components:

NCIX - Atic - Tiger Direct - New Egg - choosemypc.net - or use any other site as long as you site your source with a link

Choose 2 of the following system types and make sure your entire system falls within the budget

1. Average user: 
Budget: $500
“I use my computer mainly for the Internet, e-mail, and word processing. I would like to be able to edit and print photos from my iPhone. My children like to play games but I’m not worried if they cannot play the newest games.”

2. Home Office user: 
Budget: $750
“I use my computer at my office and I need something as small as possible to save desktop space. I would love an all-in-one system and a touchscreen would be great but is not mandatory. A comfortable keyboard and mouse, maybe even a wireless one to keep my desk tidy would be a plus!”

3. Entertainment Center:
Budget: $1000
“My computer is my entertainment center. I do not have a TV or a stereo. I want to be able to play music and movies on my computer with full surround sound. It would be great if I could stream music from my computer via bluetooth. I also need as big of a monitor as possible to watch movies on”

4. Multimedia Developer:
Budget: $1500
“I develop multimedia applications for a living including: animations, Web Sites, Brochures, Videos, Music, and Posters. I need to run Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, as well as web development software. Often I need to run several applications at the same time. I must scan client’s photos and print high quality samples for them. I will also have to burn copies of CD-ROMs, DVDs, and files for the print house.”

5. Gamer:
Budget: Unlimited
“I want the ultimate gaming machine. Money is no object since I made a fortune as an early Facebook investor. I want to be able to play the latest games from flight simulations to first person shooters. I also enjoy playing older arcade games. I want great sound and I want joysticks for the different types of games I play. I have a different computer for office tasks so this machine will be strictly for fun. Multiples monitors, VR headsets, and motorized gaming chairs would all be awesome to have as well”

Each Computer Should Include At Least the Following Items:

  • Motherboard
  • CPU
  • RAM
  • Hard Drive
  • Optical Drives (depending on user needs)
  • Case / Power Supply
  • Video Card
  • Sound Card / Onboard Sound
  • Network Card / Onboard Network
  • Monitor
  • Speakers
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Operating System
** Taxes do not need to be included in the final build price. Wherever possible, please find the costs in Canadian dollars.
If it's in U.S. dollars, you need to add 20% on to the price to compensate for exchange rates. **

Mark Sheet Breakdown

Mark Categories1234
Knowledge / Understanding >



Student includes all necessary computer components.



Student uses current technology.



Sources are cited correctly with hyperlinks.



Communication >



Writing is clear and concise.



Writing has been proofread and free of spelling mistakes.



Application >



Systems are within budget.



Systems meet users’ needs.



Thinking / Inquiry >



Reasonable explanation for each component.



Component choices are based on reasonable research.




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