WEEK 3

Computer Systems Servicing

NCII (G11) (Learning
Activity)

“COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN”

 INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-3
Computer System Design

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. select computer components based on the customer’s needs
2. identify the components best suited for a particular computing environment
3. to know how to design for specific computer subsystems, such as the
video or storage subsystem

INTRODUCTIONS
Why would employers want technicians to be able to design computers? If you
needed a car repaired, wouldn’t it be nice to have a person who could design
cars to advise you? They would know the best engines, the most fuel-efficient
body design, what parts might not work well with other parts, and so on. They
would know a lot about all parts of the car. The same is true about those who
can design computers: They know a lot about computer parts and how those
parts interact with one another. When you first learn about computers, you
learn the language, or lingo. You learn terms such as RAM and processor. Later,
when you hear such words, you form images in your mind. You do more than
just recognize the words; you actually know what different parts look like. You
can explain to someone else what a part does. You continue to grow in a
particular area. Designing something is right up there with troubleshooting
something well. It involves knowing what you are talking about. Benjamin
Bloom chaired a committee that created a classification of learning objectives
that was named Bloom’s Taxonomy. Look at Image 1 to see how people
normally progress through the learning process from the bottom to the top.
Notice that creating is at the top. Of course, employers want people who can
design...those are the folks who know all the things that it takes to be able to
design.
 Image 1 Learning Process

COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN

Computer users need different types of computer systems. What the user does
with the computer dictates the components and peripherals needed. Looking at
the computer systems by purpose is a good place to start with design.
CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems
are used in manufacturing plants by engineers or design engineers to create things.
A graphics/CAD/CAM design workstation would need the following key
components:
 *Powerful multi-core processor(s)
 Maximum system RAM
 High-end video card(s) with maximum video RAM and graphics processing
unit (GPU) Large display or dual displays Large-capacity hard drive(s) and
an
 SSD Possible peripherals include digital tablets, scanners, plotters, and
3D printers Quality mouse or input device.

Image 2 CAD/CAM Design workstation

Gaming PCs
Gaming computers are a set of their own. Gamers frequently build their own
systems, but some computer manufacturers do make gaming PCs. A gaming PC
(see Figure 3) tends to have the following key components:
 Powerful multi-core processor(s)
 High-end video cards (with maximum video RAM and specialized GPU)
 High-definition sound card and speakers
 High-end system cooling Large amount of RAM Large display or dual displays
(see Image 3)
 Quality mouse Possible gaming console Headphones with microphone
Possible
3D glasses (if supported by the video card and monitor).

Image 3: Gaming PC

Audio/Video Editing Workstations

An audio/video editing workstation (see Image 4) is used to manipulate sounds
(shorten, add, overlay, and so on) or video. This type of system requires a lot of
hard drive space and RAM. Here are the most common configuration elements
for such a computer:
 Specialized video card with maximum video RAM and GPU
 Specialized audio (sound) card and speakers
 Very fast and large-capacity hard drive
 Dual monitors Powerful multi-core processor(s)
 Large amount of system RAM Quality mouse Possible digital tablet or scanner
 Image 4: Audio/video editing workstation

Virtualization Workstations
A virtualization workstation can mean two things: (1) a workstation that has at
least one operating system, in its own virtual machine that is separate from the
host operating system (see Image 5), or (2) a workstation that uses hardware and
software virtualization techniques to provide an end user with a controlled
workstation environment. Each of these situations requires different hardware and
software. A virtualization workstation is considered to be the first example (a
computer that has more than one operating system in a virtual environment). A
virtualization workstation would have the following components:
 Maximum CPU cores

 Maximum RAM Multiple, fast, large-capacity hard drives

 Possible SSDs
 Possible network-attached storage (NAS) for increased storage space that can
be shared with other devices

Image 5: Virtualization Concept

Thin Client Workstations
A thin client workstation is a desktop or laptop that has a display, mouse,
keyboard, and network connectivity and runs applications from a server. Thin
client computers are less expensive than a normal workstation (but the network
infrastructure such as servers, software, storage area network [SAN], and so on to
support thin clients costs money). Storage tends to be cloud-based or on remote
storage media. Both the hardware (hard drives, number of processors, and so on)
and software environment could be virtualized (commonly called desktop
virtualization) in order to provide a controlled environment. Corporations use
thin clients. Characteristics to look for in a thin client computer include the
following:
  Meets minimum requirements for selected operating system
 1Gb/s preferred network connectivity
 Basic applications Optional display privacy screen

