Dell TechKnow

Computer Pricing Project

Building your own computer can be a great way to maximize your money, but it can be a nightmare if you are not familiar with the parts you are buying.

In this WebQuest you will work with a partner to find prices on parts of a computer, and then price out an excellent yet affordable machine.

The Quest Price out a computer on a fixed budget of $1200.

Phase 1 - Take a look at these two sites.

New Egg - Arguably one of the finest online computer part stores. Use the shopping cart to price out your project.

Tom's Hardware Guide - Possibly the most popular hardware review site.

Phase 2
INSTRUCTIONS:

 Using the review site available above and New Egg for pricing, create a list of parts which would present good options for the whole system. The system should be one for yourself, hence it must be able to do office work as well as play games.

Be aware of the budget. The computer cannot exceed $1200, hence you should avoid listing only high-end expensive parts. Assume that the price of the OS is included.

Your computer must include, but is not limited to, the parts below:

Enclosure (case) It should be an ATX case and offer ample cooling.

Power Supply It may be seperate or included with the case, but it must be of high enough capacity to manage even if the other groups select high-end parts. (

Monitor The monitor must be at least capable of 1024x768 at 85 Hz.

Motherboard

CPU

RAM

Be sure that your parts are compatible.

Video card It should be capable of handling 3D games well.

Sound card Preferably it should be at least 5.1 channels.

Network card This may be integrated on-board if the motherboard group selects such a board. It should at least be a 10/100 capable card.

Hard drive Keep in mind that the choice of hard drive may depend on the interfaces supported by the motherboard.

Mouse

Keyboard

Speakers and/or headphones

Phase 3 - PowerPoint Project

Create a PowerPoint project to show off your computer parts.

Each slide should show one computer component. On each slide be sure to include:

1. Picture of product
2. Name of product
3. Description of Product
4. Cost of Item
5. Why you chose the particular item over other choices.

Backgrounds, Slide Transitions, and Custom Animations are encouraged, but make sure you have all you information first!

Phase 4 - Presentation

Present your PowerPoint project to the class using the projector. Make sure to explain you product choices.

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Last Updated: 01/31/2008   |  Contact the webmaster.