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5.1 Capstone scenario: Maya needs a creator-gaming PC

Lesson

Practice lab

0 / 1solved

Saved on this device. Practice is ungraded.

Build and test

Quote a freelance editor’s $1,600 workstation

A freelance editor needs DDR5, ≥32 GB RAM, ≥2,000 GB NVMe, Wi-Fi, supported creator acceleration, and gaming capability within $1,600. Supplied compatible CPU/board/case/cooling/Wi-Fi package: $650; shipping/backup: $100. Select RAM, storage, GPU, PSU. Other DC demand is 180 W; apply 25% margin. Bundle fit/connectors are confirmed.

Complete supplied tower/support total—
Whole-system planned DC demand—
PSU capacity above planned demand—

Change choices to compare results, then check the requirements.

  • Provide at least 32 GB RAM
  • Provide at least 2,000 GB NVMe
  • Support the required creator acceleration path
  • Cover whole-system demand plus 25% margin
  • Keep the complete supplied total at or below $1,600
Lesson notes

Maya edits 4K projects, games at 1440p, and makes video calls. She needs a quiet, stable, Wi-Fi-equipped PC with upgrade room.

Maya needs

The build should target smooth 1440p gaming, GPU-accelerated editing, 32 GB or better memory, fast 2 TB NVMe storage, reliable Wi-Fi, a modern upgrade path, sensible power headroom, and a case with airflow and service access.

  • Use an AM5 platform for upgrade path and DDR5 support.
  • Prefer an efficient 8-core CPU over hotter overkill choices.
  • Choose a GPU suitable for 1440p gaming and creator acceleration.
  • Avoid incompatible Intel boards, DDR4 memory, undersized storage, and weak power choices.

How the project is graded

The guided exercise uses fixed candidate records and a single preferred choice per category. It is open-book practice, not evidence that only one PC design is valid. Complete the separate study-and-coding design simulation to demonstrate independent planning.