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Independent capstone: Design a $900 study and coding PC

Assignment100 pts
Justify a complete compatible system using your own supported choices. Multiple valid specification plans can meet the rubric.
Hardware safety: isolate power; never open a PSU.

Before touching hardware

  • Follow the exact model's service instructions. Shut down, unplug mains and peripherals, and disconnect any internal battery as instructed. Sleep, the PSU switch, or unplugging a laptop charger alone does not fully isolate power.
  • Let parts cool. Use a clean, dry workspace and approved ESD precautions. Hold boards by their edges, avoid contacts, account for screws, and never force connectors.
  • Never open a PSU or insert tools through its vents; stored energy can remain after unplugging. Use only modular cables confirmed compatible with the exact PSU model.
  • Isolate power before every physical change or cleaning. Powered tests are software/external observations with hands and tools out. No live probing, unspecified pin bridging, or damaged-battery servicing.
  • Stop for damage, swelling, liquid, burning smells, or unclear instructions; consult qualified service. Photos, diagrams, and supplied readings are sufficient for these exercises.

Service and ESD guidance ยท Example PSU cable chart. Check your exact model.

Independent design simulation

A complete study and coding desktop setup for a 1080p display, browser, video call, and IDE running together. Include operating-system licensing or a suitable free OS, peripherals, shipping, and existing equipment valued at $0 with a clear reason.

Budget and minimum requirements

Use a dated parts-and-cost table. Include CPU, motherboard, memory, SSD, graphics strategy, PSU, case, cooler/fans, OS, display, keyboard/mouse, call audio/camera, and shipping. Explain existing equipment or free software. Report the total in USD; it must equal the sum of line-item prices. Include exact BuildCores part IDs and manufacturer model-specific compatibility links. PeakWatts must cover CPU and any discrete GPU rated power plus at least 75 W for the rest of the system; treat this as a planning estimate, not a measurement.

  • Scenario budget range: $250 to $900 for the complete usable setup.
  • At least 4 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, and 500 GB SSD.
  • Plan browser, video call, and IDE running together at 1080p; choose concrete applications and a representative sample project.

Evidence and multiple valid designs

parts: BuildCores UUIDs for cpu, motherboard, ram, storage, psu, pcCase, plus gpu for discrete graphics. prices: USD line items for those components plus cooler, os, peripherals, and shipping; main components must be positive. Free software or existing peripherals may be zero with justification. priceEvidence: at least 80 characters with https links and source dates. compatibilityEvidence: at least 80 characters with manufacturer URLs, exact models, and specific supported specifications. coolingPlan: at least 80 characters. tradeoffs: at least 100 characters. validationPlan: at least 100 characters. Use integrated or discrete for gpuStrategy and explicitly confirm the support/clearance checks.

Neither AM5, DDR5, a discrete GPU, nor one particular brand is mandatory. A supported integrated-graphics setup may leave more budget for memory, storage, display, or recovery. Show why your combination fits the workload.

Acceptance rubric

All eight criteria must pass. Use feedback to revise unresolved criteria; retries are allowed.

  • Complete priced setup from $250 to $900; provide BuildCores component IDs, line-item prices, and dated price evidence. The sum must equal budgetTotal.
  • At least 4 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, and 500 GB SSD; plan the simultaneous browser/call/IDE workload.
  • CPU and motherboard sockets match; document exact CPU and firmware support.
  • Memory and motherboard generations match; confirm capacity, form factor, and slot support.
  • PSU capacity covers the supplied peak estimate plus 25% planning margin; document connectors and exact modular cable compatibility.
  • Integrated or discrete graphics is supported by the chosen CPU/board and has a documented 1080p connection.
  • Cooler support and case clearance are confirmed; coolingPlan describes intake/exhaust, sustained workload observation, and safe isolation between physical changes.
  • Justified tradeoffs and a concrete validationPlan cover simultaneous workload, display/call devices, detected memory/storage, cooling/stability, and recovery checks.

Simulation limits

This is a specification and planning simulation. Automatic checks evaluate submitted specifications and planning completeness; real hardware performance and the truth of external evidence and live market prices are unverified. Component specifications are checked against server-side BuildCores records; quoted prices still require dated sources and judgment. Multiple valid designs can pass. Do not buy or assemble a PC for this assessment.

Submit your work

Due date: Self-paced100 points
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