COMP.5214 Hardware Technologies and Operating Systems Assessment Brief 2026 | AUT

COMP.5214 Assessment Portfolio – Part 1

Learning Outcome Assessed

LO1 – Demonstrate knowledge of and configure modern hardware resources and devices.

Assessment Criteria / Paearu Aromatawai

This is an individual assignment and must be entirely your own work. Students are reminded to read the assessment rules, including policies regarding dishonest work, in the Toi Ohomai Student Guide.

All files, instructions, and upload links are available on Moodle. The assignment must be submitted by the due date and time. Any extension requests must be submitted in writing at least 7 days before the due date.

Submission Requirements

Submit all deliverables in PDF format via Moodle before the due date, using the filenames specified in each task.

Assignment Scenario

You work as an IT Support Specialist for a local computer company with a variety of clients. You are tasked with preparing and documenting a complete computer system specification that will meet the computing needs of a valued client.

Choose ONE of the following client packages and complete all three tasks based on your selection:

Task 1 – Infographic Posters: Core Hardware Components (30 marks)

You are to create THREE separate infographic posters, each focused on a distinct hardware category. Each poster should demonstrate thorough research, clear visual design, and accurate technical content.

Poster A – Central Processing Units (CPUs)

Your CPU infographic must include:

• What a CPU is and its role in a computer system
• Key CPU specifications: clock speed (GHz), core/thread count, cache levels (L1/L2/L3), TDP
• Major CPU manufacturers and current product families (e.g. Intel Core, AMD Ryzen)
• How CPU performance impacts different use cases (gaming, content creation, office)
• Visual comparison of example CPU models relevant to your chosen client package

Poster B – Motherboards

Your Motherboard infographic must include:

• What a motherboard is and its role as the system backbone
• Key components on a motherboard: chipset, VRM, PCIe slots, RAM slots, storage connectors
• Form factors: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
• CPU socket types and compatibility (e.g. LGA1700, AM5)
• Important features to consider when selecting a motherboard for your chosen package

Poster C – Memory (RAM) and Storage

Your Memory and Storage infographic must include:

RAM:

• What RAM is and how it works with the CPU
• Key RAM specifications: capacity (GB), speed (MHz/MT/s), latency (CAS), DDR generation (DDR4 vs DDR5)
• How RAM capacity and speed affect performance for your chosen use case
• Visual comparison of example RAM configurations suitable for your chosen client

Storage:

• Types of storage: HDD, SATA SSD, and NVMe SSD — differences in speed, capacity, and cost
• Key storage specifications: capacity (GB/TB), read/write speeds (MB/s), interface (SATA, PCIe Gen 3/4/5)
• When to use each storage type (e.g. NVMe for OS/apps, HDD for bulk data)
• Visual comparison of example storage options suitable for your chosen client

Your poster should clearly illustrate the relationship between RAM and storage and how both contribute to overall system performance.

Submission Instructions

Submit each poster as a separate PDF file using the following filenames:

• yourname-task1a.PDF (CPUs)
• yourname-task1b.PDF (Motherboards)

yourname-task1c.PDF (Memory / RAM)

Task 2 – Detailed PC Build Specification (20 marks)

Research and document a complete desktop PC specification for your chosen client package. Your submission must include the following sections:

1. Client Background (brief)

Write a short paragraph (7-10 sentences) describing your fictional client: who they are, what they do, and why they need a new computer.

2. Component List with Justification

For each component below, name a specific real-world product available from a NZ retailer, state the price in NZD, and provide a 2–3 sentence justification explaining why it suits your client’s needs.

• Motherboard (including chipset and CPU socket)
• CPU (processor)
• RAM (capacity, speed, DDR generation)
• Primary Storage (SSD – state type: NVMe/SATA)
• Secondary Storage (HDD or additional SSD, if applicable)
• Graphics Card / Integrated Graphics
• Monitor
• PC Case
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Peripherals (keyboard, mouse, any other relevant devices)
• Operating System
• Key Application Software

3. Cost Summary Table

Include a simple table listing each component, the chosen product, and its NZD price. Include a total build cost.

Submission Instructions

Submit a well-formatted PDF with a cover page, table of contents, main body, and references list. Use the filename: yourname-task2.PDF

Task 3 – Glossary of Computer Hardware Terms (10 marks)

Compile a glossary of at least 50 terms related to computer hardware. For each term, provide:

• The acronym (if applicable)
• The full form / expanded name
• A brief, accurate definition (1–2 sentences)

Terms should cover a broad range of hardware topics including CPUs, memory, storage, motherboards, graphics, networking, and peripherals.

Submission Instructions

Submit a well-formatted PDF. Use the filename: yourname-task3.PDF

COMP.5214 Marking Schedule / Te Aratohu Whaitohu