COSC2473: RMIT - Computer Systems and Platform Technology Report

This report provides a detailed analysis of computer systems and platform technology, covering various aspects of system architecture, processor architecture, and advanced topics like Bitcoin mining. It begins with an exploration of system architecture, identifying and explaining components on a main circuit board, differentiating between PCIEX4, PCIEX8, and PCIEX1, and elucidating the roles of CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN3 pins. The report then delves into processor architecture, comparing 32-bit and 64-bit processors, their impact on RAM and applications, and the performance improvements offered by multi-core processors. Furthermore, the report includes building a recommended platform machine, detailing components like motherboards, CPUs, memory, storage, and graphics cards, along with comparative analyses and technical specifications. Finally, it addresses advanced questions related to Bitcoin mining, including its definition, hash rate measurement, hardware types, minimum system requirements, and mining pools. This document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a wide range of study tools and resources for students.

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Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM
TECHNOLOGY
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
1. Question 1 — System Architecture...................................................................................4
1.1 Labeled component in the given main circuit board........................................................4
1.2 Difference between PCIEX4, PCIEX8, and PCIEX1............................................................4
1.3 Explanation the role of each of four pins for CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN3...........................5
1.4 Price of motherboard..............................................................................................................6

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
1.5 Type of modules for purchase................................................................................................6
Crucial 16GB DDR4-2666 UDIMM is compatible with GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming..................6
2. Question 2 — Process Architecture...................................................................................6
Model A: Dual-core 32-bit CPU: HTC Sensation XE...........................................................6
Model C: Quad-core 64-bit CPU: Apple iPhone 7 Plus.......................................................6
Model D: Octa-core 64-bit CPU: Samsung Galaxy A8........................................................6
2.1 32-bit and 64-bit processor................................................................................................7
2.2 Difference in 32-bit and 64-bit make about processor, RAM, and Apps..............................8
2.3 Number of cores improves the mobiles performance..........................................................8
3. Question 3 — Building a Recommended Platform Machine......................................................9
3.1 Fill out the tables....................................................................................................................9
Ballistix by Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) RGB DDR4 3000 MT/s (PC4-24000) CL16 DR x8 Un-
buffered DIMM 288p......................................................................................................................9
Hitachi HGST Travelstar 0J38065 2.5' 500GB SATA 6GB/s 5400RPM.......................................9
Sapphire Radeon RX 570 4G Pulse Gaming Graphics Card.........................................................10
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Mini ITX Overclocked 4GB Video Card........................................10
Figure 5: Graphics: Sapphire Radeon RX 570 4G Pulse Gaming Graphics Card.........................14
Figure 6: Display: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Mini ITX Overclocked 4GB Video Card..........15
QNAP TS-EC2480U-E3-4GE-R2 24 Bay Rackmount NAS........................................................16
HP 719052-B21 DL380 Gen9 E5-2609V3 Kit.............................................................................16
HP 16GB (1x16GB) Dual Rank x8 DDR4-2666 CAS-19-19-19 Registered Smart Memory Kit 16
VisionTek Radeon 4350 512MB DDR2 (DVI-I, HDMI, VGA) Graphics Card - 900270...........17
Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 PCIe x 8 1GB DDR5 DVI HDMI D-SUB Video Card.....................17
Figure 7: Motherboard: QNAP TS-EC2480U-E3-4GE-R2 24 Bay Rackmount NAS..................18
Figure 8: CPU: HP 719052-B21 DL380 Gen9 E5-2609V3 Kit....................................................19
Figure 9: Memory: HP 16GB (1x16GB) Dual Rank x8 DDR4-2666 CAS-19-19-19 Registered
Smart Memory Kit.........................................................................................................................20
Figure 10: Storage: Seagate Barracuda ST3000DM007 3.5" 3TB HDD......................................21

