Computer Designs

Graphic/CAD/CAM Design Workstation Needs

• High-end multicore processors
• Max system RAM
• SSD
• High-end GPU w/ lots of VRAM
• Optional peripherals (scanners, printers, tablets, etc.)
• Quality mouse/keyboard

Gaming PC needs

• (same as design workstations)
• Different Peripherals (headphones, microphone, high-end mouse/keyboard)
• system cooling
• multiple/large monitors

Audio/Video Workstations

• high-end video/audio card
• fast, high capacity hard drive
• Dual Monitors
• High-end processors
• Lots of RAM

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

A box containing multiple SSDs or Hard Drives meant to be shared with multiple computers for high-capacity storage. Corporate use RAID arrays to manage large quantities of NAS units in case of any failures that may occur.

Virtualization Workstations

Workstations with a virtual machine running another OS or using a VM to provide a controlled workstation

• Require a lot of CPU/RAM/Hard drive storage.

Thin client Workstations

Workstations where the applications are run from a different server. Provides better security for sensitive information.

Standard Thick Client Workstations

Most common computer in the workplace. All applications and data is stored on a local hard drive and meet basic system requirements

Home Servers

All-in-one server that's meant for home use as a file/print/web server

Industrial Server

Computers used for a specific trade (such as kiosks or display computers)

Motherboard and Associated Chipset Design

• It is important to buy a CPU that match the design of the Motherboard (certain motherboards only support certain CPU speeds, type of memory, max memory, etc.)
• Take advantage of a motherboards dual, triple, quad channeling for memory

Storage Subsystem Design

Depending on a person's needs, different magnetic or flash technology need to be built/added for hard drives, flash storage, and optical drives

Troubleshooting

Steps to fix a problem

1. Identify the Problem - Ask Questions about the problem to understand the problem
2. Predict the most likely cause - Know the Boot Process/Understand Error Messages and Codes/Check for hardware errors
3. Test/Determine the cause
4. Make a Plan / Implement a Solution
5. Verify system stability + add preventative measures
6. Document - record every step of what the problem was and the steps to fix/prevent them (check back after a week to make sure the problem is fixed + no other problems occurred)