Overview / Usage

As a mechanical engineering student, I typically have to run intensive software that requires a large amount of memory and processing power, and I also love to play video games on my free time. My current laptop can run most 3D rendering software well, but I typically cannot open more than a few applications at a time, without risk of my laptop shutting down.

I have had an interest in computers and electrical engineering for quite some time, and I am currently interested in entering graduate school for computer science or electrical engineering. At the same time, I still want to use the knowledge that I gained through mechanical engineering to design and build a PC. For those reasons, I designed a PC case that I would like to manufacture if I am chosen as a finalist for this competition. Having the opportunity to build this PC is a great honor, and I would love to be able to work with Intel as an intern!

Methodology / Approach

PC Parts Rationale

Engineering students often have to run intensive software that requires a large amount of volatile-memory and processing power. For this reason, this project was designed to use a 12th generation Alder Lake CPU (the i9-12900K) and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. From the numerous reviews and benchmarks that I have seen of the i9-12900K, the CPU is more than capable of handling all of the software that I need to use, and the opportunity to handle the strongest CPU in the market and DDR5 RAM is something that I would have never thought possible at this point in time.

For graphics, I plan on using an MSI Ventus GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, since the latest 30-series video cards are capable of running all modern-day video games at high quality.

For the motherboard, I plan on using the MPG Z690 Carbon WIFI, since it has the potential for supporting any DDR5 RAM that I would be fortunate enough to get my hands on, and since it also has built-in wifi.

In terms of flash memory, I plan on using one Intel 670p Series M.2 2280 1TB PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 QLC SSD and a 1Tb Western Digital Internal Hard Drive. The HDD will primarily be used for storing applications and documents that I do not plan on using as often, while the SSD will be used for its faster access to run engineering software and video games.

In terms of OS, I currently plan on using Windows 10 Pro, but will likely update to Windows 11 at a later date.

Lastly, I plan on using a dual monitor setup with 2560x1440 resolutions, since the level of detail that both screens would show would be phenomenal, while also not demanding too much from the graphics card. Since the graphics card I plan on using also has G-Sync, the two monitors that I currently plan on using are also capable of supporting G-Sync. Both monitors will be connected to the GPU through DisplayPort cables. However, whenever I plan on coding or simply doing homework, I also plan on taking advantage of the integrated graphics of the CPU.

In terms of peripheral hardware, I plan on using the current wireless mouse that I own (the G703 Lightspeed) and the current set of wired headphones that I also own.

One of my largest concerns for the PC is the amount of heat transfer throughout the computer. Currently, I plan on using an AIO cooler to ensure that the CPU runs at a decent temperature, and I plan on using air coolers that I already own in the front and back of the design to ensure decent airflow. Additionally, I plan on adding an Arduino, BMP280 module, and LCD screen to monitor the temperatures and air pressure within the case, as described below.

PC Case

Currently, the PC case is designed to have hinges that can be easily opened in the case that maintenance needs to be done on any of the internal components. I plan on purchasing the hinges from a third-party, and will likely 3D print the handles. The clear panels that will be capable of swinging will be machined out of acrylic, and I plan on either 3D printing the rest of the PC case or machining the case out of stock metal at my university.

Currently, I also plan on adding an Arduino microcontroller to the PC along with a BMP280 barometer and thermostat in order to read the temperature and air pressure within the case. The Arduino and BMP280 will be connected to an LCD screen on the front panel of the PC, and it will output the temperature and air pressure within the PC so that I can monitor the condition within the case and ensure that the case has decent airflow and internal temperatures.

Note that the 3D render was designed using measurements found online, with all the parts in the Technologies Used section. The monitors were modeled such that they displayed accurate dimensions, but without a high level of detail.

Also note that the screws in the different plates that compose the PC case have not been added, and will be machined by hand when all the components of the case have been made. Also, components like fans and the power button were not added, in order to emphasize the shape and design of the personalized PC case.

Final Message

Thanks so much for Intel for this amazing opportunity! Being able to design and build my dream multitasking workstation while also being given the opportunity to work for Intel is definitely something that I wasn't expecting to be able to do in my junior year of college, and I couldn't be more appreciative! Best of luck to the rest of the finalists!

Technologies Used

Modeling Software

• SolidWorks (3D rendering)

PC Parts

• MPG Z690 Carbon WIFI
• i9-12900K Alder Lake CPU
• MSI Ventus GeForce RTX 3070
• Seasonic FOCUS PX-850 Power Supply
• MSI MEG CORELIQUID S360
• Intel 670p Series M.2 2280 1TB PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 QLC Internal Solid State Drive
• Western Digital 1TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive
• PC Case (to be manufactured)
• 2 x 16GB RAM

PC Case Parts

• Acryllic
• ABS/PLA
• Bolts and nuts
• BMP280 module
• Arduino microcontroller
• 62mm x 44mm LCD screen

Monitors

• Samsung Odyssey G7 27-in 2560x1440 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor
• Dell 27 Gaming Monitor: S2721DGF (owned)

Operating Software

• Windows 10 Pro

Peripherals

• CORSAIR K68 RGB Gaming Keyboard
• G703 Lightspeed mouse (owned)

Other links

• Google Drive link for all SolidWorks models of the PC Case (note if you don't own SolidWorks, you can open them with eDrawings Viewer, which is free)