myproject

Problem:

To expand my knowledge of computer functions. This includes my understanding of hardware, its performance, quality, compatability, ease of use, and cost. To build a computer system that is specific to my needs based on how I intend to use it. I will be using my computer for the latest gaming, demanding musical functions, mutlitasking, taking full advantage of high speed internet connections, and capability for uses yet unknown. To build a higher quality and more stylish system. I will attempt to fulfill all specs mentioned above, on a budget. My system should cost less than other, more restrictive "build-your-own" systems.

Hypothesis:

I think that it is possible to build a high performance computer for less than one can buy a pre-built systems and have it exceed the quality & style found in those systems.

Materials purchased:

--CASE: Neo-classic I Black full ATX from Remedy Computers $66

--POWER SUPPLY: Enermax 350W from Ralph's Computers $60

--CD ROM: Acer 52X from Ralph's Computers $50

--VIDEO CARD: Radeon VE 32MB dual from Ralph's Computers $100

--SOUND CARD: Sound Blaster Live Value from Ralph's Computers $80

--HARD DRIVE: Western Digital 40GB 7200 from House of Computers $141

--OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 98 SE complete from Intratech $70

--MOTHERBOARD: ASUS CUSL2-C from All Star Components $109

--CPU: Pentium 3 1GHZ/133+ ultra fan from All Star Components $267

--MEMORY: KTI 256MB/PC3 SDRAM High Quality from All Star Components $170

--CDRW DRIVE: Yamaha 16x10x40 IDE 2100 from Esbuy $178

Total Cost (Including Tax) = $1291 Total Shipping = $44

Materials used from our old computers:

--ETHERNET 10/100 CARD: PCI Kingston $10

--FLOPPY Drive 3.5" 1.44MB Samsung $6

--MODEM: 56k V.90 fax/modem Acer $30

--MONITOR: 17" 1280x1024 60hz Acer $200

--KEYBOARD: Acer $20

--MOUSE: Microsoft Wheel $20

--SPEAKERS: JBL high end $30

--miscellaneous: ?

Final Adjusted Cost (Including Tax & Shipping) = $1676

Procedure:

Obtaining Components:

Before I started to build the computer I had to do some research and needed some help. My Dad and I did approximately 20 hours of Internet searches to find the information. We researched the positives and negatives of all the parts needed to build a high-performance computer.

In deciding which specific brands and places to buy the components I consulted many websites. For my main review & advice sites I used askme, epinions, toms hardware guide, and storagereview. These sites gave me general opinions on established products. I checked for the cheapest prices for all the components on pricewatch. This site was great because it showed the lowest price available on the Internet, as well as, a great list of merchants. The way I found specific information about my case was at mikhailtech reveiws. This was very helpful because it gave a very detailed review of the case. At SMK I purchased the motherboard, cpu and memory. It had low prices and the experts there were helpful. To find more info on our motherboard we went straight to the manufacture's website: asus. To find the best pictures of our motherboard we went to digital web 3D. For a complete list of useful web sites, visit LINKS.

One of the most important websites I went to was pcmechanic. This site gave us in depth instructions on how to purchase and assemble the components. The other way I found information on some products was to talk to experts. I was just about to buy the AMD compatable motherboard and processor, but when I asked the expert at Ralph's, we confirmed the potential problems with an AMD assembly that an expert at SMK/AllStar allerted me to. This prompted me to switch the motherboard and processor to a Pentium compatable system. This added extra time research time that was well worth it.

Motherboard/Processor:

We educated ourselves about the different kinds of motherboards and processors. We learned that the motherboard and processor (cpu) are the most important parts of one's computer. At first I decided to go with AMD because it was considerably less expensive. I then discovered (with the help of the experts mentioned above) that AMD is more fragile because it has a tendency to overheat if not cooled properly and it is harder to install. The Pentium was suggested because of its internal cooling system and the ease of installation. The Asus motherboard was suggested because of its quality reputation and reliabilty. The model CUSCL2-C was chosen based on compatability with my cpu, memory, chipset, expansion slots requirement, compatiblity with all my other parts, and its low cost. I wanted to try and eliminate as many problems as possible, being a beginner, so we went with the Pentium.

I chose the Pentium III over the new Pentium IV due to the general opinion that compared to the extreme difference in cost and many compatability issues, the little difference in the Pentium IV's performance did not justify the purchase.

Memory:

For the memory, I found out that the brand name KTI memory is best suited for high quality motherboards and CPUs. (see the SMK web site for details)

Case:

I chose the neo-classic I in black, because of its different colors and the classy stainless steel. I decided to get my case because I liked the style better than the others. The other factor in my decision was the front COM-PORT containing two USB ports, speaker, and mic ports rarely seen on other cases. The COM-PORT located in the front of the computer is great to have because if you want to hook up a digital camera or something similar you would normally have to hook up in the back of the computer. Also, it looked like a piece of art more then a computer case. After reading some reviews that stated it was a good case I decided to go with it.

Power Supply:

I searched around for the quietest and most efficient power supply I could get for my price. By reading reviews on different websites I found that Enermax was the best buy for my needs. Most cases come with relatively cheap, low watage, and louder power supplies. I did more research and I found that buying the case with out the power supply was cost saving. The Enermax power supply was only about $40 more giving me a top notch power supply with plenty of watage ( 350w), great cooling, and extremely quiet fans.

CD-ROM, Video Card, Sound Card:

After research I came up with some brands, specs, and prices. I decided the Acer 52X cd rom drive was the one that had the best combo of the specs, brand, and price. After researching the topic more I found out that the original video card we had chosen was not as good as the Radeon VE 32MB dual which was our final choice. I chose the Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live Value sound card from the beginning, my research only confirmed that it was a great choice.

Hard Drive:

I researched many combinations of size and speed in the hard drives I looked at. But after talking with some experts I landed on the Western Digital 40GB 7200 rpm. The reason I did not go with the 60 gig was because it was significantly more money. I wanted the best combo of specs, brand, and cost.

Operating System(Windows):

Naturally, I wanted to go with the newest Windows 2000 Operating System, but after some research I discovered that it is primarily used for business applications. The reviews I read about Windows ME said it was not a significant improvement over Windows 98 SE (Second Edition). It fact, it might even slow the system down. Therefore, I decided to load Windows 98 SE.

CD-RW:

One of my requirements for the computer was that it contain a cd burner. I searched for a quality brand with the best combination of speed at the lowest price. The Yamaha 16x10x40 turned out to fit best for my project.

Component Assembly Order:

1. Purchase/Collect The Components

2. Remove System Case

3. Prepare Case

4. Configure Your Motherboard

5. Install The CPU

6. Install The Heat Sink

7. Install Cache Module

8. Install Memory

9. Install Motherboard

10. Install I/O Port Connectors

11. Connect Motherboard to Case