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 11: Graphics: VisionTek Radeon 4350 512MB DDR2 (DVI-I, HDMI, VGA) Graphics
Card - 900270................................................................................................................................22
Figure 12: Display: Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 PCIe x 8 1GB DDR5 DVI HDMI D-SUB Video
Card................................................................................................................................................23
3.2 Compare and contrast each part with that of the other build...............................................23
3.3 Key technical specifications for each part...........................................................................25
3.4 Benchmark for each CPU, Memory, Storage, and Graphics...............................................28
4. Question 4 — Advanced question.............................................................................................30
4.1 What is Bitcoin mining? What does Bitcoin hash rate mean and how is it measured?.......30
4.2 Describe and compare the main Bitcoin mining hardware types.........................................30
4.3 Minimum system requirements for Bitcoin mining.............................................................31
4.4 Bitcoin mining pool.............................................................................................................31
References......................................................................................................................................32

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
1. Question 1 — System Architecture
1.1 Labeled component in the given main circuit board
A - Audio Header
B - CPU Socket
C - CD-IN
D - PCI Express
E - CMOS Battery
F - PCI-E x16 Slots
G - SATA connector
H - FDD Connector
I - 24-pin ATX Power Connector
J - DDR4 memory slot
1.2 Difference between PCIEX4, PCIEX8, and PCIEX1
PCIe x4
PCIe x4 cable adapter is a free stand of adapter board that can help in transferring the PCIe from
x4 cable connector a x4 Gen 1 link slot This can be operated at the maximum speed of 10 Gb/s
with x16 connector. This versatile board can be installed in a small space. This supports x4, x16
and x8 add-in card. The ATX power connected to the board provides 75 watts of power to card
edge connector of add-in board. As mentioned by Shen and Lipasti (2013), it can be operated at
the temperature of 0° to 50°C ambient and short-term operating temperature is between -5°C to
55°C ambient. The operating humidity temperature needs to be 10-90% at 40°C and storage
humidity temperature needs to be 0% to 95% at 40°C.
PCIe x8
The PCIe x8 is the solution that can help in adding multiple PCIe peripherals to the system. This
is a five slot extender provides feature for four high-velocity cooling fans that need 1200W
power supply. The external PCIe connector has a cable connection to PCIe X8 host controller
and 5-slot PCI Express backplane that can provide an expansion port for the compatible user

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
installed PCIe cars. As mentioned by Clements et al. (2015), the PCIe is the extender that is
needed for host servers PCI express bus that is outside the server and provides an additional slot
for the application.
PCIe x1
PCIe x1 requires 40 V of voltage for operation. The current supply needs to be 1.5A per contact.
The contact resistance needs to be of maximum 20 milliohms. Dielectric withstanding voltage is
required to be 500V and insulation resistance needs to be of 100 Megohms. As mentioned by
Kõivomägi et al. (2015), Contact insertion force needs to be 0.60N for each circuit and insertion
force for PCB is required to be 44.50N. Mating force is 11.17N and un-mating force is 6.7N per
circuit. PCIe can meet durability at the rate of 1500 cycles. Operating temperature of PCIe x1 is
between -20 to 85°C.
1.3 Explanation the role of each of four pins for CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN3
Pin 1: Ground
Ground refers to the real earth potential that is needed for general surrounding. This is needed for
the signal and power that is coming outside of the circuit. Ground is needed for zapping the
dangerous potential to ground. Earth ground can have a matter for radio system that can have
types of antennas that can be used for earthen and is the part of overall motherboard.
Pin 2: 12V
12V power supply is commonly used. 12V uses combinations of transistors, diodes, and
transformers. 12VDC power supply refers to power supply of SMPS. As mentioned by Morrison
and Afek (2013), the switch based power supply has regulated 12VDC of output voltage that has
a high frequency of switching techniques that can be employed to pulse width modulation and
feedback.
Pin 3: FAN_TACH
The tachometer connected to fan is needed to calculate the speed of fan. The speed of fan can be
seen in BIOS. The RPM rating for fan has a typical value at full rated voltage and under specific
air pressure conditions. The actual speed of fan can vary because of an aging and fan speed
control circuit.

