Introduction:
âNuts & Bolts Imaging is a new company that provides high-quality 3D animation images in the automotive department. Since the client base has grown and the scale of projects also becomes bigger, there is a need to enhance the current computer systems. The purpose of this report is therefore to propose and detail the specifications of a new high-performance Desktop PCs and file-servers' to improve 3D animation. Emphasis will be made on identifying the components that would support the run of NewTek's Lightwave3D, data security, and affordable prices. The rationalization behind this upgrade is to improve efficiency, data accuracy, and to future-proof the system. The subsequent sub-topics will explain the various hardware solutions proposed in detail alongside their rationale.
Main Body
Requirements Analysis:
For the purpose of a more detailed specification of the requirements, it is necessary to consider both the hardware and the software demands that are going to be needed when implementing âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ 3D animations. The primary software is NewTek's Lightwave3D. It is an extensive program that requires intensive computing resources and a significant amount of memory and efficient graphics accelerator is also a must. Ask for Economics Assignment Help from our experts!
Hardware Requirements
- Processor: Especially a multi-core processor like Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 to render those complex scenes quickly.
- Graphics Card: Special graphics card such as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 to enable fast rendering of the 3D animations.
- Memory: To handle large animation task and also to support multi-tasking, at least 32 GB RAM.
- Storage: For reading and writing efficiently, TB of SSD will be installed and to store files 2TB of HDD will be used.
- Display: Two 4K monitors to ensure sufficient space on the working area and good visibility of the information.
Software Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 Professional for Lightwave3D compatibility & advanced security.
- Security Software: Proper antivirus and firewall to combat with the viruses and firewalls for safe data.
- Backup Software: Reliable backup solutions to safeguard against data loss and carefully planned growth capabilities.
Budget Constraints
Each PC budget is not to exceed £3500, of which 10% is considered as profit. In the case of servers, the budget is £3000per unit cost and this includes the profit margin.
Security Requirements
Due to the sensitivity of the work, there is a need to ensure that data security is top-notch. Measures include:
- Encryption: Data protection in stored and transferred data.
- Access Control: Secure procedures of checking after reviewing all the possible means of entry.
- Regular Updates: Ensure that each of them is up to date and has no susceptibilities to being influenced by malicious code.
Table of Key Requirements
Component |
Specification |
Processor |
Intel Core i9/AMD Ryzen 9 |
Graphics Card |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 |
Memory |
32GB RAM |
Storage |
1TB SSD + 2TB HDD |
Display |
Dual 4K Monitors |
OS |
Windows 10 Professional |
Security |
Antivirus, Firewall |
Budget (PC) |
£3500 (including profit) |
Budget (Server) |
£3000 (including profit) |
PC Specifications and Design:
Processor
The PC's processors selected for were the Intel Core i9-12900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X. These processors offer good multi-core scalability that can be desirable for rendering and computing intensive 3D animation. The Intel Core i9-12900K is the best for single-core handling while the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is formidable in multi-core workloads (Litzinger, 2023). Thus, both options provide for optimal handling of the challenging operations needed for Lightwave3D and enable a strong basis for the animation. Get Assignment Examples? Talk to our Experts!
Graphics Card
For graphics processing, the best option is to select NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080. This is a graphics card that is made specifically for graphics intensive computations, comes with plenty of CUDA cores as well as memory to handle complex 3D computations well (Ukarande et al., 2021). This is particularly useful where there is the need to simulate realistic light rays for the purpose of animation and also, to improve the quality of the effects to be produced. Moreover, it also ensures that the animators have all that is necessary to enable them come up with quality animations.
Memory
An additional feature that will be installed in each PC is 32 GB of DDR4 RAM. Such a considerable amount of RAM is required to run other applications and work with extensive files at the same time to avoid any lagging (Bradshaw et al., 2019). This is important as it can cause delay when doing rendering and can cause inefficiencies in the animation production cycle.
Storage
For storage options there is a 1 TB NVMe SSD and a 2 TB HDD storage. The NVMe SSD 1TB contributes to enhancing data transfer rates and overall manufacturing system performance and decreasing loading times (Ziegler et al., 2022). The extra 2TB HDD meets the need for more storage space for large PSD files, animation files, and other project backups to accommodate the requirements of more demanding 3D animations.
Display
The PCs will have two 27 Inch 4K displays on each system. These high-resolution displays offer animators a large encompassing environment, which is vital for animators to meticulously work on small aspects of animation. This brings the aspect of an extended workspace where one can efficiently handle different applications and windows, all from the ergonomic design provided by the dual monitors.
Security
Security is particularly important throughout the design. To further ensure the security of individual PCs, each will have adequate anti-virus and firewalls that may help in preventing threats. Secure data communications will be used to prevent data from being intercepted, all data shall be encoded to enhance security, and regular update of software will be done to cover all security vulnerabilities. There will also be considerations and implementation of strong authentication methods to reduce access infringement.
