Building a Computer

/20 – Thinking/ Inquiry

/10 – Communication

It's time to make some $$$ - and to put all that hard-
earned computer knowledge to use! You have
decided to start a company that designs and builds
computers from scratch. These computers are
specially customized for each customer to meet their
specific needs. To do this, you will have to purchase
all of the essential hardware and software
components separately and then combine them all into a complete and
working computer.

Your Task:
1. Your teacher will assign one of the 6 customers listed below to you for whom you will
design and build a computer. Each choice below specifies what your customer will be
using the computer for, as well as the price range they will be comfortable spending.

Customer 1: You are a university student who needs to write reports and
presentations. You would like to be able to organize your music and picture files.
You also need something to help them communicate with friends and family at
home. Target budget: $800-$1000

Customer 2: You are an aspiring music producer who would like a computer that will
allow you to create and modify music tracks. You need the appropriate hardware
and software to do this. Target budget: $1000-$1200

Customer 3: You are an avid gamer who plays online video games at least 15 hours
per week. You need a computer capable of running current games as well as
peripherals that will help you be the best gamer you can. Target budget: $1300-
$1500

Customer 4: You are a graphic designer who needs a computer to help in your
graphics business. You will need to build a computer that can run your graphic
design software. Target budget: $1000-$1200

Customer 5: You are an aspiring YouTube video creator and desire a computer to
help in your video productions. Build a computer that meets your software and
hardware needs. Target budget: Target budget: $1000-$1200

Customer 6: You have a home business and routinely create and print
spreadsheets, reports and invoices for you clients. Faxing and scanning documents
also occurs. You will need to build a computer that meets the software and
hardware for your business. Target budget: $1000-$1200

2. Identify all pieces of hardware and software that you will be including in their package
(factor in sound cards, video cards, printers, portable hard drives etc). You will need to
specify the exact make and model for each.

3. Build it part by part Complete the following table, making sure to include the O/S, all
hardware components (RAM, ROM, keyboard, etc.) and all software that will be installed.
 You may wish to create your table in landscape view to better fit the information. (20 marks
– T/I).

Sample table
Item Product Purpose/Function Rationale Purchased From Price
What is Actual What does it do? Why you need this Where would you $$$$$
the Brand particular purchase it from?
CPU? etc. Name make/model (Be
specific)
Ram
Software

4. Write a one-page summary about the customer and their specific requirements and why
your computer meets these requirements (10 marks – Com):

Some suggested resources: You can use others as well

Bestbuy, Canada computer, ncix, newegg, pcpartpicker

Evaluation Name: ________________

Criteria Leve Feedback

l
Ability to research and select appropriate
computer hardware components to meet user
specifications (T)

 Identifies computer parts including brand

and purpose
 States reason for selection and identifies
the source / manufacturer / brand
 Accurately researches price

Ability to research and select appropriate

software packages to meet user needs (T)

 Identifies computer software package

including brand and purpose
 States reason for selection and identifies
the source / manufacturer
 Accurately states price

Ability to clearly describe the user and their

specific requirements and reasons for
selections (C)

 Clearly describes the target customer,

including their specific requirements
 Clearly states the reasons for selections
Thinking: __________/ 20 Communication: __________/ 10