Individual: Custom Built Computer

You have been tasked with building a custom desktop PC that will be used by Research and Development (R&D) programmers. They will use it to develop complex animations. The system will need to have a processor and other computers that will support resource-intensive multimedia development applications. This system should be comparable to a high-end gaming computer.

Use the Custom Built Computer Worksheet to identify the components that will be needed to build this system. The system components should be compatible with one another and should meet the needs of the R&D team. Complete the Custom Built Computer Worksheet.

Part 1 - Custom Built Computer Worksheet

Custom-Built Computer Search

Now that you've seen what some preassembled computers cost, research the components needed to build a high-end development system for the Research and Development Team. Visit a computer parts supplier (such as www.pricewatch.com) on the Internet and provide the complete specifications, prices, and URL to the specific part for the components shown below. Then add up the prices to find the total cost of your custom-built computer.

Be aware of the following when completing the table below:

• The component information/specs should include all of the specifications needed for the component.
• The URL should go to the part on the vendor site and not to the high level site domain.
• The component price should be in US dollars.

Custom-Built Computer Chart

Part 2 - Power Supply

Determining Wattage

Using the notes from your group discussions, determine how much power you would need to run your dream computer. In the chart below, list the make and model of your computer's components and research online to determine how much wattage is required to run them.

Custom Built Computer Components and Wattage

Power Supply Search

Now that you know the amount of wattage you need to run your dream computer, you can look for a power supply. Search the Internet for two different power supplies that would work with your computer and fill in the chart below. Then, make a decision on which power supply you would purchase and explain why.

Custom Built Computer Power Supply

Power Supply Decision

Which power supply you would purchase? Why?

Business Justification

Write a 175- to 300-word memorandum (memo) to the Research and Development department manager that provides a justification for the components you selected for the system. In the memo, include any assumptions you made when selecting a component and/or a vendor.