You are going to design a hypothetical computer for one of the three people described below. Your build will be a list of all the specifications that this system will have. In addition, you will need to write up a document explaining why you have selected these specifications, features, and components for the person you chose.
Requirements:
Choose to build a PC for only one of the following.
A retired gentleman on a fixed income
A small-business owner
A young college student
At a minimum you must address the following items in your narrative. Use clearly defined headings to identify the items in appropriate sections.
Cost
Functionality
Pre-installed applications
Type of computer
Motherboard
Processor
RAM
Hard drive
Power supply
Video Card
Peripherals
Network access
Operating system
Additional storage features or components
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Speakers
Full Answer Section
Functionality: The computer will be used primarily for web browsing, email communication, managing personal finances (online banking, spreadsheets), word processing, watching videos, and potentially light photo editing. It needs to be easy to use, reliable, and capable of handling these tasks smoothly.
Pre-installed Applications:
- Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox (free, widely compatible)
- Email Client: Thunderbird (free, user-friendly interface)
- Office Suite: LibreOffice (free, Microsoft Office compatible)
- PDF Reader: SumatraPDF (free, lightweight)
- Media Player: VLC Media Player (free, supports various formats)
- Antivirus/Anti-malware: Windows Defender (built-in, free) with Malwarebytes Free (for occasional scans)
Type of Computer: A desktop PC is chosen over a laptop or all-in-one. Desktops offer better price-to-performance ratios, are easier to repair and upgrade, and can be paired with larger, more comfortable peripherals.
Motherboard: An entry-level micro-ATX motherboard with integrated graphics and audio is sufficient. A model like the ASRock A320M-HDV R4.0 (or similar) offers the necessary features at a reasonable price.
Processor: An AMD Ryzen 3 2200G (or similar) is a good balance of performance and affordability. Its integrated graphics are adequate for the intended use, eliminating the need for a separate video card (saving cost and power).
RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking and web browsing. 16GB would be ideal, but 8GB is sufficient to keep costs down.
Hard Drive: A 1TB HDD (Hard Disk Drive) provides ample storage for documents, photos, and videos. An SSD (Solid State Drive) would offer faster performance, but adds significantly to the cost. Prioritizing storage capacity over speed is more practical in this scenario.
Power Supply: A 450W 80+ certified power supply is sufficient for this build. A reliable brand like Corsair or EVGA is recommended.
Video Card: Not needed. The integrated graphics of the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G are sufficient.
Peripherals: Standard, wired keyboard and mouse. Wireless peripherals are an option but add to the cost.
Network Access: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet on the motherboard is sufficient for wired internet access. A USB Wi-Fi adapter can be added if wireless connectivity is required.
Operating System: Windows 10 Home (or Windows 11 if preferred by the user - noting that the cost may be higher). While Linux is a free alternative, Windows offers better software compatibility and is generally more user-friendly for someone less tech-savvy.
Additional Storage Features or Components: No additional storage is necessary at this point. An external hard drive can be added later if needed.
Monitor: A 24-inch monitor with a resolution of 1920x1080 is recommended. This size offers a good balance of screen real estate and affordability.
Keyboard: A standard, full-size keyboard with a comfortable layout.
Mouse: A basic optical mouse.
Speakers: A pair of affordable, powered speakers.
Rationale:
This build prioritizes functionality and cost-effectiveness. The chosen components are reliable and capable of handling everyday computing tasks without unnecessary bells and whistles. The integrated graphics of the processor save on cost and power consumption. The large hard drive provides ample storage. The emphasis on free and readily available software keeps costs down and avoids ongoing subscription fees. The focus on ease of use and reliability makes this system suitable for a retired individual who may not be highly tech-savvy. The budget-conscious approach ensures that the system remains affordable without sacrificing essential functionality.
Sample Answer
Building a PC for a Retired Gentleman on a Fixed Income
This document details the specifications and rationale behind a computer build designed for a retired gentleman on a fixed income. The primary focus is on balancing cost-effectiveness with functionality, ensuring the system is capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing the internet, managing finances, communicating with family, and enjoying digital media, all while remaining within a reasonable budget.
Cost: The total estimated cost for this build is approximately $600-$700 USD. This price point aims to provide a reliable and functional machine without breaking the bank. Wherever possible, components were chosen with a focus on value and longevity over cutting-edge performance.