Operating System
For the PC's the operating system selected is windows 10 professional. This version is more secure than previous versions, it offers good performance management and is compatible with most professional 3D animation software including Lightwave3D (Bettany and Warren, 2019). Also, it has the strong network compatibility which allow it to smoothly link with the server of the company.
Budget Considerations
There is a maximum price limit of £3500 per pc and this includes profit margin of 10%. As for the cost breakdown, it is imperative to include those high-performance components covering the requirements that 3D animation imposes on the operation while staying cost-effective. This budget enables one to purchase imperative hardware equipment's that are effective and possess high security strength.
Summary
The specified PCs are intended for employ at âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ for 3D animation work that has high demands on performance These components provide for effective operation, high quality of graphic displays, sufficient amount of memory and storage, high security and an easy-to-use operating system. This design not only caters for the specific need of the animators today but also expandable to meet the future extension and improvement on technology. Want to get Assignment help? Talk Our Expert Now!
File Server Specifications and Design:
Processor
As for the selected processor for the file servers, it is the Intel Xeon Silver 4214. As the name suggests, this processor is for mid-tier applications, with 12 cores and 24 threads, allowing multiple operations to run at once and for it to run efficiently (Dolganina et al., 2022). Due to its stability and efficient usage it can be good for servers where high traffic receives consistency in use.
Memory
Each of the servers will have 64GB of ECC DDR4 random access memory. ECC memory is very important for servers since it can find and correct internal destructive changes of data. The consumption of RAM guarantees that the servers can process large data and multiple transactions which is helpful when it comes to storage and retrieval of animation files.
Storage
The storage configuration is good where fast SSDs and large-capacity HDDs are both used in that configuration. The primary storage in each server will be a 2TB NVMe SSD this is because the NVMe SSD can deliver better IO rates, particularly in comparison with traditional spinning disks. Also, a 10TB HDD will be used for the purpose of secondary storage and data backup and this will ensure enough space is provided with the animations' extensive file sizes as well as guarantee for the data's safety.
Network Capabilities
The servers will be equipped with dual 10GbE network interface cards (NICs). These high-speed network connections are necessary to support fast data transfer rates between the servers and the PCs (Johnston et al., 2020). The dual NICs also provide redundancy, ensuring continuous network availability and minimizing downtime in case of a network failure.
Operating System
Based on the requirements stated above, the chosen operating system is Windows Server 2019. This OS is selected based on durability, safety, and integration with enterprises' applications. The amazing features present here include Active Directory that can be used to frame the user account and secure it. Also, it supports virtualization and advanced containerization options, providing more freedom in such processes.
Data Redundancy and Backup
To further enhance the aspect of data replication as well as the availability of the servers, the configuration will be in RAID 1 (mirroring). This setup entails creating exactly the same data on two drives, and this is helpful in case one of the drives is defected (Khasan and Khomonenko, 2024). Additional safety will also be provided by automated backups that, after purchasing reliable backup software, will be set to create backups at regular time intervals. This approach ensures the animation projects get a constant protection and if something happens the project is easily retrievable.
Security Features
There is no doubt that security is a very important aspect in the physical design of servers. Every server will come with enhanced security touch such as encrypting of the hardware and booting features. Also improved antivirus and firewall aspects will be incorporated in order to protect the computer from virus and unauthorized access (Easttom, 2019). It will also be necessary to apply strict access rules which will allow only authorized users access to certain data.
Budget Considerations
In the case of the servers, the amount of £3000 has been set as the maximum allowable for any server. This cost also covers parts, which must be high performing so as to afford a reliable and efficient server deck. The concept is used to choose the most optimum parts that would competitively perform their expected function in regard to the operational needs of âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ despite the budget constraint.
Summary
These are specific file servers meant for efficient performance, dependability, and security of the 3D animation files. Equipped with powerful processors, plenty of memory, fast storage and enhanced security measures, these servers will remain productive and keep data safeguarded. This design meets the current requirements of âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ and can incorporate future developments and growth.