Thick Client Workstations

In contrast to a thin client workstation, a thick client computer is the most
common type of desktop or laptop in the work environment. Applications are
installed and documents are commonly stored on the local hard drive. An all-in-
one computer could be a thick client computer. Computers in small businesses
tend to be thick client workstations. A standard thick client computer has the
following characteristics:
 *Meets recommended hardware requirements for selected operating system
 Meets recommended hardware and software requirements for running
desktop applications
 Optional dual displays

Home Servers
A home server computer is used to store data, function as a web server, print
server, or file server, control media streaming, be accessible from outside the
home, control devices, and manage backups of other computers. Notice in Image
6, how the home server in the top-right corner physically connects to the wireless
router. Typical components found in a home server include the following:
 Multiple hard drives in a RAID array configuration
 1Gb/s (1000Mb/s) NIC Medium to large case
 Multiple processors or multiple cores in the processor
 Lots of RAM
 Server applications including media streaming, file sharing, and print sharing
 Possible NAS
 Possible KVM switch
 Image 6: Home server

Industrial Computers
An industrial computer is one used for a specific industry. For example, in a car
repair shop, the standard computers used both inside the showroom and in the
service and repair center might be in an enclosure (see Image 7) or have keyboard
coverings. A kiosk in a mall or school might contain or be controlled by a
computer. A kiosk is commonly used to show maps, provide directions, locate
personnel, or provide information. Here are some things to consider for an
industrial computer:
 Meets recommended hardware requirements based on applications installed
 Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments
 Optional enclosure for a laptop’s external keyboard and mouse for unsecure
 or outdoor environments
 Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, outdoor, public, high-traffic, or
industrial environments
 Optional privacy display screen
 Case with air filters that may be removable for cleaning.

Image 7: Industrial computer

Mobile Computers
A mobile computer for someone who travels as part of his job also needs special
design considerations. Considerations for an “on-the-road” computer design include
the following:
 Laptop, Ultrabook, or tablet Sufficient RAM Might need mobile
broadband connectivity
 Possible SSD (if shaking or dropping due to handling is a concern or if high
speed is needed)
 Compatible smartphone
 Possible projector Possible thermal printer for sales-oriented tasks
 Possible portable speakers and headphones with noise cancellation
When you are planning to design an entire computer system, looking at what the
user will be doing with the computer is important. Keep in mind that there are
many ways to go green and conserve energy in your computer design. The
company requesting the design may require green specifications. Cases,
motherboards, processors, power supplies,
 printers, displays, and other computing devices can be designed with energy
conservation in mind.
The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) can help with
that. The EPEAT rating system was designed to work with the EPA in identifying
products that have a green (and clean) design. ENERGY STAR is another program
that has strict energy efficiency standards that a product must meet in order to be
ENERGY STAR compliant. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR rating today
have low total energy requirements, low power modes, and efficient power
supplies. You can also be conscientious of energy requirements when designing a
subsystem. Many times, the request for an upgrade will not be for the entire
computer, but only for a subsystem. In such a case, the best practice is to look at
the subsystem as a unit.

