DCN1013 : COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE &

ORGANIZATION

1
Name : Muhammad Saifuddin Bin Baharuddin

ID Number : CC17266

Section : C14

Assessment : Assignment 1

Topic : Chapter 1

Lecturer Name : Dr. Wan Isni Sofiah Binti Wan Din

Introduction

When people ask us which laptop is best for their needs, the first thing we tell
them is that there is no clear answer. There are too many different types of
laptops, and different price categories to suit them. However, we do give people a
checklist that they should consider before splurging on a new device.

Even though smartphones and tablet sales continue to grow, most people still
want to have either a computer at home or a laptop they can take wherever they
go. A desktop will generally be less expensive than a laptop, and that's not
because it's a lower-quality computer or old-school technology. Simply, there's a
lot more that goes into building a laptop than there is for a computer that will
simply sit on (or under) a desk. Desktops have changed too. They're not all
"towers" anymore. Apple started the trend of building the monitor and computer
into one piece several years ago, and a few PC makers have followed that.

There are many types of computers with various specifications created in

order to fulfill users needs. Computer hardware determines the quality of the
computer. For a traditional desktop computer , this comprises the main system
unit, a display screen, a keyboard, a mouse, and sometimes a printer. Speakers, a
webcam and an external hard drive for backup storage are often also included.

2
 Decisions on hardware specification are often driven by the minimum
hardware required to run specific software (such as a specific application program
or operating system). Its hard to go past any of Intels Core-based CPUs when
buying a new laptop or desktop. These CPUs offer the best performance when it
comes to multitasking and multimedia tasks. Core i3-based notebooks are
generally found in entry-level systems, while Core i5 makes up the majority of
mainstream computers.Core i7-based systems are for those of you who want the
best performance from your laptop.

1. Lenovo Ideapad 310-15ISK (Ideapad 310 Series)

3
 Specifications

Processor : Intel Core i7-6500U (Intel Core i7)

Graphics adapter : NVIDIA GeForce 920MX - 2048 MB, Core:

965-993 MHz, Memory: 900 MHz, DDR3, ForceWare 372.70, Optimus.

Memory : 6144 MB , DDR4-2132, Dual-Channel, one RAM slot

(occupied), 4 GB soldered.

Mainboard : Intel Skylake-U Premium PCH

Operating System : Windows 10 64-bit

Display : 15.6 inch 16:9, 1366x768 pixel 100 PPI, LG Philips

LP156WHU-TPG1, TN LED, glossy: yes.

Storage : 1000 GB

Price : RM 2346.55

Input Devices

Lenovo has equipped the IdeaPad with an unlit Chiclet keyboard. The
flat keys have a slightly rough surface, a short stroke distance and a clear
pressure point. They offer a comfortable yet crisp press resistance.

4
 Input Devices

Left side: power outlet, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, audio combo, memory
card reader

Right side: 2x USB 2.0, DVD burner, Slot for a cable lock

Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad has a glossy 15.6-inch screen with a native

resolution of 1366x768 pixels.

Performance

The Lenovo IdeaPad 310-15ISK is a simple, multimedia all-rounder in

the 15.6-inch format. The laptop offers sufficient performance for
everyday use and gaming.

Processor

5
 - An Intel Core i7-6500U (Skylake) dual-core processor runs inside the
model. The CPU offers sufficient performance to satisfy most users.
The processor offers a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz. Thanks to Turbo,
the speed can be increased to 3 GHz (two cores) or 3.1 GHz (one core).
The Turbo can be used while plugged in or on battery.

System Performance

- The system runs smoothly and did not encounter any issues. The PC
Mark Benchmark results are very good. It is possible to increase the
system performance further by swapping out the HDD for a SSD. This
would enable the system to run faster by reducing loading times.

Storage Device

-The drive of the laptop is a 2.5-inch hard disk made by Western Digital.
The drive operates at 5,400 rotations per minute and has a capacity of 1
TB. The transfer rates of the disk are at a normal level for a 5400 rpm
disk.

Graphics Card

-The laptop uses a GeForce 920MX graphics chip, which is an improved

version of the GeForce 920M graphics chip. Although the names differ
by a single character, the GPUs are significantly different. The 920M
graphics core uses the Kepler architecture, whereas the 920MX is based
on the modern Maxwell architecture. The GeForce 920MX GPU
supports DirectX 12 and operates at a base clock speed of 965 MHz.

Gaming Performance

6
 -The IdeaPad can run most games smoothly at an HD resolution
(1366x768 pixels) with low to medium quality settings.

