Types of Computer

Cases
 Computer Systems Design

•concerned with the hardware design of the

computer
• concerned with the determination of what
hardware should be used and how the parts should
be connected.
Full tower Full-tower cases are generally big with a
height that is about or more than 30 inches (more
than 76 cm). The number of internal drive bays
inside these cases can be between 6 and 10.
 Take note:

• Bay refers to a space or slot in a computing device

where you can insert a specific type of hardware
component or peripheral. peripheral. It is often used to
expand or enhance the device's functionality. Bays are
commonly found in computers, servers, and networking
equipment
 Mid tower

Another case that might be a step down, would be classified

as a mid-tower case. Mid-tower cases are the most widely
used computer cases. Mid Tower cases are about 18 to 24 (45
to 60 cm) inches high and they usually contain 2 to 4 internal
drive bays and a similar number of external bays (for
CD/DVD readers and similar).
 Mini tower

Mini-tower usually have up to 2 or sometimes 3

internal drive bays. Mini-cases normally stand at
a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Expandability is a problem with these cases.
 Slim line case
Slim line cases are simply tower cases
turned on their sideways. They can hold a
monitor on top of the case.
 Small Form Factor (SFF) Case
Small form factor or SFF cases are custom cases
that are designed to minimize the spatial volume
of a desktop computer. SFFs are available in a
variety of sizes and shapes, including shoe boxes,
cubes, and book-sized PCs.
•Nanotechnology used with the processor and/or chipset (14nm, 22nm, 32nm, 45nm, and so on)
•CPU cooling.
• RAM .

•Number and type of input/output (I/O) ports .

• Traditional BIOS or UEFI (replacement for traditional BIOS).
Power supply and case design
When selecting a power supply, it is all about the size (form factor), total wattage for specific voltage
levels, number of connectors, and power efficiency. One issue you must consider is how many
connectors connect to the same cable. When you have several high-powered devices, you want to be
able to connect them with separate power cables, if possible, instead of using two connectors along
the same cable. Also, be careful with cables that do not have at least four wires. These are peripheral
cables to power 12-volt fans and are normally labeled as fan connectors. Some power supplies have
detachable cables that connect between a power supply connector and a device connector. You attach
the number and type of cables you need. Buy additional cables of a specific type, as needed. Image 8
shows detachable cables.
 energy requirements, low power modes, and
efficient power supplies. You can also be
conscientious of energy requirements when
designing a subsystem. Many times, the request for
an upgrade will not be for the entire computer, but
only for a subsystem. In such a case, the best
practice is to look at the subsystem as a unit.
 MOTHERBOARD AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENT DESIGN The
motherboard, chipset, and CPU are all directly related to one another and should
be designed in conjunction with one another. Some technicians choose a
motherboard based on a specific chipset. Why? Because there might be issues
with a specific chipset, but the customer might still need high-end video or USB
version 3.0 ports. There might be only one chipset that gives you two PCle v3.0
slots for bridging video cards or a high number of USB 3.0 ports. In any case,
this is something to consider. You also have to remember that things change all
the time. Newer technologies such as Skylake, Broadwell, USB 3.1, Thunderbolt,
and DDR4 may influence your choices.
 Choosing a processor involves selecting Intel or AMD,
determining how many processor cores you want, and selecting a
specific model. Throughout the years, both manufacturers tend to
have had a low-end model for cheaper, less powerful computers,
a midrange processor that gives pretty good bang for the buck
(price), and very powerful processors. Don't forget CPU cooling
either. If you select one of the high- end CPUs, you must have
appropriate cooling for it.
Memory ties into processor technology because the type of
motherboard/chipset you have will dictate the type of
memory supported, the maximum amount of memory the
motherboard manufacturer might consider putting on the
motherboard, and the maximum memory speed that can be
used. Whenever a technician is upgrading or replacing a
motherboard, compatibility with existing components is a
must.
•Motherboard form factor
•Chipset.

•Whether the CPU is included or needs to

be purchased separately
•CPU size
 Image 1 : Learning
Process
Mobile Computers A mobile computer
for someone who travels as part of his
job also needs special design
considerations. Considerations for an
"on-the-road" computer design include
the following
 •*Powerful multi-core processor(s)
• Maximum system RAM
•High-end video card(s) with maximum video RAM
and graphics processing unit (GPU) Large display or
dual displays Large-capacity hard drive(s) and an
•SSD Possible peripherals include digital tablets,
scanners, plotters, and 3D printers Quality mouse or
input device.
 The Electronic Product. Environmental Assessment Tool
(EPEAT) can help with that. The EPEAT rating system was
designed to work with the EPA in identifying products that have
a green (and clean) design. ENERGY STAR is another program
that has strict energy efficiency standards that a product must
meet in order to be ENERGY STAR compliant. Products that
earn the ENERGY STAR rating today have low total
 Image 2: Home
server
Industrial Computers An industrial computer is one used for a
specific industry. For example, in a car repair shop, the standard
computers used both inside the showroom and in the service and
repair center might be in an enclosure (see Image 7) or have
keyboard coverings. A kiosk in a mall or school might contain or be
controlled by a computer. A kiosk is commonly used to show maps,
provide directions, locate personnel, or provide information. Here
are some things to consider for an industrial computer:
 •Meets recommended hardware requirements based on
applications installed
• Optional enclosure for wet, dry, or outdoor environments

