When planning to build a PC a plan should typically include the following items;
● purpose of the build, e.g. to meet a specific user requirement, the client will provide information about the things that they will use the computer for, or, you may need to ask the question about what they do and from this build a picture of their needs and purpose.
● requirements of the brief (‘client’/user requirements), this can be clear at times, the user may have some understanding of the hardware and software. However, you might need to explain your understanding of their requirements. A requirement could also include sticking to a budget and time frame.
● alternative design ideas for building a personal computer system, e.g. using different components (e.g. processors, memory, storage devices). As with most things, you can create a system that delivers the ability to do the activities that the user requires the system to do, however, this could be a system that is out dated in a year as older components were used to reduce costs, or vice versa, expensive components used but the system will be useable for several years.
● hardware components required should be identified, including a simple explanation to the selections made, e.g.:
o processor
o motherboard
o storage device
o memory
o external input/output devices
o data transmission device (wireless, Bluetooth, wired)
o case (and connectors)
o power supply unit
o cooling devices
o graphics card
● It is important to include the software resources required, e.g.:
o operating system software, e.g. Windows, Mac OS, Linux, OS service packs, drivers software
o performance testing software, e.g. NovaBench, BambooHR
Links to Learning Outcomes |
Links to Assessment criteria |
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Learning aim B: Produce a plan to build a personal computer |
1B.2 Identify the purpose and ‘client’ requirements to build a personal computer.
1B. 3 Produce a plan to build a personal computer, with guidance, including: ● a list of hardware components and software resources ● a list of tools required ● a compatibility check of hardware components and software resources ● a health and safety assessment.
2B.P2 Describe the purpose and ‘client’ requirements to build a personal computer.
2B.P3 Produce a plan to build a personal computer, including: ● a description of hardware components and software resources ● a list of tools required ● a compatibility check of hardware components and software resources ● a health and safety assessment ● a test plan.
2B.M2 Produce a detailed plan to build a personal computer, including at least two alternative design ideas and an explanation of the installation sequence.
2B.D2 Justify final decisions, explaining how the personal computer will fulfil the stated purpose and ‘client’ requirements, and describing the impact of any constraints on the plan and design. |
Anonymous Assessment - Learners assess an anonymous piece of work containing deliberate mistakes against given success criteria.