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Pin 4: FAN_CONTROL
Fan control can help in measuring humidity and temperature. The information can be calculated
for heat index that can be captured for temperature other than the actual temperature. The fan
control software can identify the operating speed and direction that can control the fan. When the
temperatures rises from the desired temperature range then fan starts running in forwarding
direction and create a cooling effect.
1.4 Price of motherboard
The best price for motherboard is on Amazon (Amazon.com, 2018)
Price: $219.99
Shipping Cost: $2.19
Tax: $19.99
Duties: $58.76
1.5 Type of modules for purchase
Crucial 16GB DDR4-2666 UDIMM is compatible with GA-Z170X-Ultra Gaming.
DIMM Type: Un-buffered
Total Capacity: 16GB
Speed: 2666 MT/s
Voltage: 1.2 V
X8 based
2. Question 2 — Process Architecture
Models of mobile
Model A: Dual-core 32-bit CPU: HTC Sensation XE
Model B: Dual-core 64-bit CPU: Asus Zenfone 5

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Model C: Quad-core 64-bit CPU:
Model D: Octa-core 64-bit CPU:
2.1 32-bit and 64-bit processor
32-bit processor
32-bit processor has a CPU architecture that can transfer 32 bits of data per clock cycle. This
amount of information is processed by CPU every time to perform an operation. 32-bit processor
is the primary processor that has a registered bit width of 32 bits and bus has a capacity of
transmitting 32 bits. 32 bit of processor usually uses x86 instruction set. As mentioned by
Basanta-Val et al. (2015), CISC machine can help in maximizing the size of instruction that can
be 32 bits long. The 32-bit processor includes a 32-bit register that can store 4,294,967,296
values. The data bus has 32 numbers of pathways that are available and are parallel to data for
traveling. 32-bit processor refers to the way how the data can be handled and represents the
memory address that can be used for representing the 32 bit. 32 bits processor refers to the state
that data can be read, processed and stored. As mentioned by Liu and Vinter (2015), this means
that 1’s and 0’s is used for representation of data. Some bits of the system can be used for
process and more data can be handled (Ieee.org, 2018).
64-bit processor
64-bit processor is the microprocessor that has a word size of 64 bits. 64-bit processor is required
by computer-aided design, database management system, and higher performance server and for
scientific application. 64-bit processor provides a higher performance as compared to 32-bit
processor and can handle twice as many bits of information compared to 32-bit processor. As
mentioned by Ye and Xu (2014), the 62-bit processor is backward compatible with operating
system and applications. 64 bits is the number that refers to the process and transmission of data
in parallel way. This refers to the number of bits that can be used for single elements in a data
format. This refers to the word size that can be used for defining a certain class of the computer
architecture, memory, bus, and CPU. As mentioned by Dallman and Nanson (2013), the 64-bit
processor donates 64 bits integer and memory address that are most of 64 bits. In

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
microprocessor, the 64 bits of data indicates the width of register. 64 bit microprocessor can able
to process the memory addresses and represent 64 bits of data.
2.2 Difference in 32-bit and 64-bit make about processor, RAM, and Apps
32-bit processor
32-bit processor consists of 32 bits. The architecture of 32-bit processor is based on address, data
bus, and register. As mentioned by Park et al. (2013), it is compatible with 32-bit operating
system and requires 32 bit CPUs. 32-bit processor consists of system that is limited to 3.2
Gigabytes of RAM. 32 bit processor has 32 bit mode on x86 that can flush the cache during
context switching because of overlapping of 4G address space. 32-bit processor can deal with
sheer amount of data that can be thrown.
64-bit processor
64-bit processor consists of 64 numbers of bits. The architecture of 64-bit processor is based on
address, registers and data buses that are 64 bits wide. The software uses 64 bits mean code for
64 bit of virtual memory address. 64-bit processor can allow up to 17 GB of RAM. The x64
architecture has more register that can help in easy optimization and counteract to the fact of
pointer that can be large and use the structure of pointers resulting in high memory traffic. As
mentioned by Homulle et al. (2017), the application performance is optimized by 15-30% as
compared to 32-bit processor. 64-bit processor has a bigger address space that can be addressed
and have benefits.
2.3 Number of cores improves the mobiles performance
Quad-core processor can be used for improving the performance of mobile devices. Quad-core
chips can offer a faster and better performance with a better battery backup. As mentioned by
Baruah and Guo (2013), the device with quad-core processor has a sharper screen resolution that
can stream HD videos smoother. Application and photos can be loaded faster with a heavy
graphic for multiplayer gaming. Quad-core processor can help in delivering a longer battery life