•Optional enclosure for a laptop's external keyboard and mouse for

unsecure or outdoor environments .
•Optional LCD enclosure for harsh, outdoor, public, high-traffic, or
industrial environments
• Optional privacy display screen
•Case with air filters that may be removable for cleaning.
 •Basic applications Optional display privacy screen

Thick Client Workstations

In contrast to a thin client workstation, a thick client computer is the most common type of
desktop or laptop in the work environment. Applications are installed and documents are
commonly stored on the local hard drive. An all-in-one computer could be a thick client
computer. Computers in small businesses tend to be thick client workstations. A standard
thick client computer has the following characteristics: In contrast to a thin client
workstation, a thick client computer is the most common type of desktop or laptop in the
work environment. Applications are installed and documents are commonly stored on the
local hard drive. An all-in-one computer could be a thick client computer. Computers in
small businesses tend to be thick client workstations. A standard thick client computer has
the following characteristics:
 •"Meets recommended hardware
requirements for selected operating system
•Meets recommended hardware and software
requirements for running desktop applications
• Optional dual displays.
 Home servers
A home server computer is used to store data, function as a
web server, print server, or file server, control media
streaming, be accessible from outside the home, control
devices, and manage backups of other computers. Notice in
Image 6, how the home server in the top-right corner
physically connects to the wireless router. Typical
components found in a home server include the following:
 •Multiple hard drives in a RAID array configuration
• 1Gb/s (1000Mb/s) NIC Medium to large case
•Multiple processors or multiple cores in the processor
• Lots of RAM
•Server applications including media streaming, file sharing,
and print sharing
•Possible NAS
•Possible KVM switch
 Image 3: Virtualization Concept

Thin Client Workstations

A thin client workstation is a desktop or laptop that has a display,
mouse, keyboard, and network connectivity and runs applications
from a server. Thin client computers are less expensive than a
normal workstation (but the network infrastructure such as servers,
software, storage area network [SAN], and so on to support thin
clients costs money). Storage tends to be cloud-based or on remote
storage media.
 Image 4: Audio/video editing workstation
Virtualization Workstations A virtualization workstation can mean two
things: (1) a workstation that has at least one operating system, in its
own virtual machine that is separate from the host operating system
(see Image 5), or (2) a workstation that uses hardware and software
virtualization techniques to provide an end user with a controlled
workstation environment. Each of these situations requires different
hardware and software. A virtualization workstation is considered to
be the first example (a computer that has more than one operating
system in a virtual environment).
•Maximum CPU cores
•Maximum RAM Multiple, fast, large-capacity hard
drives
• Possible SSD.
• Possible network-attached storage (NAS) for
increased storage space that can be shared with
other devices
 Image 5: Gaming PC

Audio/Video Editing Workstations

An audio/video editing workstation (see
Image 4) is used to manipulate sounds (shorten, add, overlay, and
so on) or video. This type of system requires a lot of hard drive
space and RAM. Here are the most common configuration
elements for such a computer.
•Specialized video card with maximum video RAM and
GPU
• Specialized audio (sound) card and speakers
• Very fast and large-capacity hard drive
• Dual monitors Powerful multi-core processor(s)
• Large amount of system RAM Quality mouse Possible
digital tablet or scanner
 Image 6: CAD/CAM Design workstation

Gaming PCs

Gaming computers are a set of their own. Gamers

frequently build their own systems, but some
computer manufacturers do make gaming PCs. A
gaming PC (see Figure 3) tends to have the following
key components:
. Powerful multi-core processor(s)
•High-end video cards (with maximum video RAM and
specialized GPU)
•High-definition sound card and speakers
•High-end system cooling Large amount of RAM Large
display or dual displays (see Image 3)
•Quality mouse Possible gaming console Headphones with
microphone Possible 3D glasses (if supported by the video
card and monitor).
 Image 7: Industrial Computer

COMPUTER SYSTEM DESIGN

Computer users need different types of computer
systems. What the user does with the computer
dictates the components and peripherals needed.
Looking at the computer systems by purpose is a good
place to start with design.
 •Laptop, Ultrabook, or tablet Sufficient RAM Might
need mobile broadband connectivity
•Possible SSD (if shaking or dropping due to.
handling is a concern or if high speed is needed)
• Compatible smartphone
• Possible projector Possible thermal printer for
sales-oriented tasks
•Possible portable speakers and headphones with
noise cancellatio.
 When you are planning to design an entire computer
system, looking at what the user will be doing with the
computer is important. Keep in mind that there are many
ways to go green and conserve energy in your computer
design. The company requesting the design may require
green specifications. Cases, motherboards, processors,
power supplies, printers, displays, and other computing
devices can be designed with energy conservation in mind.