Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're building a system intended to host virtualized operating systems and applications, it should
contain
• A multicore (four or more) processor with virtualization support
• 16GB or more RAM
System Optimized for Gaming
If you're building a system optimized for 3D gaming, it should contain
• A fast, multicore processor from Intel or AMD
• High-end 3D consumer graphics with at least 2GB RAM per GPU
• Gaming-optimized audio card
• High-end air or liquid cooling as needed to support overclocking or high-performance GPU
operation
System Optimized for Home Theater
This type of system puts a premium on connectivity and quiet operation, so its requirements are a lot
different than the previous custom builds. It should include
• Compact form factor (Home Theater PC recommended)
• GPU or processor-integrated graphics optimized for DVD, video, and HDTV playback
• HDMI audio and video output
• Surround audio
• Digital or CableCard TV tuner
Home Server PC
Don't let the name fool you. Although Microsoft discontinued Windows Home Server in July 2012,
there's still a need for a home network device that's ready to shoulder the storage burden. A Home
Server PC build should include
• Support for media streaming (UPnP router and operating system optimized for media streaming,
such as Windows 7/8)
• File and printer sharing configuration
• One or more shared printers
• 2TB or more shared hard disk space
• Gigabit Ethernet NIC (connected to Gigabit Ethernet ports in a switch or wireless router)
• RAID 1/10/5 array for secure storage
Standard Thick Client
If you're building a system to run desktop applications, such as Microsoft Office, you don't need a lot
of customization, nor should you spend a lot of money. Just make sure your system meets the
recommended requirements for the version of Windows (or Linux) you want to run.
Standard Thin Client
If you're building a system to run basic applications, such as web surfing or email, just make sure
your system meets the minimum requirements for the version of Windows (or Linux) you want to run.
Based on the type(s) of systems, you want to build, you can then make suitable choices of components