MOTHERBOARD AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENT DESIGN

The motherboard, chipset, and CPU are all directly related to one another and
should be designed in conjunction with one another. Some technicians choose a
motherboard based on a specific chipset. Why? Because there might be issues with
a specific chipset, but the customer might still need high-end video or USB
version 3.0 ports.
There might be only one chipset that gives you two PCIe v3.0 slots for bridging
video cards or a high number of USB 3.0 ports. In any case, this is something to
consider. You also have to remember that things change all the time. Newer
technologies such as Skylake, Broadwell, USB 3.1, Thunderbolt, and DDR4 may
influence your choices.
Choosing a processor involves selecting Intel or AMD, determining how many
processor cores you want, and selecting a specific model. Throughout the years,
both manufacturers tend to have had a low-end model for cheaper, less powerful
computers, a midrange processor that gives pretty good bang for the buck (price),
and very powerful processors. Don’t forget CPU cooling either. If you select one of
the high- end CPUs, you must have appropriate cooling for it.
Memory ties into processor technology because the type of motherboard/chipset you
have will dictate the type of memory supported, the maximum amount of memory
the motherboard manufacturer might consider putting on the motherboard, and the
maximum memory speed that can be used. Whenever a technician is upgrading or
replacing a motherboard, compatibility with existing components is a must.
The most important design consideration for memory is to take advantage of dual-,
triple-, and quad-channeling when possible. Ensure that the DIMMs and SO-
DIMMS are purchased together and installed according to the recommendations
set forth in the motherboard/computer manual. Encourage the end user to buy as
much RAM as he or she can initially afford. This area is one of the most influential
considerations on the user computing experience. Beef up this subsystem
component as much as possible.
When dealing with the motherboard, consider the following:
 Motherboard form factor
 Chipset
 Whether the CPU is included or needs to be purchased separately
 CPU size
 Motherboard socket size
 Nanotechnology used with the processor and/or chipset (14nm, 22nm,
32nm, 45nm, and so on)
 CPU cooling
 RAM
 Number and type of input/output (I/O) ports
 Traditional BIOS or UEFI (replacement for traditional BIOS)
Power Supply and Case Design
When selecting a power supply, it is all about the size (form factor), total wattage
for specific voltage levels, number of connectors, and power efficiency. One issue
you must consider is how many connectors connect to the same cable. When you
have several high-powered devices, you want to be able to connect them with
separate power cables, if possible, instead of using two connectors along the same
cable. Also, be careful with cables that do not have at least four wires. These are
peripheral cables to power 12-volt fans and are normally labeled as fan
connectors. Some power supplies have detachable cables that connect between a
power supply connector and a device connector. You attach the number and type
of cables you need. Buy additional cables of a specific type, as needed. Image .8
shows detachable cables.
 Image 8: power connectors

When replacing, upgrading, or purchasing a power supply, consider the following:

Enough power cables for video cards
Number and type of power cables (SATA, Molex, PCIe, and fan)
 Form factor Wattage for the 12-volt line
 Total wattage—use an online power-use calculator
 Quietness

 Mean time between failures (MTBF)

 Overvoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage, and short-circuit protection
 Warranty
Keep in mind that the power supply and the case (and the motherboard, too) have
to be the same form factor. Some cases accept multiple motherboard form factors.
Cases may or may not include the fans that go with the cases. Most cases have at
least two locations for fans—one at the front of the case and one at the rear. Fans
tend to come in 40-, 60-, 80-, 90-, 92-, 120-, or 140-mm sizes. Look for the
following key features in a new case:
Size (ATX, micro-ATX, BTX, ITX, mini-ITX, and so on), type (desktop, tower, or all-
in- one), and physical dimensions
 Number and type of front panel ports
 Number and placement of fans
  Cable management
 Number of expansion slots (need to match or come close to how many are on
the motherboard)
 Number and type of accessible drive bays including internal or external
 Outside texture and design (metal, aluminum, plastic, acrylic, see-through)
 Ease of cover removal

 Method of securing expansion cards (screw, plastic tab, and single plastic bar)
 Ability to lock case panels to deter entry

Use Design considerations

Graphic/CAD/CAM, gaming PC, 500-W or higher power supply
Server PC, audio, /video editing ATX mid or full-size tower, two or
computer, or more cooling
virtualization computer fans
Home media center, or thin client 300-W or higher power supply
ATX mini or micro-sized tower
Thick client or normal user 300-W or higher power supply ATX-
mini,
micro, or mid-sized tower.
Power Supply and case design
Storage Design
The storage subsystem consists of magnetic or flash technologies for internal or
external hard drives, flash storage (including SSDs), or optical drives. When
adding, replacing, or building a storage subsystem, you must consider the
customer needs, how long the customer plans on storing the data, and how long
the customer thinks the storage subsystem will be in use before being upgraded or
replaced. Table 12.2 helps with the storage device options.

Internal connectivity SATA or M.2

Internal power
Internal physical size
Externa connectivity
Molex or SATA power connector
1.8, 2.5, 3.5, or 5.25 inches nd
must
have available expansion slots in
the case.
USB,IEEE 1394 (Firewire), eSATA,
and eSATAp port.

