Learning

CSS NCII
Module
forSYSTEMS SERVICING NCII
COMPUTER
COC1: Install
and Configure
Computer
Systems
Students Name
ICT SPECIALIZED (Computer Systems Servicing NCII) MODULE 3
Computer System Design

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.

Sir Ariel D. Endino

Teacher/Insturctor

Date Returned
Released
Date:
Time:
Signature:
 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, Server
PC, audio, /video editing computer, or
virtualization computer
Home media center, or thin client
Thick client or normal user
500-W or higher power supply ATX mid
or full-size tower, two or more cooling
fans
300-W or higher power supply ATX mini
or micro-sized tower
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.

Storage subsystem design considerations

Feature Design considerations

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.
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.
Audio design considerations

Feature Design consideration

Number of speakers 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.

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.

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
GPU
Power and cooling requirements
Power and connectivity requirements

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. Keep in mind that
these components are constantly being upgraded, and new processors and memory speeds, for
example, may be available in different models.
 Desktop and laptop comparison

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
Keyboard Wired or wireless Integrated
Mouse Wired or wireless Integrated touch pad/touch
stick
 Mobile device design

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

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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