Cost Breakdown and Adherence to Budget
Cost Breakdown for Each PC
Component |
Specification |
Cost per Unit (£) |
Processor |
Intel Core i9-12900K |
450 |
Motherboard |
Compatible high-performance |
200 |
Graphics Card |
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 |
700 |
Memory |
32GB DDR4 RAM |
150 |
Storage (SSD) |
1TB NVMe SSD |
100 |
Storage (HDD) |
2TB HDD |
60 |
Monitors |
Dual 27-inch 4K |
500 |
Power Supply |
750W PSU |
80 |
Case |
Mid-tower case |
70 |
Cooling System |
High-performance cooling system |
50 |
OS License |
Windows 10 Professional |
120 |
Security Software |
Antivirus and Firewall |
70 |
Total |
2550 |
Cost Breakdown for Each Server
Component |
Specification |
Cost per Unit (£) |
Processor |
Intel Xeon Silver 4214 |
500 |
Motherboard |
Server-grade compatible |
300 |
Memory |
64GB ECC DDR4 RAM |
300 |
Storage (SSD) |
2TB NVMe SSD |
200 |
Storage (HDD) |
10TB HDD |
300 |
Network Card |
Dual 10GbE NIC |
150 |
Power Supply |
850W Redundant PSU |
120 |
Case |
Rack-mounted server case |
100 |
Cooling System |
Server-grade cooling system |
80 |
OS License |
Windows Server 2019 |
200 |
Security Software |
Antivirus and Firewall |
100 |
Total |
2350 |
Adherence to Budget
PC Budget:
Allocated Budget per PC |
£3500 |
Total Cost per PC |
£2550 |
Remaining Budget |
£950 per PC |
Server Budget:
Allocated Budget per Server |
£3000 |
Total Cost per Server |
£2350 |
Remaining Budget |
£650 per Server |
Analyzing the above information quantitatively, it is evident that each PC is below the maximum allowable price of £3500 and that there is additional £950 available per PC. In the same regard, each server costs £2350 thus passing the economical budget for each server at £3000 with a balance of £650 for each server. This guarantees the style of the plan follows the pre-determined budgetary capacity yet offers remarkable as well as long-lasting faculties for âNuts & Bolts Imaging.â
Implementation Plan:
The general plan of actions related to introduction of the new PC and server environment in the context of âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ includes the following steps. First, equipment and/or parts will be purchased from established vendors as a means of obtaining first-hand parts to avoid compatibility issues. After that the process of procurement, assembly of thirty PCs along with two servers shall be done by the qualified technical personnel. After that, every assembled PC and server will be tested for its functionality and durability in order to ensure fluid performance.
Subsequently, the network configuration will be set, which involves the connection of the new systems with the network. This entails configuring of the servers by adding the two 10GbE Network Interface Cards and assure that they are properly connected. Special attention will be provided on data transfer from old systems to new servers so that no data loss should occur. Last, but not least, such security arrangements as encryption and antivirus programs will be set, and all the systems will be provided with the newest firmware and software updates. In regards to implementing change operation, there will be training meetings to update the working staff about the new systems.
Conclusion:
The proposed upgrade to the PC and server infrastructure at âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ is supremely planned for their sophisticated 3D animation requirements. New systems will option the Intel Xeon processors and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphic cards making it ideal for enhancing productivity. Sufficient memory and storage help the processor to handle multiple operations and data effortlessly. Information will be protected using encryption and quality antivirus to ensure that it is safe from unauthorized access or tampering. This aspect follows the budget line aspect by containing the cost probable would be incurred in developing expensive beautiful models. The detailed implementation plan means that there will not be a lot of disruption and this leads to an immediate increase of efficiency within an organization. This enhancement caters for now but also has the capacity to be expanded to accommodate for prospective future needs. Overall, the new infrastructure puts âNuts & Bolts Imagingâ on sound footing to excel in the future and remain competitive in the constantly evolving field of 3D animation.
References
- Bettany, A. and Warren, A., 2019. Exam Ref MD-100 Windows 10. Microsoft Press.
- Bradshaw, S., Brazil, E. and Chodorow, K., 2019. MongoDB: the definitive guide: powerful and scalable data storage. O'Reilly Media.
- Dolganina, N., Ivanova, E., Bilenko, R. and Rekachinsky, A., 2022, March. HPC Resources of South Ural State University. In International Conference on Parallel Computational Technologies (pp. 43-55). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
- Easttom, C., 2019. Computer security fundamentals. Pearson IT certification.
- Johnston, W.E., Jacobson, V.L., Loken, S.C., Robertson, D.W. and Tierney, B.L., 2020. High-Performance Computing, High-Speed Networks, and Configurable Computing Environments: Progress Toward Fully Distributed Computing. In High-performance Computing in Biomedical Research (pp. 185-225). CRC Press.
- Khasan, R.A. and Khomonenko, A., 2024. RAID: Data reliability and performance analysis. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 549, p. 08023). EDP Sciences.
- Litzinger, S., 2023, December. Heuristic Scheduling of Streaming Applications for Energy Efficiency on Heterogeneous Multicores. In 2023 IEEE International Conference on High Performance Computing & Communications, Data Science & Systems, Smart City & Dependability in Sensor, Cloud & Big Data Systems & Application (HPCC/DSS/SmartCity/DependSys) (pp. 225-232). IEEE.
- Ukarande, A., Patidar, S. and Rangan, R., 2021. Locality-aware cta scheduling for gaming applications. ACM Transactions on Architecture and Code Optimization (TACO), 19(1), pp.1-26.
- Ziegler, T., Binnig, C. and Leis, V., 2022, June. ScaleStore: A fast and cost-efficient storage engine using DRAM, NVMe, and RDMA. In Proceedings of the 2022 International Conference on Management of Data (pp. 685-699).