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
by sharing the workload between multiple CPU cores and each core runs at a lower frequency
and voltage. This helps in improving the battery life.
3. Question 3 — Building a Recommended Platform Machine
3.1 Fill out the tables
Build A: Gaming Computer
Parts Model Cost Link
Motherboard Gigabyte -
Z370 AORUS
Gaming 7 (rev.
1.0) ATX
LGA1151
Motherboard
$369
https://www.umart.com.au/goods.php?id=40470
CPU Intel Core i7-
8700K
$520 https://www.umart.com.au/Intel-Core-i7-
8700K-Six-Core-LGA-1151-3-7-GHz-CPU-
Processor_40433G.html
Memory Ballistix by
Crucial 16GB
Kit (8GBx2)
RGB DDR4
3000 MT/s
(PC4-24000)
$225 https://www.umart.com.au/Ballistix-by-Crucial-
16GB-Kit--8GBx2--RGB-DDR4-3000-MT-s--
PC4-24000--CL16-DR-x8-Un-buffered-DIMM-
288p_43637G.html

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
CL16 DR x8
Un-buffered
DIMM 288p
Storage
Hitachi HGST
Travelstar
0J38065 2.5'
500GB SATA
6GB/s
5400RPM
$49 https://www.umart.com.au/Hitachi-HGST-
Travelstar-0J38065-2-5--500GB-SATA-6GB-s-
5400RPM_28770G.html
Graphics
Sapphire
Radeon RX
570 4G Pulse
Gaming
Graphics
Card
$299 https://www.umart.com.au/Sapphire-Radeon-
RX-570-4G-Pulse-Gaming-Graphics-
Card_39551G.html
Display
Gigabyte
GeForce GTX
970 Mini ITX
Overclocked
4GB Video
$479 https://www.umart.com.au/Gigabyte-GeForce-
GTX-970-Mini-ITX-Overclocked-4GB-Video-
Card_29611G.html

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Card
Table 1: Parts of Gaming Computer
(Source: Created by Author)
Figure 1: Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151
Motherboard
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 2: CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 3: Memory: Ballistix by Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) RGB DDR4 3000 MT/s (PC4-
24000) CL16 DR x8 Un-buffered DIMM 288p
(Source: )
Figure 4: Storage: Hitachi HGST Travelstar 0J38065 2.5' 500GB SATA 6GB/s 5400RPM
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 5: Graphics: Sapphire Radeon RX 570 4G Pulse Gaming Graphics Card
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 6: Display: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Mini ITX Overclocked 4GB Video Card
(Source: )
Build B: Database server
Parts Model Cost Link

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Motherboar
d QNAP TS-
EC2480U-
E3-4GE-R2
24 Bay
Rackmount
NAS
$629
9
https://www.umart.com.au/QNAP-TS-EC2480U-E3-
4GE-R2-24-Bay-Rackmount-NAS_44338G.html
CPU HP 719052-
B21 DL380
Gen9 E5-
2609V3 Kit
$660 https://www.umart.com.au/HP-719052-B21-DL380-
Gen9-E5-2609V3-Kit_35156G.html
Memory HP 16GB
(1x16GB)
Dual Rank
x8 DDR4-
2666 CAS-
19-19-19
Registered
Smart
Memory Kit
$469 https://www.umart.com.au/HP-16GB--1x16GB--Dual-
Rank-x8-DDR4-2666-CAS-19-19-19-Registered-Smart-
Memory-Kit_41447G.html

