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 XP/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.
Facilities will support recommended PC's for at least three years after the date on which they are recommended (not the purchase date). This support includes software installs, hardware repairs, and upgrades to the latest versions of Facilities-supported operating system available for that hardware.
Purchasing a nonrecommended PC has several disadvantages:
- Systems will take longer to build and may have significantly longer repair turnarounds
- Support charges will be higher due to additional cost related to nonstandard hardware and drivers
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 IBM ThinkPads, see the CMU Computer Store site.
Recommended laptops
Note: The SCS Facilities versions of Linux are NOT supported on these recommended laptops
Recommended desktops
Recommended servers
Dell PowerEdge R410 (1U rack mount chassis) Note: 4 x 3.5" disks or 4 x 2.5" disks Up to 64GB of memoryDell PowerEdge R710 (2U rack mount chassis) Note: 8 x 2.5" disks or 6 x 3.5" disks Up to 144GB of memory
Dell PowerEdge T710 (High performance tower) Note: 16 x 2.5" disks or 8 x 3.5" disks Up to 144GB of memory
Dell PowerEdge R900 (4U High performance rack mount chassis) Note: 8 x 2.5" disks or 5 x 3.5" disks Up to 256GB of memory

