Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Reliability
Reliability is very important. A mainstream system that is not built for reli-
ability is not worth building. We'll also allocate some of the budget to a
top-notch UPS to protect the system from power glitches and outright
failures.
Size
Size is important because this system must fit in Barbara's already crowd-
ed office, so we don't want the system to be any larger than it needs to
be to do its job. So, although we will not compromise other criteria in ex-
change for smaller size, we will choose the smallest case that meets other
system requirements.
Noise level
Noise level is at least moderately important for nearly any mainstream
system, and is very important for this particular mainstream system. Our
goal is to build a quiet PC at little or no incremental cost rather than to
build a “silent” PC using expensive special components. Accordingly,
when we choose components we'll keep noise level in mind, but we won't
pay much extra for a marginally quieter component. We'll choose the qui-
etest possible standard case and power supply, use large, slow-moving
fans, use silicone-grommet hard drive mounts, and so on.
Expandability
Expandability is relatively unimportant for most mainstream systems, in-
cluding this one. Fewer than 5% of commercial mainstream systems are
ever upgraded, and those upgrades are usually of a minor nature, such as
adding memory or replacing a video card or hard drive. Self-built main-
stream systems are more likely to be upgraded, but even with these the
upgrades are unlikely to require more than perhaps a spare drive bay or
two, an expansion slot, or a couple of available memory sockets. We'll
choose a case, power supply, and motherboard that are adequate to sup-
port such minor upgrades.
Processor performance
Processor performance is important for a mainstream system, both ini-
tially and to ensure that the system can run new software versions with-
out requiring a processor upgrade. Mainstream dual- and quad-core
processors—which is to say $150 to $175 Intel Core i5 models and AMD
Phenom II X4 models—are the “sweet spot” in price/performance ratio, so
that's what we'll use. These will give us roughly twice the performance of
a budget system, but without getting into the performance price range.
Video performance
3D graphics performance is important for a mainstream system only if
you intend to use it to run 3D games. Otherwise, integrated video suf-
fices. In particular, current-generation integrated video is good enough
even for casual gaming. 2D video quality is important for any mainstream
system, because it determines display clarity and sharpness for browsers,
office suites, and similar 2D applications. AMD and Intel integrated video
both provide excellent 2D quality and reasonably good 3D performance.
