- Describe how you would build a PC. Identify the parts used to build the PC and their alignment to the PC’s primary use. Be specific with details for each component. What component would you invest in the most? Explain why.
The first thing we must know before building a computer is what the purpose of this computer will be. Once we decide on the type of computer we want to build, we can determine how good each of its components must be so it can perform the way we need it.
One of my dreams has always been to have a super gaming computer, so I based my project on this pc build. Please find below everything that I will need to make my ideal PC a reality.
Motherboard: The motherboard support and connects all components of a PC, and when it comes to a gaming computer the motherboard allows the graphics card and processor to perform better. I chose the MAG B560 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard for my gaming PC.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the brain of a computer. “This component is what helps the computer to process input, store data, and output results. Without a CPU, we could not run programs on a computer.” (CPU: Central Processing Unit | AP CSP ) ( n.d)
My choice for a CPU was Intel Core i9-10850K Comet Lake.
Operating System (OS): The OS is a software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. I chose for the project the professional version of Windows 10 as my OS.
Random Access Memory (RAM): “RAM is the part of your device that functions like its short-term memory. It keeps track of what programs are running in the background and what they’re doing, so when you focus on them again, they can get right back to work.” (McCall, 2021)
I went with the CORSAIR – VENGEANCE RGB PRO for my project.
Hard Drive(s): Hard drive is an important component for a gaming computer. This will provide storage for your games and (if fast enough) support the graphics. I decided to go with a Solid-state drive (SSD) instead of the HDD. SSD’s as we all know by now don’t have moving parts, giving them an extra advantage over HDD. On top of that, games will launch and load quicker when installed on an SSD.
Optical Drive: “An optical drive uses a laser or visible light to read or write to optical discs such as DVDs, Blu-Ray, and CDs from your computer.” (Optical drives )(n.d). ASUS BW-16D1X-U Writable Blu-ray Drive was my choice for the project because besides running in a Blu-ray format, it is also compatible with DVD and CD format.
Video Graphics: A good graphic card is a very essential thing to have if you are trying to build a decent gaming computer. Current games are more advanced when it comes to graphics capabilities and the size of the game itself, if you have a graphic card that can’t keep up with these games, your computer won’t function how you need it. GEFORCE RTX 3080 was my choice for this important component.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): The power supply is the beating heart of a PC. A great PSU will give you a longer-lasting motherboard and will also increase the longevity of the other components, including the graphics card and processor. I went with Corsair RM750x as my PSU for my project.
Case: “The primary function of a computer case is to protect the computer’s components from harm. A secondary function is to easily transport the computer from place to place.” (What is the function of a computer case? )(n.d). My choice for my CPU Case is CORSAIR Obsidian 500D RGB SE Mid-Tower Case.
Monitor: The monitor is an output device that its main responsibility is to display the final result of all of your computer’s image rendering and processing. I selected the Samsung 49” Odyssey G9 for my PC project.
Keyboard: The main function of a keyboard is to operate the computer by sending it data. This data often consists of characters (letters, numbers, line escapes), but can also tell the computer to perform a function such as change the brightness or eject a disk from the disk drive.
Mouse: The mouse is an input device that allows to perform different functions such as select and navigate through the PC.
For my computer project, I will spend most of the money on the Graphics Card and the Monitor. The other components are extremely important as well, but because I’m trying to build a gaming PC, I will focus more on enhancing the game’s graphics than anything else.
References:
IAC Publishing. (n.d.). What is the function of a computer case? Reference. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.reference.com/world-view/function-computer-case-b83f2210878e3090 (Links to an external site.)
Khan Academy. (n.d.). CPU: Central Processing Unit | AP CSP (article). Khan Academy. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computers-and-internet/xcae6f4a7ff015e7d:computers/xcae6f4a7ff015e7d:computer-components/a/central-processing-unit-cpu#:~:text=The%20CPU%20is%20the%20brain,run%20programs%20on%20a%20computer (Links to an external site.).
McCall, V. (2021, March 15). What is Ram? how your computer’s memory keeps all your programs running smoothly. Business Insider. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-ram (Links to an external site.)
Optical drives. PC Build Advisor. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.pcbuildadvisor.com/components/optical-drives/
