System Design: The Virtual System

Processor

I chose a motherboard with a Socket 370 FCPGA type processor interface because there are so many processors with the 370 FCPGA configuration to choose from. I can pick a set of processors that are within my budget, to have a working system now and upgrade in the future. The processors I chose for my initial setup are the Pentium III 866 MHz.@133 FSB, purchased from NewEgg for $125.00 each plus shipping

Memory

I chose DDR memory because it was an “open” technology. That is, there were no licence restrictions on the use and development of the technology. However, RAMBUS is at this time spearheading a legal crusade to control DDR production and development. I feel that DDR technology will be a viable and cost effective alternative to RAMBUS now and in the future. I certianly hope that legal manipulation of the type that RAMBUS is attempting will not deter the ongoing innovations in todays electronics industry.

Here are some general guidelines I found in my research that correspond with today’s typical applications and the amount of memory recommended for each.

I plan to incorporate three-256MB Crucial PC2100 memory chips in my system. Far short of the maximum 4GB that the Via chipset supports, but as you can see, a sufficient amount of memory for all of the functions I outlined in my system requirements. I also have one bank still open to add more memory, should I ever need to do so. PC2100 is a speed rating standard. It corresponds to 2.1GHz, which is the maximum processor speed at which PC2100 memory timing  is capable of accurate and stable operation. I chose PC2100 to allow for processor upgrade. I chose the Crucial brand for their stability, compatibility, and they were the most cost effective at $36.89 per unit with no shipping.

Video Adapters

The video adapters for this system must be very specialized components. I want to be able to allow both input and output of video data for editing and recording in all available formats. Video data that is in a digital format is not difficult to input or manipulate in a computer system. It is the conversion of analog video data to a digital format that the computer can work with, and the conversion back to analog for recording that requires a specialized video component. This conversion is referred to as CODEC, for compression/decompression, and  is performed by a video capture card. For this function to be effectively and efficiently performed by a computer system requires that the CODEC conversions be handled by a dedicated chip, this is known as hardware CODEC. Hardware CODEC handles the conversions so the system processor does not have to, thereby maintaining efficient and effective performance of both the overall system and the video capture subsystem. I chose the Pinnacle Systems Studio DC10 video capture card, because it was the only video capture card with  hardware CODEC capability that fit into my budget. There are better cards, that are compatible with more varied operating systems and components, but for the basic functionality and with a price of $76.00 from Mwave, I could not beat the Pinnacle Studio DC10.

Likewise, the video display adapter is also a specialized component, requiring it’s own processor. called an accelerator, and separate video memory, called a frame buffer. These, like hardware CODEC, take the load of processing video data off the system. I chose the Matrox 32MB DDR G450 AGP, with dual display capability and TV output, for compatibility, adaptability, and at a price of $95.00 from Mwave.

Video Display

Monitors are very standardized today, the common standard being SVGA, which is capable of multiple resolutions, color depths and refresh rates mainly depending on the size of the display screen itself. High resolution will be important in this system as it will used for monitoring the quality of the video data being processed and recorded using the multimedia production capabilities of the system. It is also good to have high resolution and refresh rates in displaying the 3D graphics generated for video games. Luckily, the reliability and standardization of display technology has created an overabundance of compatible monitors in the local market and dependable, high quality monitors are available at economical prices when bought used. I purchased a used 17″ NEC monitor with a maximum resolution of 1200×1600, a maximum  color depth of 32 bits, and a maximum refresh rate of 85Hz for less than $90.00 at a small local computer shop called Sideline Computers in the Piggly Wiggly shopping center at the intersection of W.Government St and Highway 80 in Crossgates, Brandon. The proprietor seemed very knowledgeable and trustworthy and I would recommend checking this local gem of a resource out, as there was a large selection of both new and used components at reasonable to rock bottom prices. Definitely lower than the huge local franchises and much more personalized service. I would also like to utilize the dual head capability of the Matrox G450 display adapter and incorporate into my system a very large screen television as a secondary display. This would be a very good component to fully enjoy the multimedia entertainment functions of this system.

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