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Storage Seagate
Barracuda
ST3000DM0
07 3.5" 3TB
HDD
$125 https://www.ple.com.au/Products/625148/Seagate-
Barracuda-ST3000DM007-35-3TB-HDD
Graphics VisionTek
Radeon 4350
512MB
DDR2 (DVI-
I, HDMI,
VGA)
Graphics
Card -
900270
$55 https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B002AKKMNI/?
tag=pcppau-22
Display
Gigabyte
GeForce GT
710 PCIe x 8
1GB DDR5
DVI HDMI
D-SUB
Video Card
$39 https://www.umart.com.au/Gigabyte-GeForce-GT-710-
PCIe-x-8-1GB-DDR5-DVI-HDMI-D-SUB-Video-
Card_39622G.html
Table 2: Parts of Database Server
(Source: Created by Author)

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 7: Motherboard: QNAP TS-EC2480U-E3-4GE-R2 24 Bay Rackmount NAS
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 8: CPU: HP 719052-B21 DL380 Gen9 E5-2609V3 Kit
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 9: Memory: HP 16GB (1x16GB) Dual Rank x8 DDR4-2666 CAS-19-19-19
Registered Smart Memory Kit
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 10: Storage: Seagate Barracuda ST3000DM007 3.5" 3TB HDD
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 11: Graphics: VisionTek Radeon 4350 512MB DDR2 (DVI-I, HDMI, VGA) Graphics
Card - 900270
(Source: )

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Figure 12: Display: Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 PCIe x 8 1GB DDR5 DVI HDMI D-SUB
Video Card
(Source: )
3.2 Compare and contrast each part with that of the other build
Motherboard
Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard supports 8th
generation Intel core processors and has a dual channel Un-buffered DDR4 RAM. QNAP TS-
EC2480U-E3-4GE-R2 24 Bay Rackmount NAS has throughput of 3700 Mb/s and scalable
design up to 912 TB raw capacity.
CPU
Intel Core i7-8700K has 6 cores and 12 threads. The processor base frequency is 3.70 GHz and
maximum turbo frequency of 4.70 GHz. Moreover, HP 719052-B21 DL380 Gen9 E5-2609V3
Kit in IT address and growing demand that are placed on Infrastructure and supporting business
growth.
Memory

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Ballistix by Crucial 16GB Kit (8GBx2) RGB DDR4 3000 MT/s (PC4-24000) CL16 DR x8 Un-
buffered DIMM 288p has a total capacity of 16GB. It is un-buffered memory that requires 1.34V
of current supply. HP 16GB (1x16GB) Dual Rank x8 DDR4-2666 CAS-19-19-19 Registered
Smart Memory Kit uses a high-quality material for DDR4 server memory and reduces issue.
Storage
Hitachi HGST Travelstar 0J38065 2.5' 500GB SATA 6GB/s 5400RPM is a 5400 with speed of
6Gb/s. Seagate Barracuda ST3000DM007 3.5" 3TB HDD is a SATA hard disk with the speed of
6Gb/s that has 15 mm form factor.
Graphics
Sapphire Radeon RX 570 4G Pulse Gaming Graphics Card is loaded with innovation gaming
with size of 4GB. VisionTek Radeon 4350 512MB DDR2 (DVI-I, HDMI, VGA) Graphics Card
- 900270 has video memory of 512 MB.
Display
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Mini ITX Overclocked 4GB Video Card is integrated with 4GB
DDR5 memory and has memory interface of 256-bit. Gigabyte GeForce GT 710 PCIe x 8 1GB
DDR5 DVI HDMI D-SUB Video Card is integrated with 1GB DDR5 65 bit memory and has
PCI Express 2.
3.3 Key technical specifications for each part
Part Name of part Technical
Specification
(Gaming
Computer)
Name of Part
Technical
Specification
(Database
Server)
Motherboard Gigabyte - Z370
AORUS Gaming
7 (rev. 1.0) ATX
LGA1151
Processor Socket
LGA
1151
Memory
QNAP TS-
EC2480U-E3-
4GE-R2 24 Bay
Total memory
slots: 4
System memory:
4GB DDR3 ECC

