21: Building a Computer System for Others

Learning Target

• Explain the roles of hardware, software, and operating systems in executing tasks
• Justify computer system design decisions based on the resources available and intended use of the system by a client

Resources

Example Guides for Building a PC:

• • Tom's Hardware: Best PC builds for gaming 2025
  • Wired: Want a Better PC?
  • PC Magazine: How to Build a PC
  • The Tech Buyer's Guru: DIY PC Build Guides

Activity Guided (printed copy provided)

• • Activity Guide - Build a Computer System

Instructions

Step 1:

Choose the client for whom you will build a PC:

• • Sample User Profiles

Summarize the client's needs on the front side of your activity guide.

Step 2:

Use the PC Parts Picker website and the Computer Build Assistant to design a PC build for the client:

• • PC Parts Picker
  • Computer Build Assistant

Document your selections on the front side of your activity guide.

Step 3:

Use the Computer Build Assistant to ensure that:

• • the parts you chose are compatible
  • the parts you chose are the best choices
  • you've improved the build as much as the budget will allow

All group members should use the build assistant to earn full credit for this assignment.

Step 4:

Make any changes you feel are beneficial. Don't just trust the AI to get it right every time (because it won't). 

Update your worksheet with changes and record the final price of the build.

Step 5:

All group members should answer the question at the end of the lesson:

• • Careers In or Using Computer Science