The gaming workstation is configured for maximum performance without cost constraints. An Intel Core i7 CPU and a Discrete GPU are essential for processing the complex graphics of modern games at high frame rates. 16GB of DDR5 RAM provides sufficient memory for demanding applications, while a 1TB SSD ensures fast game load times and ample storage. For an immersive audio experience as required, a dedicated 7.1 surround card and a headset are the optimal choices.

Conversely, the family workstation is built on the principle of minimal cost. An Intel Core i3 CPU with On board video is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing. 8GB of DDR5 RAM offers a smooth user experience on a modern OS. A 500GB HDD provides adequate storage at the lowest possible cost, and On board sound is standard for general use. A web cam is included to meet the videoconferencing requirement.

CPU Selection: Intel's product specifications differentiate the Core i7 as a performance-tier processor suitable for demanding tasks like gaming, while the Core i3 is positioned for essential, everyday computing.

Intel Corporation. "Intel® Core™ i7 Processors Product Specifications." Intel ARK. Accessed October 10, 2025.

Intel Corporation. "Intel® Core™ i3 Processors Product Specifications." Intel ARK. Accessed October 10, 2025.

Storage (SSD vs. HDD): Academic studies and foundational computer architecture texts confirm the significant performance advantage of Solid-State Drives (SSDs) over Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) for tasks requiring rapid data access, such as application and game loading. HDDs remain a cost-effective solution for bulk storage where speed is not the primary concern.

Patterson, D. A., & Hennessy, J. L. (2017). Computer Organization and Design RISC-V Edition: The Hardware Software Interface. Morgan Kaufmann. (Section 5.2, "Dependability, Reliability, and Availability" discusses the performance characteristics of different storage media).

Agarwal, S., & Garg, D. (2016). "A review on solid state drives (SSDs): The successor of hard disk drives." In 2016 International Conference on Computing, Communication and Automation (ICCCA). IEEE. (DOI: 10.1109/CCAA.2016.7813735).

Graphics (Discrete vs. Integrated): A discrete GPU is a specialized processor designed for massively parallel computations, making it essential for rendering complex 3D graphics in real-time (i.e., gaming). Integrated graphics, which share resources with the CPU, are designed for basic display output and are sufficient for standard desktop applications but not for performance-intensive gaming.

Kirk, D. B., & Hwu, W. W. (2016). Programming Massively Parallel Processors: A Hands-on Approach. Morgan Kaufmann. (Chapter 1 provides an overview of the evolution from CPU-centric to GPU-centric computing for graphics).