Designing Your Own Computer

CISCO IT Essentials and CCNA

Designing and Building a ComputerIt’s not as difficult as you may think.Research is done on-line.The cost is usually lower than for a

similar pre-built computer.There are a number of vendor and

informational web sites that can help you.

Let’s get started!

Step one is to draw up a series of objectives.– Your objectives will determine what you

buy.– There are many factors to consider.

Some considerations

What do you want to be able to do?– Internet– Video– Audio– Word Processing– School work– Graphics/Photos– Parent’s Work– Games

Translate Objectives into Hardware and SoftwareYou will need to select hardware and

software to support your objectives.Consider processing speed, RAM,

interfaces, case size and type etc.What OS will you need to support?

– What are the hardware requirements?

The Budget

The trick is to make wise choices without overspending.

Not all computers will need add-onsYour limit for this assignment is $2,500

The Basics

Case Power Supply Motherboard Processor RAM Cooling Keyboard Mouse

Hard Drive CD/DVD Burner Monitor Printer NIC Card

Add-Ons

Scanner Input/Outputs TV Tuner Fancy Cases - “Eye

Candy” Joy Stick/Controller Wireless Modem/Fax Floppy Drive

Additional Hard Drive(s)

Card Reader(s) Cooling Systems Advanced Speaker

Systems Advanced Display

Systems Backup Systems More!

Sources of Information

Some web sites:– www.pricewatch.com– www.newegg.com– www.tigerdirect.com– www.directron.com– Other Vendor and Informational Sites