Purchasing Windows Computers
Desktop Windows computers with processors below a Core i5 Processor and notebooks with processors below a Core i7 Processor are not recommended for purchase. A minimum of 4GB of RAM is recommended; 8GB is preferred. For those running a Virtual Machine (VM) using software like VMware Desktop, Windows XP Compatibility mode will require 8GB or RAM or more. See the table below for additional details. Contact DSP (dsp@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-288-6959) if you are not sure which computer meets these standards.
New Purchase Recomendations
|
User
|
Type
|
Model
|
Recommendation
|
Minimum RAM
|
|
Normal
|
Desktop
|
OptiPlex 790 Minitower
|
Encouraged
|
4 GB
8 GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
|
Laptop
|
ThinkPad X230 (Tablet Style)
|
Encouraged
|
4 GB
8 GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
|
Laptop
|
ThinkPad X1
|
Encouraged
|
4GB
8GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
Power
|
Laptop
|
Latitude E5430
|
Encouraged
|
4 GB
8 GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
|
Laptop
|
ThinkPad T430
|
Encouraged
|
8 GB
16 GB (VM)
|
|
Power
|
Laptop
|
ThinkPad T530
|
Encouraged
|
8 GB
16 GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
Power
|
Laptop
|
Latitude E6430
|
Encouraged
|
4 GB
8 GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
Power
|
Laptop
|
Latitude E5530
|
Encouraged
|
4 GB
8 GB (VM)
|
|
Normal
Power
|
All
|
HP, Sony, Acer, etc.
|
Discouraged
|
All
|
|
Power
|
Desktop
|
OptiPlex 990 Minitower
|
Encouraged
|
8 GB
|
Table Key
- Normal – Typical computing power to handle general business tasks (i.e., access to email, Internet, basic office functions, calendar).
- Power – Extra computing power for resource intensive programs (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, other design software).
- Encouraged – Recommended.
- Discouraged – Not recommended for performance or compatibility issues.
- Neutral – May be desired, but is not typical in our environment. Talk with DSP for alternatives or recommendations.
For detailed desktop and laptop configurations contact Computer Sales. For a computer quote, complete the Computer Quote Request Form.
