2017 Diploma IT Support ICTSAS410: Session 10 - Sourcing parts and components

We covered the basics of hardware and software in the first couple of weeks of this class. We went to some technology websites and compared the specifications of a range of different computers.

This week, we will be looking at where we can source parts and components from. I thought that a good exercise would be to source the required parts and components to build our own computer. I know - sounds like fun doesn't it.

What components do we need to build a computer?

Read at least one of the following articles/checklists

https://www.lifewire.com/desktop-pc-parts-checklist-832694

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_To_Assemble_A_Desktop_PC/Choosing_the_parts

Where can we get parts from?

There are plenty of places where you can get computer pasrts and components. Here are a few to get you started.

https://www.msy.com.au/home.php

http://www.techbuy.com.au/

https://www.scorptec.com.au/

https://www.ple.com.au/

https://au.pcpartpicker.com/

https://www.pccasegear.com/

How do we know what goes with what?

Some of this is practice and some of it is just about reading all of the specification information. Below are some screen shots from the PC Case Gear website. You will notice that the components are clearly marked for which motherboard and/or the relevant information to source the right bits.

Motherboard, CPUs and RAM

You really can't go too far wrong. Read the specifications, decide on your price bracket/performance level!

Graphics Cards

Hard Drive

With the numerous Cloud Storage options available, having a huge hard disk is not necessarily a priority. You need a drive with enough capacity to run your chosen operating system and whatever software you want installed on your computer.

Power Supply

Your power supply needs to have enough guts to run your components. For example if you run a high end graphics card, you will need a higher capacity power supply. The average is around the 700W - 800W, but always allow a bit extra for expansion.

Case

Cases come in all shapes and sizes. Desktop, small tower, large tower, gaming with fancy lights, perspex covers etc.

Monitor, Keyboard & Mouse

The important factors for your monitor are physical size, resolution, refresh rate and response time.

Keyboard and mouse will come down to features such as extra buttons, sensitivity, feel, speed and size.

Class Activity 1

Divide into 3 groups. Your task is to design a computer system within a budget. There is no right or wrong answer apart from making sure that the components will fit together.

Group 1 - Budget system. Maximum cost $1000

Group 2 - Mid range system. Maximum cost $2500

Group 3 - High-end Gaming. Maximum cost $5000

Example System

The following is an example of components purchased to create a mid/high range computer system. This does not include the case, keyboard or mouse as we used existing items.