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Minimum Hardware Standards

The Technology Support Center recommends the replacement of campus computers between 4-5 years based on type and usage. Replacing computers within these life-cycles will ensure they remain under warranty and provide maximum uptime. See below for specific recommendations:

  • Desktop/Workstations: 5 years
  • Laptops: 4 years
  • Mobile devices/tablets: 4 years

 

For computers that fall outside of the recommended life-cycle parts may become harder to source and the chances for hardware failures and extended outages increase. The below tables represent our minimum hardware standards for campus computers.

Minimum Standards for Windows computers

    Processor
    Memory
    Hard Drive
    Desktop Networking
    Laptop Networking  
    Operating System
 Intel(R) Core(TM) i5
8GB RAM
250GB storage capacity 1
Integrated 100/1000 Ethernet Port
Wireless 802.11g or newer
Windows 10


Minimum Standards for Mac computers

    Processor
    Memory
    Hard Drive
    Desktop Networking
    Laptop Networking  
    Operating System
 Intel(R) Core(TM) i5
8GB RAM
250GB storage capacity 1
Integrated 100/1000 Ethernet Port
Wireless 802.11g or newer
10.14 (High Sierra, preferred) / 10.13 (Sierra) / 10.12 (El Capitan) 2

Minimum Standards for Mobile Devices/Tablets

    Mobile devices/tablets should be capable of running the latest version of their operating system. This ensures they are able to receive security updates and will be able to run current versions of applications.
     

 

Any computer that falls below the minimum recommendations set forth in the above tables or are older than six year should not be considered a suitable candidate for the following practices:
  • Hardware Upgrade
  • Hardware Repair
  • Machine Transfer or "Re-purposing"

 

Any computer that falls below the minimum recommendations above and are older than 8 years should be removed from the network and retired. Support for computers of this age is very limited.


Notes:
  1. Hard drive size is ultimately contingent upon application/data size and usage requirements.
  2. Apple supports current OS + two previous versions.  This is subject to change at Apple’s discretion. Operating systems not supported should be upgraded or removed from the network.
  3. Computer monitor lifespans can often exceed that of the computer itself.  In some cases, it may be prudent to retain a monitor for a few years longer to get additional value from that investment.