A NIC may be required for cloud

storage. May need media reader for
flash media.
Storage technology Magnetic (hard drive or optical

Special storage consideration
Storage device speed
Optical drive capability
Drive buffers
External considerations
Storage subsystem design considerations
AUDIO SUBSYSTEM DESIGN
The audio design consists of the audio ports and speakers. When upgrading or
building, let the customer listen to the speakers, if possible. Table 12.3 lists audio
design considerations.
Feature
Number of speakers
drive); SATA 1.5,3 or 6Gb/s
(SATA1, SATA2,
SATA3), M.2, flash memory (SSD,
flash
drives, and flash media) or hybrid
(magnetic and SSD)
RAID requires multiple
drives. NAS to share
storage with other
computers
5400, 5900,7200,10000,15000 RPM
for
magnetic drives. Transfer rate for
SSDs. Input/output operations per
seconds (IOPS) for both magnetic
drives and SSDs, which is
measurement that considers
sequential reads/writes as well
as random reads/writes.
Red-violet and/or blue lasers
Both hard drives and optical drives
can
have buffers that can increase
data transfer rates.
What other devices may share the
port. External cages/enclosures can
be purchased to turn an internal
device into
external device.
Design consideration
Two for casual use or gamer.
Three to seven for a music, video, gaming
enthusiast.
A 5.1 surrounds-sound systems commonly
has a center channel speaker, two front
channel speakers for left/right audio, two
rear channel speaker for left/right audio, and
a sub-woofer for low frequency (bass) sound
 effects. A 7.1 surrounds-sound system has
the same speakers as 5.1, with two additional
center channel speakers for left/right audio
Microphone Integrated into the display, headset, or
external. Headset is the best for conference
calls.
2.0,2.1 A 2.0 audio system has two channels
(left/right), with the amplifier with one of
the two speakers.
A 2.1 audio system has two speakers
and subwoofers for the low frequency
sounds.
Port connectivity 3.5mm mini plug, S/PDIF TOSLINK,
S/PDIF fiber, or wireless
Sound card PCI, PCIe, or integrated into the
motherboard. Number of type of ports need
to match speaker connectivity.
Logistics Avoid trip hazards.
Shelving, wall plates, wall inserts, wall
hangers, speaker location planning.
 Audio system design considerations

Image 9: Home theatre audio placement

Display Subsystem Design Displays are important to the computing experience.

With respect to replacing, upgrading, and installing displays, design specifications
are important. Table 12.4 shows some design considerations for displays.
Feature Design considerations
Size/aspect ratio Physical location, space available,
and cost are normally the dictating
features. Common aspect ratio
includes 4:3, 16:9,
16:10, 1.9:1.
Number of displays Two display or single wide screen
display
is popular in home and work
environments.
Type of display Plasma, LCD with CCFL backlight,
LCD
with LED backlight (LED),
OLED or FlexOLED
Integrated microphone or webcam

Display conferencing features

 Contrast ratio A higher number is better (but not
all vendors give true numbers).
Video adapter Slot type
Number and type of ports
Number of cards and support for
sharing
of resources (scalable link interface
[SLI] and CrossFire for example).
RAM
GPU
Power and cooling requirements
Power and connectivity
requirements
Display design consideration

Mobility Design
Today’s computing environment has a lot of mobile devices. Mobile devices are
critical to a design solution. Mobile devices will most likely be in addition to more
stationary devices such as workstations, printers, and scanners. Laptops and
Ultrabooks frequently have external peripherals, and few internal parts except for
the memory and the SSD can be upgraded. Tablets and smartphones have few or
no internal upgradable components. Table 12.5 compares desktop and laptop
components. Table
compares different mobile devices. Keep in mind that these components
are constantly being upgraded, and new processors and memory speeds, for
example, may be available in different models.
Component Desktop Laptop
s
Processor Intel or AMD processors that Intel or AMD mobile
use the following sockets: processor that are either
Intel LGA 775, surface mounted and
1155,1156,1366, and 2011; socketed.
AMD socket AM3, AM3+,
FM1, FM2, and FM2+
Memory DDR3 DIMMs 1066, DDR3 SO-DIMMs
1333,1600,1866,2000,2400,2 1066,1333,1600,1866, or
600 2133
,2666,2800,2933,3000,
3100, or DDR4 SO-DIMMs
3200. 2133,2400,2666,2800
DDR4 DIMMs
2800,3000,3200,3300,3333,3
400
Power ATX, mini-ATX, micro-ATX, Proprietary
supply ITX or
proprietary
Network 10/100 or 10/100 or
10/100/1000Mbps 10/100/1000Mbps
port port

