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.