Recommended PCs - CMU/SCS Computing Facilities
The following PC configurations, in four main categories, are recommended by SCS Facilities:Unless otherwise noted, SCS Facilities has tested these configurations and found them to work as dual-boot Windows 7/Linux machines. If you choose to purchase a PC not on this list and wish to run Linux, please check with SCS Purchasing to confirm that your proposed hardware is compatible with an SCS Facilities-supported version.
Some flexibility is possible regarding memory and disk configurations. In addition, variations on the basic configuration are available, and SCS Facilities will attempt to accommodate special needs.
SCS Facilities recommends purchasing business or enterprise class machines and hardware. Disadvantages to purchasing non-business class machines include:
- Machines may not be eligible for Facilities support. Send mail to help@cs.cmu.edu prior to purchasing a non-business class machine to check what your support options are.
- Systems will take longer to build and may have significantly longer repair turnarounds
Warranty Information
To be eligible for SCS Facilities hardware support, Apple computer purchases must include AppleCare coverage. AppleCare extends the manufacturer warranty to 3 years.
To be eligible for SCS Facilities hardware support, Dell and Lenovo purchases must include the accidental damage protection offered by the manufacturer. This coverage protects laptops for 3 years and servers and desktops for 4 years.
To be eligible for SCS Facilities hardware support, computer purchases from other manufacturers must include any extended warranty or accidental damage protection, if offered.
Once the manufacturer warranty expires, SCS Facilities hardware support will remain in effect until you request to have it removed.
To order a machine, and for any questions or problems, please contact SCS Purchasing.
All prices are subject to change. For a list of available Dell Equipment, access the company's site via the CMU "Internet Purchasing Portals" page (offsite link, will open in a new window and requires ISO clearance). Then select "Dell" on the pulldown "Supplier List." For more information about Lenovo ThinkPads, see the CMU Computer Store site.
Recommended laptops
Note: SCS Facilities software support is not offered on Linux laptops.
Please contact SCS Purchasing for assistance configuring any of these recommended machines to better meet your needs.
Standard: Lenovo Thinkpad T430
Intel ® Dual Core i7-3520M Processor (2.9GHz), 16GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD±RW, 14.0" (1600x900) Display, 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 includes accidental damage protection $1499.00
Lenovo Thinkpad T430s
Intel ® Core i7-3520M Processor (2.9GHz), 16GB RAM, 180 GB Solid State Drive, DVD±RW,14.0" (1600x900) Display, 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooh 4.0, includes accidental damage protection $1833.00
Dell Latitude E6430
Intel® Core i7-3540M Processor (3.0GHz), 16 GB RAM, 750 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive, 14.0" HD (1600x900) Anti-Glare LED-backlit display, wireless 802.11n, includes accidental damage protection $1397.36
Dell Latitude E6230
Intel® Core i7-3520M Processor (2.9GHz), 4 GB RAM, 256 GB Solid State Drive, 12.5" HD Anti-Glare WLED-backlit display, Bluetooth 4.0, WIreless 802.11n, includes accidental damage protection $2218.40
Recommended desktops
Economy: Optiplex 3010 Mini Tower
Intel® i5-3470 (3.2GHz), 8GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, 1GB AMD RADEON 7470 graphics card, Dell P2312H 23" Flat Panel Display, DVD±RW 936.64
Standard: Optiplex 7010 Mini Tower
Intel® i7 3770 (3.4GHz), 16 GB RAM, 1TB 6Gb/s Hard Drive, 1GB AMD RADEON 7470 graphics card, Dell U2312H 23" Flat Panel Display, DVD±RW $1116.00
Performance: Precision Workstation T3500
These systems are custom configured to meet the needs of users requiring greater computing power and expansion. One of our technical consultants will configure a system to meet your needs Call for Pricing.
Recommended servers
Dell PowerEdge R420 (1U rack mount chassis)
Two sockets, uses Intel processors (up to 8 cores per socket, 16 cores total), 4 x 3.5" disks or 8 x 2.5" disks, up to 192 GB of memory.
Dell PowerEdge R720 (2U rack mount chassis)
Two sockets, uses Intel processors (up to 8 cores per socket, 16 cores total), 16 x 2.5" disks or 8 x 3.5" disks, up to 768 GB of memory.
Dell PowerEdge T420 (High performance tower)
Two sockets, uses Intel processors (up to 8 cores per socket, 16 cores total), 16 x 2.5" disks or 8 x 3.5" disks, up to 192 GB of memory.
Dell PowerEdge R910 (4U high performance rack mount chassis)
Four sockets, uses Intel processors (up to 10 cores per socket, 40 cores total), up to 16 x 2.5" disks, up to 2TB of memory.
Dell PowerEdge R815 (2U high performance rack mount chassis)
Four sockets, uses AMD processors (up to 16 cores per socket, 64 cores total, 6 x 2.5" disks, up to 1 TB of memory.