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Motherboard Technology
DDR4
Wireless Type
802.11.a
Number of
HDMI Ports 1
Wattage
800
Rackmount NAS
RAM
Memory module
pre-installed: 2
GB x2
Flash Memory
512MB
DOM
USB
4x USB 3.0 port
(rear)
4x USB 2.0 port
(rear)
Support USB
printer, pen
drive, USB hub,
and USB UPS
etc.
CPU Intel Core i7-
8700K
Cores
6
Threads
12
Processor Base
Frequency
3.70 GHz
Max Turbo
Frequency
4.70 GHz
Cache
HP 719052-B21
DL380 Gen9 E5-
2609V3 Kit
Clock Speed
1.90 GHz
QuickPath
Interconnect
6.40 GT/s
Direct Media
Interface5 GT/s
L2 Cache
1.50 MB
L3 Cache 15
MB

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
12 MB
SmartCache
Bus Speed
8 GT/s DMI3
TDP
95 W
Process
Technology 22
nm
Memory Ballistix by
Crucial 16GB
Kit (8GBx2)
RGB DDR4
3000 MT/s
(PC4-24000)
CL16 DR x8 Un-
buffered DIMM
288p
Un-buffered
NON-ECC
DDR4-3000
1024Meg x 64
Module Qty 2
Speed 3000
MT/S
Voltage
1.35V
HP 16GB
(1x16GB) Dual
Rank x8 DDR4-
2666 CAS-19-
19-19 Registered
Smart Memory
Kit
DIMM type :
RDIMM
DIMM capacity :
16 GB
DIMM rank :
Dual
DIMM native
speed (MT/s) :
2666 MT/s
Voltage : 1.2 V
Storage
Hitachi HGST
Travelstar
0J38065 2.5'
500GB SATA
6GB/s 5400RPM
Data Buffer
(MB) 8
Rotational Speed
(RPM) 5400
Latency Average
(ms) 5.5
Media transfer
rate (Mbits/sec,
max) 1087
Interface transfer
Seagate
Barracuda
ST3000DM007
3.5" 3TB HDD
Computer
Memory Type
DDR3
SDRAM
Hard Drive Size
3072 GB
Hard Drive
Interface
Serial

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
rate (MB/sec,
max) 600
ATA
Wattage 8 Watts
Graphics
Sapphire Radeon
RX 570 4G
Pulse Gaming
Graphics Card
Max Screen
Resolution
3840 x
2160
RAM 1 GB
Memory Speed
1750
MHz
Graphics Card
Ram Size 4
GB
VisionTek
Radeon 4350
512MB DDR2
(DVI-I, HDMI,
VGA) Graphics
Card - 900270
Graphics RAM
Type DDR2
SDRAM
Graphics Card
Ram Size
0.5 GB
Graphics Card
Interface
PCI-E
Number of
HDMI Ports 1
Number of VGA
Ports 1
Wattage
350
Watts
Display
Gigabyte
GeForce GTX
970 Mini ITX
Overclocked
4GB Video Card
Max Screen
Resolution
4096 x
2160
Graphics Card
Ram Size 4
GB
Hardware
Gigabyte
GeForce GT 710
PCIe x 8 1GB
DDR5 DVI
HDMI D-SUB
Video Card
Core Clock
954 MHz
Process
Technology 28
nm
Memory Clock
5010

