This document discusses custom hardware configurations for various uses. It provides guidance on specifications for standard desktop PCs, thin clients, workstations for graphics/CAD/CAM design, audio/video editing, virtualization, gaming PCs, home PCs, home theater PCs, and home servers. Key factors include processor power, RAM, graphics cards, storage space, and cooling depending on the intended applications. The document stresses understanding client needs and budget to build future-proof systems for each purpose.

1. Custom hardware
configurations.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certification
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

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PACE-IT.
– Custom configurations for work.
– Custom configurations for play.

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Custom hardware configurations.

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– Standard desktop (thick client).
» They should meet the recommended hardware
specifications for running the proposed operating system
(OS), not just the minimum specifications.
» The CPU should come from the mid to upper mid-range
of the manufacturer’s lines.
» The amount RAM can be limited by the OS. A 32-bit OS
has a maximum RAM limit of 4 GB.
– Thin client.
» Most applications and files are accessed and stored on
servers, allowing this system to only need to meet the
minimum requirements of the OS.
» They should also have enough capabilities to run basic
applications.
Custom hardware configurations.

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Custom hardware configurations.
– Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation.
» This is a workhorse type system and should be built with
power in mind.
» The CPU should be more powerful and should come
from the manufacturer’s line that is designed for heavy
workloads.
» These systems handle large files with a ton of data, so
the maximum amount of RAM should be included.
» These systems also require at least one high end or
specialized video card in order to function properly.

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– The audio/video editing workstation.
» This workstation is closely related to the design workstation,
but with a few more caveats.
» They require very large and very fast storage (especially for
editing video).
» They require specialized audio and video cards and the video
card(s) needs to be capable of driving at least two monitors.
» They still require powerful CPUs and lots of RAM.
– The virtualization workstation.
» There are two keys to this configuration—the CPU and RAM.
» The CPU should be from the upper end of the power
spectrum, and it should have as many cores as can be
purchased and the client can afford (AMD’s Opteron series
comes with up to 16 cores).
» The maximum amount of RAM needs to be included. This is
because each individual virtual machine will be held by, and
operate with, the RAM.
Custom hardware configurations.

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Custom hardware configurations.

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– The gaming PC.
» Modern gaming tends to be about the experience; it also has
some specific requirements.
» The CPU should come from the high end of the consumer
range, and—because of the nature of gamers— it should
also be capable of being overclocked.
» Modern games tend to be graphics intensive so, at a
minimum, an upper tier graphics card should be included (or
two or three).
» Including a good sound card will also enhance the
experience.
» Gaming tends to tax systems, so installing increased cooling
capacity is also often required.
– The home PC.
» In most cases, the home PC has the same requirements as
the thick client (the standard desktop).
Custom hardware configurations.

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– The home theater PC.
» In most home theater PC applications, the CPU and RAM
only play a minor role, so their importance is minimized.
» The HTPC form factor is common, with a low power CPU to
reduce the need for fans.
» Improved audio capabilities is required (surround sound).
» It requires a TV tuner card.
» For best results, it should also have at least one high
definition media interface (HDMI) output.
– Home server PC.
» It is used for media streaming and file sharing.
» CPU requirements are minimal for this application.
» It is more important to have more RAM than a powerful CPU.
» It usually requires more and faster storage (large fast hard
drives should be included).
» To improve throughput, try bonding multiple Ethernet
channels to the network to increase available bandwidth.
Custom hardware configurations.

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Custom hardware configurations.
The key to building any
custom configuration is to
understand the purposes it
will be used for.
Be sure to talk with your clients to fully understand
what the system will be used for, and to understand
what is important to them. Also ensure that you and
the client know what the budget for the project is
going to be. You should also strive to make the
system as future proof as you can and still remain
within the budget allotments.

12. Custom hardware configurations.
Each configuration has it own requirements. Thick clients should meet the
recommended OS specification, while thin clients should meet the minimum
requirements. Design and editing workstations require more power and
specialized video capabilities, while virtualization workstations require lots
of RAM and multiple CPU cores.
Topic
Custom configurations for
work.
Summary
Gaming PCs need to be more powerful than other home use systems. The
home theater PC needs to be small and compact and to run quietly, while
outputting the proper media. In all cases, it is imperative to know and
understand what the client requires and what the system will be used for.
Research plays an important part in any successful custom configuration.
Custom configurations for
play.
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THANK YOU!

14. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
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Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
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