Different Computer Custom Configurations and PC Specifications

Custom Configurations

Different computers require different configurations for specific applications. These computers with their customised configurations are:

GRAPHIC AND CAD/CAM DESIGN WORKSTATIONS

Such computers require extended performance in following areas:

CPU Enhancements: Require above average CPU performance for processing in professional graphic software.
- Graphic Design Workstations:
  - Used by desktop publishers to create high-quality copy of professional text and graphical images.
  - Used in advertising, marketing, specialized documentation.
- CAD/CAM workstations:
  - Used in the design of engineering and architectural documentation, including blueprints in both two and three dimensions.
  - Example: automotive parts, such as metallic engine parts, wheel rims, works of art.
Video Enhancements: use graphics adapters with better graphics processing units (GPUs) and additional RAM on board to keep up with the demand of graphic design applications.
Maximized RAM:
- Applications require CPUs to process their instructions and RAM to hold these instructions during processing.
- More accessible RAM, better overall performance.

AUDIO/VIDEO EDITING WORKSTATIONS

Multimedia editing requires workstations that excel in:

Video Enhancements:
- Use graphics adapter with multiple video interfaces that can be used simultaneously.
- To improve video-editing performance, use graphics adapter that supports
  - Parallel computing architecture for breaking down larger processing tasks into smaller tasks and processing them simultaneously on a GPU.
  - E.g. CUDA, OpenCL.
- Specialized Audio:
  - Audio Controllers use analog codec with two-channel arrangement.
  - Add-on adapter may be used.
- Specialized Drives:
  - Use separate drives for system and data files – reduces need for multitasking by a single drive.
  - Data drive should be large and fast.
  - For external drive connection:
    - Use E-SATA port over USB 2.0 to avoid internal delays.
    - For high capacity, use RAID 0 or RAID 5 that are cheap and offer high writing, reading speed.

VIRTUALIZATION WORKSTATIONS

Virtual machines (VM) share the following resources with host system:

Extended specification for these systems is required in:

CPU Enhancements:
- Multiple cores CPUs offer each core to VM as virtual CPU.
- More the CPUs with multiple cores, more CPU cycles assigned to VMs.
- Maximized RAM:
  - Workstation should be equipped with enough RAM to support VMs and itself.
  - Constraints on maximising the RAM are:
    - CPU’s address-bus width
    - OS maximum supported RAM
    - Motherboard’s maximum supported RAM

Smallest constraint dictates the maximum RAM used.

GAMING PCS

Enhancement must be considered in:

CPU Enhancements:
- CPU is overclocked by making changes in BIOS.
- Overclocking exceeds manufacturer recommended clock frequency for better performance.
- CPU’s life span is compromised.
- Video Enhancements:
  - RAM installed on graphics adapters has breached the 1GB mark.
  - CUDA, OpenCL-capable GPUs used for video editing.
  - Monitor should be compatible with high resolution, 3D capability adapters.
- Specialized Audio:
  - Technologies such as S/PDIF and HDMI produce high-quality digital audio.
  - HDMI provides for state of- the-art digital video as well.
- Enhanced Cooling:
  - Required to prevent excessive heating due to overclocking.
  - High-end graphics adapters come equipped with their own cooling mechanisms to keep them properly cooled under extreme circumstances.

HOME THEATER PCS (HTPCs)

Multiple capabilities, such as storing large amounts of video media and streaming it to an output device etc.
Allow easy access to local storage.
Built on a chassis that adheres to the HTPC form factor.

Its specialisations include:

Video Enhancements:
- Graphics adapters have one or more HDMI interfaces.
- Monitor should be at par with output capabilities of HTPC.
- Specialized Audio:
  - High-end digital audio should be 7.1 analog surround sound.
  - It is achieved by HDMI or copper-optical S/PDIF.
- Special Chassis and TV Tuner: Various components comprising the HTPC include:
  - HTPC chassis – 17x17x7’’ and 150W HTPC power supply.
  - Motherboard mini-ITX (6.7n6.7g) with integrated HDMI video.
  - HDD or SSD – 21⁄2 g portable form factor.
  - RAM—DIMMs for mini-ITX motherboard; SODIMMs for many pre-built models.
  - Blu-ray drive, player minimum.
  - PCIe or USB TV tuner card.

STANDARD THICK CLIENTS

Standard configuration that allows the definition of custom configurations.
Able to attach to a network and accept a configuration that attaches it to one or more servers.
Better performance by using recommended/higher specifications instead of minimum.

THIN CLIENTS

Divests itself of all or most local storage and varying levels of RAM and processing power without necessarily giving up all ability to process instructions and data.
Have no offline capability, requiring constant network connectivity.

HOME SERVER PCS

Home Server PCs behave as a server to the home network. It’s essential features include:

Media Streaming Capabilities:
- Stream music photos and videos to other devices, including those not PCs.
- Windows 7 provides HomeGroup which
  - Work hand in hand with libraries enabling media streaming.
  - Share installed printers among member computers.
- File and Print Sharing Services:
  - Allow static transfer of files to or from the server’s hard drive or array.
  - While streaming is one directional, file sharing is bi directional.
  - Files are accessible to all the clients in home network but not in enterprise network.
- Gigabit NIC:
  - Server is attached to a wired switched port in an Ethernet switch or in the wireless access point providing gigabits speed.
  - All devices should not run at such speeds to avoid saturation.
- RAID Array:
  - Provides with data redundancy (for data backup) and fault tolerance.
  - Extends to tetrabytes of storage.

Includes hot-swappable drives so that it can be rebuilt on the fly while still servicing client requests during the loss of a single drive.