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Connectivity
PCIE x
16, PCIE x 16
MHz
Memory Size 1
GB
Memory Type
DDR5
Memory Bus 64
bit
Card Bus
PCI-E 2.0
x 8
Digital max
resolution
4096 X
2160
Table 3: Technical specifications
(Source: Created by Author)
3.4 Benchmark for each CPU, Memory, Storage, and Graphics
Part Name of Part Benchmark Name of Part Benchmark
CPU Intel Core i7-
8700K
15969 HP 719052-B21
DL380 Gen9 E5-
2609V3 Kit
7125

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Memory Ballistix by
Crucial 16GB
Kit (8GBx2)
RGB DDR4
3000 MT/s
(PC4-24000)
CL16 DR x8 Un-
buffered DIMM
288p
10214 HP 16GB
(1x16GB) Dual
Rank x8 DDR4-
2666 CAS-19-
19-19 Registered
Smart Memory
Kit
3165
Storage
Hitachi HGST
Travelstar
0J38065 2.5'
500GB SATA
6GB/s 5400RPM
2545 Seagate
Barracuda
ST3000DM007
3.5" 3TB HDD
5432
Graphics
Sapphire Radeon
RX 570 4G
Pulse Gaming
Graphics Card
10425 VisionTek
Radeon 4350
512MB DDR2
(DVI-I, HDMI,
VGA) Graphics
Card - 900270
2387
Table 4: Benchmark
(Source: Created by Author)

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
4. Question 4 — Advanced question
4.1 What is Bitcoin mining? What does Bitcoin hash rate mean and how is it measured?
Bitcoin mining is a computer process that is used for verification and secure transaction of
bitcoins (Stevenson, 2013). Bitcoin Hash rate is the speed that can be computed for completing
the operation of Bitcoin code and it can be measured by derived formula (Bitcoin.org, 2018).
4.2 Describe and compare the main Bitcoin mining hardware types
Dragonmint 16T
Dragonite 16T is a new technology and needs 1600 W of power supply. This needs power supply
of 220-240 V (Raiborn and Sivitanides, 2015).
Antminer S7
Antminer S7 has a high hash rate of 4.73 TH/s and is efficient at 0.25 Joule. This is a popular
miner for plentiful guides (Paul et al., 2014).
Antminer S9
Antminer S9 has the highest available hash rate of 14 TH/s and is efficient at 0.1 Joule per GH/s
(Cook, 2013).
Avalon 6
Avalon 6 is the second common and efficient Bitcoin miner in the market and has less hash
power (Meiklejohn et al., 2013).
Antminer R4
Antminer R4 has a quiet fan and is efficient to Bitcoin miner like Antminer S9 (Kadam et al.,
2015).
4.3 Minimum system requirements for Bitcoin mining
Disk space
145 GB
Download
500 MB/day (15 GB/month)*

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
Upload
5 GB/day (150 GB/month)
Memory (RAM)
1 GB
System
Desktop
Laptop
Some ARM chipsets >1 GHz (Vockathaler, 2015)
Operating system
Windows 7/8.x/10 (Van Alstyne, 2014)
Mac OS X
Linux
4.4 Bitcoin mining pool
Bitcoin mining pool is an approach for developing contributors among the clients. As stated by
DeLeo and Stull (2014), the pool mining may result in an efficient outcome for reducing
granularity in order to block generating reward. The process follows score based method that has
lower weight than other recent shares that is reduced by motivation to cheat and switching pools
(Bitcoinfoundation.org, 2018).

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY
References
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Baruah, S. and Guo, Z., 2013, December. Mixed-criticality scheduling upon varying-speed
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Amazon.com (2018), GAZ170X Motherboard, Available at: [Accessed on: 03/09/2018]
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Ieee.org (2018), 32 bit VS 64 bit processor, Available at: [Accessed on: 03/09/2018]