MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS
OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
MR. JOHNAN CHUN
What is a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
• CPU is known as Central processing unit. It is the unit which performs most of the processing inside a computer.
It is also called as microprocessor or processor.
• It is the brain that runs the show inside the Computer.
• Single, Dual and Quad Core
Random Access Memory (RAM)
• RAM is a volatile (unstable) memory, where stored information is lost if
computer is turn off. Similar to a person short term memory
• 1 GB, 4 GB, 8GB, 12 GB and more…
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
It is a data storage device in a computer.
It is a secondary storage device.
Data is stored in Binary 0 (or) 1.
The operating system, software and most other les are stored in the HDD.
fi

•
•
•
•
Solid State Drive (SSD)
• SSDs use newer technology to store data on instantly-accessible memory chips.
• SSDs are faster, quieter, smaller, more durable, and consume less energy, while HDDs are cheaper
fl
ff
and o er more storage capacity and easier data recovery if damaged.
•Data is stored on a series of interconnected ash memory chips. This means that data can be
accessed much quicker, as there is no need to wait for the disk to spin around.
V
Group Activity
Each group will research the hardware components, speci ca ons, and considera ons
relevant to their assigned scenario. They should iden fy the key components that need
to be priori zed based on the scenario's requirements.
ti
ti
fi
ti
ft
ti
- What all input/output devices is used?
- What type of CPU is most suitable for your scenario?
- How many RAM is needed?
- List examples of some of the so ware's that is used in your scenario.
- What type of storage device would you use, hard drive or solid state drive and state
why?
Scenario 1: Gaming System
ti
tti
A group of avid gamers is looking to build a high-performance computer system op mized for
gaming experiences. They want to play the latest games such as Call of Duty at ultra-high
graphics se ngs, achieve smooth gameplay, and have the ability to stream their gameplay
online.
Scenario #2: Graphic Design Workstation
ti
ti
ft
ti
ffi
A graphic design studio is in need of computer systems that can handle resource-intensive
tasks such as 3D rendering, video edi ng, and graphic design. The worksta ons should be
capable of running complex design so ware like Adobe Crea ve Suite, Autodesk Maya, and
Cinema 4D e ciently.
Scenario #3: Office Productivity Setup
ff
ffi
ti
ffi
ti
ti
ti
fi
ff
A small business is planning to set up a computer network for their o ce sta . They
require a system con gura on that supports everyday o ce tasks such as word
processing, spreadsheet management, email communica on, and video conferencing.
Reliability and cost-e ec veness are key considera ons
Scenario #4: Educational Computer Lab for STEM Learning:
ti
ft
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
An educa onal ins tu on plans to establish a computer lab to teach science,
technology, engineering, and mathema cs (STEM) subjects. Create a setup with a
balance between computa onal power, educa onal so ware compa bility, and a userfriendly interface suitable for students of various ages.
Scenario #5: Music Production Workstation
ti
ti
A music producer needs a powerful computer system for composing, recording, and
producing music. Design a setup that can handle digital audio worksta ons (DAWs),
virtual instruments, audio interfaces, and real- me processing while maintaining low
latency and high audio quality.
Criteria
Excellent (4)
Good (3)
Fair (2)
Poor (1)
Incomplete (0)
Research Depth
Student demonstrates a comprehensive
understanding of the hardware components,
speci cations, and considerations relevant to the
assigned scenario. They provide detailed and
accurate information, showcasing in-depth
research.
Student identi es and prioritizes all key hardware
components relevant to the scenario's
requirements, providing clear reasoning for their
choices.
Student shows a good understanding of the
hardware components, speci cations, and
considerations relevant to the assigned
scenario. Some minor inaccuracies or
omissions may be present.
Student provides basic information
regarding the hardware components,
speci cations, and considerations but
lacks depth or detail. There may be
signi cant inaccuracies or omissions.
Student provides minimal
information about the hardware
components, speci cations, and
considerations, and most of it is
inaccurate or irrelevant.
Student did not submit any
information.
Student identi es and prioritizes most of the
key hardware components relevant to the
scenario's requirements, with adequate
reasoning.
Student identi es some key hardware
components relevant to the scenario but
may miss critical components or provide
weak reasoning.
Student identi es few key hardware
components, and the reasoning is
unclear or inadequate.
Student does not identify
any key hardware
components.
Input/Output Devices
Student provides a comprehensive list of input/
output devices used in the scenario, along with
explanations of their relevance.
Student provides a good list of input/output
devices used in the scenario, with brief
explanations of their relevance.
Student provides a basic list of input/
output devices used in the scenario, with
limited explanations.
Student provides an incomplete or
inaccurate list of input/output
devices used in the scenario.
Student does not address
this aspect.
CPU Selection
Student offers a well-justi ed recommendation for
the most suitable CPU for the scenario, considering
its requirements.
Student provides a recommendation for the
most suitable CPU, but the justi cation may
lack depth or clarity.
Student makes a recommendation for the
CPU but provides limited or unclear
reasoning.
Student's recommendation for the
CPU is not suitable for the
scenario, or the justi cation is
absent or inaccurate.
Student does not address
this aspect.
RAM Requirements
Student justi es the amount of RAM needed for the
scenario's requirements.
Student provides a reasonable calculation
and justi cation for the RAM requirement
but may have minor inaccuracies or
omissions.
Student attempts to calculate and justify
the RAM requirement but lacks depth or
clarity.
Student's calculation and
justi cation of RAM requirement are
inaccurate or irrelevant.
Student does not address
this aspect.
Software Examples
Student lists a variety of relevant software used in
the scenario, providing clear explanations of their
signi cance.
Student lists several relevant software
examples used in the scenario, with brief
explanations.
Student lists a few relevant software
examples but may miss some important
ones or provide limited explanations.
Student lists software examples
that are not entirely relevant or fails
to explain their signi cance.
Student does not address
this aspect.
Storage Device Choice
Student makes a clear and well-reasoned choice
between a hard drive or solid-state drive for the
scenario, providing a strong justi cation.
Student makes a choice between a hard
drive or solid-state drive with some
justi cation, but it may lack depth or clarity.
Student makes a choice between a hard
drive or solid-state drive but provides
limited or unclear reasoning.
Student's choice of storage device
is inappropriate for the scenario, or
the justi cation is inaccurate or
irrelevant.
Student does not address
this aspect.
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
Identi cation of Key
Components