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Minimum Configuration
As of September 20192023, ECI recommends that any computer being looked at should have the following:
- Current Generation Processor (Intel i5 or i7 or i9 Core or AMD A10 or better)
- 16 Gigabytes of RAM Minimum
- 512 Gigabytes of Drive Space Minimum
- 3-5 Year Warranty on the machine for Parts (depending on how long the machine will be expected to be in service)
- Supported operating system such as Windows 10 pro or 11 pro.
- Windows 7 end of life is January 14, 2020 and Microsoft now charges for upgrades from Windows 7 to 10.
- Windows 10 will end of life October 14th, 2025
The reasons for this recommendation is the following:
- Processors below the recommended will often be slower as time goes on. Most modern applications, as they update, will be expecting better processors.
- The amount of memory affects how fast a computer can work when running multiple applications. Spreadsheets, Mail, and multiple browsers will take more and more memory depending on how much is open.
- Some software and mail clients can take up lots of space over time.
- Some hardware cannot be serviced easily on campus anymore. Ideally, if the computer does break down, having the manufacturer repair it is more effective, especially under warranty.
- We recommend the pro version of Windows as it still supports local accounts. The home version of Windows with its Microsoft-only accounts have issues during network outages.
Suggested Manufacturers
We currently suggest you buy your computer from a manufacturer that has repair centers in town and is not under US sanctions such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Toshiba, Samsung, etc...
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Gateway Accessible Purchases
Dell Precision
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3460
The Dell Precision 3430 3460 can be purchased via Gateway.
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We recommend the Dell Precision 3430 3460 as it is meant to be a workstation computer and with better wear and tear.
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Monitor Stand Fixture
The Dell Precision 3420 3460 can have an optional Monitor Stand Fixture that can support most of the Dell Monitors and have the machine attached behind it, saving some space.
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If you wish to have a multi-monitor setup, you may need to have a Displayport to HDMI, Displayport to VGA or Displayport to DVI adapter to supplement for the extra monitor.
Dell Precision
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3660
The Dell Precision 3630 can be purchased via Gateway.
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We recommend the Dell Precision 3630 3660 as it is meant to be a workstation computer and with better wear and tear.
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- A bit bigger than the Precision 3420 3460 (Roughly 6.75"w x 17.25"d x 14.25"h)
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