Building a Computer
~Jasmine
Computer Requirements
Hardware Components
Monitor
For a computer that is needed to make commercials, I would use an Asus Ultra-wide MX299Q 29" from Staples because it has a response time of 5ms and a resolution of 2560x1080, which makes it a good quality monitor because of the low response time and high resolution. Also, because it already has high quality built-in speakers, it saves money since I no longer have to buy speakers separately.
For a high-quality monitor with built-in speakers, $542 (including tax) at Staples is a good price compared to its original price of $565 (including tax), leaving me with $4,458 left to spend on other components and software.
Sound Card
For my customer, I would get a 24-bit Asus Xonar Essence STX. I would choose this because it has a 24 bit depth and 192KHz. The bit depth is what determines the quality of the sound and the sample rate (KHz) determines how close the audio will sound to the original sound. So because both the bit and sample rate is so high, the sound quality will be high as well.
I would buy this form New Egg because they are selling it for $226 (including tax) instead of the $244.05 (including tax) that most store are selling it at. This leaves me at $4232 to spend on the rest of the components and software.
Graphics Card
I would buy a 4GB Asus Strix GeForce GTX 980 because it is a high-end model with excellent quality. Its fan technology, ensures silence when using light programs and 3x quieter performances when using hardcore programs.
I would probably buy this from Canada's Computers Electronics for $744.67 (including tax) instead of the $790.98 at New Egg and because not many stores sell this graphics card, my options are very limited. After buying this, I will have $3487.33 left to spend on other components and software.
Motherboard
The motherboard I would get it an Asus Z10PA-D8 Motherboard. This is because it has 512GB worth of storage space, which is very important when building a computer for video production since videos take up a lot of space.
I would buy this at New Egg for $508.50 (including tax) because it is pretty cheap considering the range for an Asus Z10PA-D8 is around $487.80 - $586.40 (including tax). This leaves me with $2978.83 to buy the rest of the components and software.
Hard Disk Drive
I would buy a 3TB Hitachi HDS723030ALA640 because of the amount of data it can hold and its 7200RMP performance (determines performance speed of HDD). Since videos use up so much space, this hard drive's massive storage space and performance speed makes is perfect for a computer that will be used to make computers.
I would buy this at New Egg for $118.63 (including tax) instead of its original price of $303.90 (including tax). This will leave me with $2860.20.
Central Processing Unit
I would get a 6 core Intel Xeon E5-2603 V3. This is because is it one of the few CPUs that are compatible with the rest of the components so far. It is not high-end, but it has a TDP of 85W, meaning that there is a less chance of it overheating.
I would buy this from New Egg for $304.35 (including tax) instead of its original price of $366.20 (including tax). This leaves me with $2555.85.
Random-Access Memory
I would get a Parts-Quick RAM because it is one of the few RAMs that are compatible with the rest of the computer components. It has a capacity of 8GB and a speed of 2133MHz.
I would buy this from Amazon because its the only place I can find that is selling it. It cost $180.80 (including tax), leaving me with $2375.05 to buy the rest of the components and software.
Power Supply
I would get a FirePower Fatal1ty OCZ-FTYW because it is built to be able to support high-end CPUs and graphic cards. It also has a fan to keep it cool for long hours making it perfect for a video programming computer.
I would buy this at Amazon for $97 (including tax) instead of its original price of $109.60 (including tax). This leaves me at $2278.05.
Keyboard and Mouse
I would get an A4Tech 9500H standard keyboard because it comes with a mouse which saves some money. I also chose this because it is much more efficient since its wireless, so it is portable and can be used away form the computer.
I would buy this from New Egg for $40.65 (including tax) instead of its original price of $83.95 (including tax). This leaves me at $2237.40 to buy the case and software.
Case
I would get a BitFenix Shinobi XL Window. This is because it has cooling on the top, front, rear, and bottom of the tower with 3 built in fans. I also has 9 expansion slots for any additional video cards that may be added later on and 4 USB ports.
I would buy at Tiger Direct for $241.40 (including tax), instead of its original price of $282.45 (including tax). This leaves me with $1996 to buy the software.
Software
Microsoft Windows 8
I chose to install this software because all computers need an OS. I also chose Windows 8 because it is very efficient since you are able to customize your start screen so you can access your apps faster.
I would purchase this form the Microsoft Store for $135.60 (including tax) because it's cheaper than getting it at other stores. This leaves me at $1860.40.
Google Chrome
I chose to install Google Chrome because it's fast and secure. Also Chrome is easy to use, so even if someone weren't too good with computers, they could still probably find out how to use it.
I would download Google Chrome because that is the only way to get it and I don't have to pay anything since it's free, leaving me with $1860.40 to buy the rest of the software.
Norton Antivirus
I chose to install this because it provides protection against viruses and spyware and avoids unsafe websites and suspicious downloads. It also allows you to move protection from one device to another.
I would buy this from the Norton website for $67.80/year (including tax). After buying this for the first year, I'm left with $1792.60.
Microsoft Word
I chose to get Microsoft Word because it is the most commonly used word processor, it's easy to use, and it can be used to work with other people.
I would buy this from the Microsoft Word website for $9/month (including tax). After paying for the first year ($108), I'm left with $1648.60 to buy the rest of the software.
PowerDirector 13 Deluxe
I chose it because it has over 200 stylish themes and over 500 effects and templates. It's also really easy to use and is the world's fastest 64-bit video editing engine.
I would buy this at Cyberlink for $79.10 (including tax), leaving me with $1569.50.
Windows Movie Maker
I chose this because it not only edits videos and pictures, but audio too. As someone who is planning on creating commercials, I think is is something my costumer will want. Also, when your done making your video, you can share it online with others.
I download this from the Microsoft Movie Maker website and since it's free, I don't need to pay for anything. This means that my costumer will have $1569.50 to spend n anything they may want to add to their computer or use it on the antivirus and word document fee.