Temperature

Laptop Temperature

2. Asus VivoBook X556UQ-XO076T

Specifications

Processor : Intel Core i5-6200U

Graphics adapter : NVIDIA GeForce 940MX - 2048 MB, Core:

1122-1176 MHz, Memory: 900 MHz, DDR3, 64 bit interface,
ForceWare 368.39 (10.18.13.6839), Optimus

Memory : 8192 MB , DDR4-2132, dual-channel, one memory bank (filled),

4 GB soldered

7
 Mainboard : Intel Skylake-U Premium PCH

Operating System : Windows 10 64-bit

Display : 15.6 inch 16:9, 1366x768 pixel 100 PPI, LG Philips

LP156WHB-TPD1, TN LED, glossy: no

Storage : 500 GB

Price : RM 2079.78

Input Devices

The keyboard in the VivoBook is flat , lightly roughened and clear

pressure point.

Input Devices

Left: power-in, Gigabit Ethernet, VGA-out, HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 3.1

Gen 1, cable lock slot

Right: memory-card reader, combo audio, USB 2.0, DVD burner

Display

8
 -Asus furnishes the VivoBook with a matte, 15.6-inch screen that has a
native resolution of 1366x758 pixels.

Performance

-With the X556, Asus delivers a 15.6-inch all-rounder that offers enough
computing power for routine use and can even render games.

Processor

-A Core i5-6200U (Skylake) dual-core processor powers the VivoBook.

This CPU should completely satisfy the needs of most users. The laptop
is also available with the somewhat stronger Core i7-6500U.

Storage Device

-The VivoBook sports a solid state drive by SK Hynix. It is a

2.5-inch model that has a total capacity of 256 GB. Approximately 210
GB of that can be used. The recovery partition and Windows installation
reserves the rest of the storage capacity.

Graphic Card

-The GeForce 940MX installed in the VivoBook clocks at a base speed

of 1122 MHz. The maximum Turbo speed is 1176 MHz. Thus, there are
virtually no differences in the 3DMark benchmark scores compared to
GeForce 940M laptops.

Gaming Performance

-The VivoBook laptop renders many games smoothly in the HD

resolution (1366x768 pixels) using low to medium quality settings. The
quality setting can even be increased in games with moderate hardware
requirements.

9
 Energy

Temperature

-The VivoBook performed differently in AC and battery modes. The

graphics unit always clocks at full speed (1176 MHz), but the processor
clocks at 2.7 GHz (AC) and 400 MHz (battery).

Power Consumption

Power Consumption

Battery Runtime

Battery Runtime

3. HP Pavilion P6720IN

10
 Specifications

Processor

-Intel Core I3-550.

-Operating speed : up to 3.2 GHz

-Number of cores : 2

-Socket : 1156

-Bus speed : DMI (Direct Media Interface) - 2.5 GT/s

Graphic Adapter

-Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD

-Also supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards

Memory

-2GB RAM

-Speed : PC3-10600 MB/sec

-Type : DDR3-1333

11
 Motherboard

-MS-7613 (Inverness)

-Chipset : Intel H57 Express chipset

MS-7613

Operating System

-Windows 7 Home Basic 64-bit

Storage

-Size : 500GB

-Interface : SATA

-Rotational Speed : 7200 RPM

12
 Power Supply

-Internal 250W (100-240V)

-Total Wattage : 250W

My Choice

I prefer Lenovo Ideapad than the other two computers. It is because Lenovo
Ideapad has 15.6 inch monitor screen with HD resolution. . I can watch movies
and animes with better screen and quality. The processor, I7-6500U, also one of
the best processor that will run smoothly. The price is also affordable for me to
buy it

As for graphic card, Lenovo Ideapad use NVIDIA GeForce 920MX which is
good for me despite its not the best graphic card, it can supports the game that I
used to play. Lenovo Ideapad provides 4GB RAM. It also provides another 4GB
RAM slotted which I can add.

13
 Lenovo Ideapad operates using Windows 10 which is the latest version of
operating system nowadays. This operating system is necessary on users because
it supports much of the latest program. Lenovo Ideapad also provides the user
with various connectivity which is prominent on communicating with different
kind of external hardware. USB 2.0 and 3.0 are used to connect with pendrive
while some other users prefers using memory card which is connected through a
digital media reader.

In conclusion, I would prefer anyone to buy Lenovo Ideapad because

although it is not the best laptops, it can support many video games and run
smoothly. The price is also not too expensive. It is affordable.

14