Building a Computer for Engineering Programs

Type of Computer: Custom Computer (Engineering)
Estimated budget: 1500 USD
Parts:
Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V Pro/Gen3 (Intel Z68 ATX)
Reason: This motherboard is capable for Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3 Processors, which are the leading CPUs currently. Besides heatsink, its RAM can also be upgraded until 32 GB with 4 available memory slots. 7 PCI slots are available from this motherboard, which is also important for me. The cost of this motherboard is $227.05.
CPU: Intel BX80623i72600K
Reason: For engineering programs, a high CPU is required to run the programs smoothly. With 850-1350 Mhz speed and L2 Cache of 4 x 256 KB, it is fast enough for engineering programs to run. Combined the price together, even though it is not the best, it will still satisfy. The price is $320.25.
RAM: Kingston KVR1333D3E9S/4G
Reason: This RAM can provide the speed of 4 GB with 1333 MHz. I would need three of these for my computer to boost the speed. The price per unit is $39.48. So, the total RAM price is $118.44.
Video Card: Asus ENGT430 DC SL/DI/1GD3
Reason: For an engineer, I think it is not essential to have a high graphic card. Only 1 GB would be okay. The price of the item is $86.59.
Sound Card: Creative Labs 70SB057000001
Reason: For an engineer, the sound is not that important. So, I aim for the cheapest one, which costs about $28.00.
Hard Drive: 2 x Western Digital WD5000AAKX
Reason: For my computer, I would really need a whole lot amount of storage for my documents. So, this 500 GB hard disk would be superb. Furthermore, I would like to purchase 2 of those because I would not lose all of the documents if I use both. For cache size is 16 Mb which means it is considerably fast enough. The cost of these products is also cheap, which is only around $ 139.75.
CD / DVD Rom: Asus DRW-24B1ST
Reason: I would not really need the high-quality CD/DVD Rom because I would only need the Rom for entertaining purpose only. The cost of the product is $48.51
Removable Drive: Not Required
Case: Lian-Li Lancool PC-K7B Mid-Tower
Reason: I prefer this case because I don’t consider the beauty so much for my computer, the cheaper it is, the better it is. The cost is $4.02.
Power Supply: Antec TruePower New Series 650W Power Supply
Reason: Even though the efficiency is 80%, but the cooling system is a quiet one which does not disturb me sometimes. Furthermore, the maximum power is 650W. The cost of this product is $89.00.
CPU Cooling:
Reason: What I like the most about this CPU Cooling is its lifetime which is 30,000 h. Plus, the sound is 0-26.5 dBa, which is pretty low. The cost of this product is $20.00.
Monitor: Asus VW199T-P 19 Inch Widescreen LED BackLight LCD Monitor
Reason: For monitor, I would not want it to be a superb one. Just capable of showing a good quality of image when designing is enough. The 19-inch monitor with 1440 x 900 is okay for my engineering programs. The cost of the product is $153.17.
Speakers: Antec Rockus 2.1 3D Speaker System
Reason: I would not require any cool speaker system with best sound. Just able to play some music while I am working would be enough. So, I chose this speaker system at a cost of $32.60.
Keyboard & Mouse Combo: Microsoft Wired Desktop 600 (Keyboard/Mouse)
Reason: Because I would not use the computer all day long for doing my work, so a basic and cheap keyboard and mouse combo would be okay. The cost of this product is $38.63.
Cost according to the website: $1388.16
Conclusion: With the components to form this computer, I am sure that it would be able to handle a lot of engineering programs while also entertaining me sometimes besides doing engineering projects via computers.

Zaman University

Zaman University:

Zaman University aspires to be a bold and dynamic community, with an unparalleled sense of commitment, which strives for positive influence and impact on Cambodia. (University Cambodia)

Zaman University will be home to an academic community who will in turn promote outstanding individuals to succeed in our fast-changing world (Cambodia University).

Zaman University mission is: To discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge, produce creative work, and promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Zaman community (Phnom Penh University).

Zaman University vision is: Zaman University will be a prominent university in Cambodia, the region and the world known for its academic excellence and producing quality human resources (University Phnom Penh).

My Profile Information

My name is Kolneath Pen. I am studying Civil Engineering at Zaman University, Phnom Penh / Cambodia (Find more information by visiting the website: www.zamanuniversity.com). Civil engineers are specialized in:
* Oil and mining companies – designing and supervising drilling process and being a consultant

* Telecom companies – groundwork for fiber optic, transmission cables etc.