802.11 May be installed Normally included

wireless
Hard drive Internal 2.5 or 3.5-inch SATAInternal 1.8 or 2.5-inch
3Gbps or 6Gbps running at SATA 1.5, 3, or 6Gbps
5400,5900, or 7200 RPM, running at
SSD, or 5400, 5900, or 7200 RPM,
hybrid mechanical/SSD SSD,
or hybrid mechanical/SSD.
Bluetooth May be installed May be installed.
Optical SATA 3Gbps or 6Gbps SATA 1.5, 3 or 6Gbps
drive CD/DVD CD/DVD
RW and/or Blu-ray RW and/or Blu-ray
Keyboard Wired or wireless Integrated
Mouse Wired or wireless Integrated touch pad/touch
stick
Desktop and laptop comparison
Mobile device Common features
Laptop Requires higher-than-normal RAM
and video, if used for gaming
Normally has the most powerful
processor, RAM, and storage
capability of mobile devices
Possible touch screen
Possible SSD
Ultrabook No optical drive
May not be able to upgrade
RAM Low weight
Low cost
Possible touch screen
Possible SSD
Tablet PC Touch screen
Android, Apple iOS, Windows or
Google chrome OS, proprietary
operating system Little, if any, port
connectivity
Integrated camera
Integrated microphone
Smartphone Android, Apple iOS, Windows, or
 proprietary operating system
Upgradable flash media
Touch screen
Integrated camera
Integrated microphone

Mobile device design

If you can design computer subsystems or an entire computer, you know a lot
about the pieces that go into a computer and how they interact. Practicing with
different scenarios can help, and there are exercises at the end of the chapter to
help you build this skill. You won’t believe how much you will learn by looking at
component specifications. Investigate component specifications when you shop to
increase your knowledge.

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personality/201402/mindfulness-or-mindlessness

SELF CHECK 1.1-3

Direction: Encircle the best answer. If you chose the wrong answer, don’t fight
for it, instead let go and moved on, or else you’ll get hurt. Don’t play with
questionnaire, it did nothing to you. Answer according to your mind and heart’s
content and pray that this test will love you back. 😊😊

1. These computers are used in manufacturing plants by engineers or

design engineers to create things.

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Gaming PCs
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstations
 d. Virtualization Workstation

2. A workstation that has at least one operating system, in its own virtual
machine that is separate from the host operating system.

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Gaming PCs
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstations
d. Virtualization Workstation

3. It is a desktop or laptop that has a display, mouse, keyboard, and

network connectivity and runs applications from a server.

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Gaming PCs
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstations
d. Thin Client Workstations

4. It is used to store data, function as a web server, print server, or file

server, control media streaming, be accessible from outside the
home, control devices, and manage backups of other computers.

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Home Server
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstations
d. Thin Client Workstations

5. It is used for a specific industry. For example, in a car repair shop, the
standard computers used both inside the showroom and in the service
and repair center might be in an enclosure or have keyboard coverings.

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Home Server
c. Industrial computer
d. Thin Client Workstations
6. This type of system requires a lot of hard drive space and RAM

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Home Server
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstation
d. Thin Client Workstations
e.

7. It is the most common type of desktop or laptop in the work

environment.

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

b. Thick Client Workstations
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstation
d. Thin Client Workstations

8. It pertains to the size or dimension.

a. Factor
b. Form factor
c. X factor
d. Factorial

9. Here are some things to consider for an industrial computer excepts

a. Meets recommended hardware requirements based on

b. applications installed
c. Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments
d. Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, outdoor, public, high-traffic,
or industrial environments
e. Possible portable speakers and headphones with noise cancellation

10.A gaming PC (see Figure 3) tends to have the following key components

a. Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments

b. Powerful multi-core processor(s)
c. High-end system cooling large amount of RAM Large display or dual displays