How to assemble a personal computer
...e system. Over the years, these have changed from simple circuit cards to complex cards. This report will give an account of the Motherboard Intel D875PBZ and the prices from each of the suppliers. This motherboard is been designed for the 875P Intel. Figure 1. Motherboard Intel D875PBZ. Source: http://www.digital-daily.com, Accessed 17 August 2004. 3.3 Memory The main memory or random access memory (RAM) is where the computer stores the data that is currently being used. There are two types of RAM, dynamic (DRAM) and static (SRAM). Physically, the memory chips are black and rectangular and they are composed of modules that are inserted in the motherboard. These types are SIMM and DIMM. Figure 2. Memory Corsair 512MB DDRRAM TWINX 3200. Source: http://www.pcmarket.com.au Accessed 17 August 2004. 3.4. The Hard Disk The hard disk is, indeed, one of the most important parts of a personal computer. In the hard disk, users can store all data and information that they use on the daily basis. Data and files created by text processors such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel just to name a few examples. In fact, the type of information that the user can store in the hard disk is innumerable. Most of the hard disks for personal computers are IDE technology. In recent years, the hard disk size has had a dramatic increasing, from 12 gigabytes to even obtain hard disks of 300 gigabytes of capacity. Figure 3. Western Digital 160GB 7200 RPM W/ 8MB Cache Hard Drive. Source: http://www.bytewizecomputers.com, Accessed 17 August 2004. 3.5 CD Burner The Compact Disk Read only memory (CD ROM) unit is an important part of the personal computer. Without a CD reader, the users will not be able to install the necessary software to make the computer function properly. In this unit, the users would read and record any data and that is used in the computer. Currently, is possible to record music on CD and any sort of graphics and videos for storage. Figure 4. CD-RW 52x52x32 IDE KIT-BULK PACK Source: http://www.allteq.com.au/ Accessed 17 August 2004. 3.6 Computer Case This is an external part of the computer. Inside, user can find most of the parts analyzed throughout this report. Its main function is to protect these parts from the exterior. 3.7 Mouse It is a device use for most of the application in the computer. Currently, the optical mouse is been replacing the wheel mouse model. 3.8 Monitor It is the screen where it is displayed the information that has been processed by the computer. It has the same technical characteristics as the television. In recent years, user can obtain in the market the liquid crystal display (LCD) flat monitor. 3.9 Keyboard The computer keyboard is similar to a typewriter. It is used for typing text, programming, design and all type of work that is included in the computer. 3.10 Network Card It is a device that can be installed in the motherboard and allows computer to interchange data and communicate with others computer or servers across a network. 3.11 Router It is a device that connects computer to other computers, connect them to Internet and install a security wall (Firewall) between the Internet and the computer. 4. Discussion in all assembles computers 4.1 Analysis of Computer 1 This computer has been assembled with a Pentium 4 540 technology, with a velocity of 3.2 Gigahertz (GHz), Land Grid Array (LGA) 775, 1 Mb of L2 cache, 800 MHz of Front Side Bus (Fsb). Intel motherboard includes two gigabytes of Ram Memory. The hard disk has a capacity of 160 gigabytes (Gb). It has a Microsoft basic keyboard, an optical mouse and a case brand “Tsunami”. The network card is wireless, having a router and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem for internet connection. The total amount that user will spend in this computer and components are $ 2,801.20 Australian dollars. The store supplier gives a warranty of one year for basically all components used to assemble this computer. 4.2 Analysis of Computer 2 The computer has technically, the same characteristics as the first computer, such as the Central processing Unit (CPU) and the motherboard. It contains a modem for internet connection. The store supplier is www.buyquick.com.au. The total amount to spend for this computer is $ 2,989.95 Australian dollars. The user can obtain all parts via regular mail and make payments on the supplier website, it will an additional cost for shipment. All components have a warranty of one year. 4.3 Analysis of Computer 3 The store that supplies the parts is www.techbuy.com.au the supplies can be obtained across the same website, paying by credit card. The total price of the assembled computer is $ 2,888.85 Australian dollars. This computer has same characteristics as the other computers, with the only difference that the hard disk has a warranty for 36 months, the rest of the parts have a warranty of one year time only. 4.4 Analysis of Computer 4 This computer has been assembled using different parts of all suppliers. The computer has same characteristics as the three analyzed computers. The total price of the computer is $2,798.29 Australian dollars. Components Supplier1 Supplier 2 Supplier 3 Minimum Cost PC Built Pc CPU $ 485.00 $ 495.26 $ 484.40 $ 484.40 MOTHERBOARD $ 248.00 $ 280.83 $ 247.25 $ 247.25 RAM MEMORY (2 GB) $ 1,140.00 $ 1,160.00 $ 1,156.90 $ 1,140.00 $ 855.00 HARD DISK $ 177.00 $ 189.97 $ 160.65 $ 160.65 CD-ROM R-RW $ 50.00 $ 48.84 $ 86.90 $ 48.84 KEYBOARD $ 20.00 $ 24.95 $ 23.90 $ 20.00 MOUSE $ 30.00 $ 43.03 $ 22.00 $ 22.00 MONITOR $150.00 $198.37 $ 154.00 $ 150.00 CASE $ 88.00 $ 88.50 $ 96.80 $ 88.00 NETWORK CARD $ 78.00 $ 75.00 $ 71.95 $ 71.95 WIRELESS ROUTER $ 140.00 $155.00 $ 158.40 $ 140.00 $ 140.00 ADSL MODEM $ 90.20 $100.20 $ 90.20 $ 90.20 $ 90.20 POWER SUPPLIER $ 50.00 $ 70.00 $ 72.00 $ 50.00 WEBCAM $ 55.00 $ 60.00 $ 63.50 $ 55.00 $ 55.00 SUBTOTAL $ 2,399.00 TOTAL $ 2,801.20 $ 2,989.95 $ 2,888.85 $2,798.29 $ 3,539.20 Table 1. Price Analysis from each supplier, and a comparison with the already built ...