1.1-3 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.
CBLMs on Computer Document No.

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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.

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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).

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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

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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

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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
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• 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

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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.

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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
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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

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• 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
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• 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, Server 500-W or higher power supply ATX mid
PC, audio, /video editing computer, or or full-size tower, two 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.
Feature Design considerations

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Internal connectivity SATA or M.2
Internal power Molex or SATA power connector
Internal physical size 1.8, 2.5, 3.5, or 5.25 inches nd must
have available expansion slots in the
case.
Externa connectivity 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 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)
Special storage consideration RAID requires multiple drives.
NAS to share storage with other
computers
Storage device speed 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.
Optical drive capability Red-violet and/or blue lasers
Drive buffers Both hard drives and optical drives can
have buffers that can increase data
transfer rates.
External considerations What other devices may share the port.
External cages/enclosures can be
purchased to turn an internal device into
external device.
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 Design consideration

Number of speakers Two for casual use or gamer.

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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

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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
Display conferencing features Integrated microphone or webcam
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
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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
12.6 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.
Components Desktop Laptop

Processor Intel or AMD processors that use Intel or AMD mobile processor
the following sockets: Intel LGA that are either surface mounted
775, 1155,1156,1366, and 2011; and socketed.
AMD socket AM3, AM3+, FM1,
FM2, and FM2+
Memory DDR3 DIMMs 1066, DDR3 SO-DIMMs
1333,1600,1866,2000,2400,2600 1066,1333,1600,1866, or 2133
,2666,2800,2933,3000, 3100, or
3200. DDR4 SO-DIMMs
DDR4 DIMMs 2133,2400,2666,2800
2800,3000,3200,3300,3333,3400
Power supply ATX, mini-ATX, micro-ATX, ITX or Proprietary
proprietary
Network 10/100 or 10/100/1000Mbps 10/100 or 10/100/1000Mbps
port port
802.11 May be installed Normally included
wireless
Hard drive Internal 2.5 or 3.5-inch SATA Internal 1.8 or 2.5-inch SATA
3Gbps or 6Gbps running at 1.5, 3, or 6Gbps running at
5400,5900, or 7200 RPM, SSD, or 5400, 5900, or 7200 RPM, SSD,
hybrid mechanical/SSD or hybrid mechanical/SSD.
Bluetooth May be installed May be installed.
Optical drive SATA 3Gbps or 6Gbps CD/DVD SATA 1.5, 3 or 6Gbps CD/DVD
RW and/or Blu-ray RW and/or Blu-ray
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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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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.

b. Gaming PCs
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.

b. Gaming PCs
d. Thin Client Workstations

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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.

b. Home Server
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.

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

b. Home Server
c. Audio/Video Editing Workstation
7. It is the most common type of desktop or laptop in the work environment.

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

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a. Meets recommended hardware requirements based on applications
installed
b. Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments
c. Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, outdoor, public, high-traffic, or
industrial environments
d. 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
d High-end video cards (with maximum video RAM and specialized GPU)
ANSWER KEY 1.1-3

1. A
2. D
3. D
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. B
9. D
10. A

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1.1-3 Computer System Design

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What are the different types of computer systems discussed based on purpose?

What are the different types of computer systems discussed based on purpose?

What are the key components needed for a CAD/CAM and graphics design workstation?

What are the key components needed for a CAD/CAM and graphics design workstation?

INFORMATION SHEET 1.

Computer System Design

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

2. identify the components best suited for a particular computing environment

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COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN

CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

A graphics/CAD/CAM design workstation would need the following key components:

• *Powerful multi-core processor(s)

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• Powerful multi-core processor(s)

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Audio/Video Editing Workstations

• Specialized video card with maximum video RAM and GPU

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• Maximum CPU cores

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Thin Client Workstations

• Meets minimum requirements for selected operating system

Thick Client Workstations

• *Meets recommended hardware requirements for selected operating system

• Multiple hard drives in a RAID array configuration

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• Meets recommended hardware requirements based on applications installed

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• Laptop, Ultrabook, or tablet Sufficient RAM Might need mobile broadband

MOTHERBOARD AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENT DESIGN

• Motherboard form factor

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Power Supply and Case Design

Image 8: power connectors

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

• Form factor Wattage for the 12-volt line

• Number and type of front panel ports

Use Design considerations

The storage subsystem consists of magnetic or flash technologies for internal or

Feature Design considerations

Storage subsystem design considerations

AUDIO SUBSYSTEM DESIGN

Feature Design consideration

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Audio system design considerations

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Feature Design considerations

Display design consideration

Components Desktop Laptop

Mobile device Common features

Smartphone Android, Apple iOS, Windows, or

Mobile device design

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

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

a. CAD/CAM and Graphics Design Workstations

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