* Energy companies – constructing dams and power plants to generate electricity

* The Army – particularly the Royal Engineers

* Local and regional consultants – planning and designing projects, supervising the implementation of construction plans

* Local and regional contractors – organizing the execution of the designs on sites, overseeing labor force and materials, considering time, cost and safety precautions

* Local and regional authorities – being responsible for water, drainage, transport and highway systems

* Academia – lecturing in tertiary institutes

* Business – Running and managing a private construction company.
Programs listed below are recommended for all engineers to use. Enjoy!

AutoCAD 2012

Reviewed Application Software: AutoCAD2012
Type: Shareware
Link: http://usa.autodesk.com/autocad/trial/
Review:
AutoCAD2012 is a useful computer tool for desktop engineering due to its extra-ordinary features and combination. It allows the user to sketch, design and form shapes ranging from typical rooms to mega structures. Not only with the capability of drawing, it also permit the users to view their designed structures in 3-Dimension. Moreover, for students, the program company provides serial keys that can make them able to use it to a higher extend than the trail version. They also provide online help for their legal software purchaser. Especially, the installation process for the program is considered to be fast for a 4.0GB programs since it takes less than 15 minutes. However, for a newbie to the program, it could be burdensome.
Pros:
- Useful for desktop engineering
- Allows the users to design an accurate blueprint
- Capable of designing structures ranging from rooms to mega building
- 3-D View
- Online service and help
- It allows student to use at a higher extend than the trail version
- The installation is fast
Cons:
- Bothersome for a newcomer
- High cost for full software
Summary:
I am just a newbie to this program. However, I believe this program is potentially crucial for every engineer and architects since it provides the feature in which normal designing programs are not capable of. Moreover, to be an expert in this program, it requires patient and hard-work. For engineers, this program will sure provide very accurate plans and blueprints they need for their constructions.

Rate: 5 Stars
Picture taken from: http://twentyfive.hubpages.com/hub/Autocad-2012-Free-Download

Google Sketch

Reviewed Application Software: Google Sketch
Type: Freeware
Link: http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/download/index.html
Review:
Google Sketch Up is a free and very convenient program for civil engineering beginner to use. It has the features of designing building and structures in 3-Dimension, but in a less complex way than the professional programs such as AutoCAD. Especially, it has the ability to synchronize with Google Earth. The program is small, thus the application’s installation is fast and it runs smoothly in both old and new computer.
Pros:
- Convenient to use
- 3-D dimension
- Able to synchronize with Google Earth
- Fast installation
- Runs smoothly
- Small size
- Free
Cons:
- Less complex than the professional programs
- The design might not match the user’s desire
Summary:
I have been using this program for over a year now. Last year, I learned how to use the program because my presentation teammate used Google Sketch to draw a plan for building structures for the development of Beoung Kak area. Honestly, the program is not complicated to utilize since the available tools are not so complex. I think ,for a newcomer to engineering and architectural design, it is recommended to use this program as the first climbing step towards other programs.

Rating: 4 Stars
Picture taken from: http://www.opossumsoft.com/google_sketchup_7_1_6087_144378-252470.html

CEcalc

Reviewed Application Software: CEcalc
Type: Web Application
Link: http://www.cecalc.com/CivilandStructuralCalcs.aspx
Review:
CEcalc, which stands for Civil Engineering Calculator, is a web application that allows the users (specifically civil engineers) to do calculation on their tasks. The calculation is available in many designs such as pavement and concrete design. Plus, the hydraulic calculation is also available. The web application also show the resources require in constructing one of those structures. Unit conversion is also available for the users. Furthermore, the program can also be downloaded to install into your windows.
Pros:
- Useful for engineering calculations
- Ranging in many types of calculation: pavement design and concrete structural design
- Show the resources required for construction
- Availability of unit conversion
- Able to download and install to your Windows
Cons:
- Only calculation is available
Summary:
In my opinion, this program is really beneficial for every type of engineers ranging from beginners to experts for calculation. Its calculation is precise and also detail when it comes to explaining the resources required for making the structure. I will need this program now and also in the future because engineering is all about calculation, so to make my studies and work more convenient, I will have to use it.

Rating: 4 Stars
Picture taken from: http://cecalc.com/Hydrology/TCChannel.aspx