This page provides a list of standard models, configurations and other considerations for purchasing a new computer to use at CU Boulder. While this guidance applies primarily to computers purchased with university funds, people purchasing computers for personal use may also find this helpful. Students should also consult the Student Shopping List.
In the lists below, base performance models include recommended specifications for those looking for standard computers compatible with campus IT services and support; high performance is a recommended minimum for high-performance computing.
Dell Computers
If purchasing a non-Dell computer, the configuration details should be consulted and matched.
Visit How to Identify My Intel Processor to determine what generation of processor you may currently have or would like to purchase.
For university-owned computers, we currently advise against purchasing systems with the Snapdragon (ARM compatible) chipset. Those systems will be considered non-standard at this time.
| Type | Models | Configuration Details |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop, Base Performance | Latitude 5450 (14 inch) Latitude 7350 (13 inch) Latitude 7450 (14 inch) Precision 3590 (15 inch) | Memory: 16 GB Processor: Intel Core i5 (ultra 5) 14th generation or newer, or equivalent Storage: 256 GB SSD Graphics: Integrated graphics Wireless* Operating System: Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, 64-bit |
| Laptop, High Performance | Latitude 5550 (15 inch) Latitude 7350 (13 inch) Latitude 7450 (14 inch) Latitude 7450 2-in-1 (14 inch) Precision 5690 (16 inch) Precision 7680 (16 inch) | Memory: 32–64 GB Processor: Intel Core i7/i9 (Ultra 7/Ultra 9) 14th generation or newer, or equivalent Storage: 512 GB SSD Graphics: Integrated graphics (or dedicated, if available) Wireless* Operating System: Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, 64-bit |
| Desktop, Base Performance | OptiPlex 7020 | Memory: 16–32 GB Processor: Intel Core i5 14th generation or newer, or equivalent Storage: 512 GB SSD Graphics: Dedicated graphics (AMD Radeon or NVIDIA) Ethernet** Operating System: Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, 64-bit |
| Desktop, High Performance | OptiPlex 7020 | Memory: 32–64 GB Processor: Intel Core i7 14th generation or newer, or equivalent Storage: 512 GB SSD Graphics: Dedicated graphics (AMD Radeon or NVIDIA) Ethernet** Operating System: Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, 64-bit |
*Wi-Fi: Use at least Dual Band spectrum (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with 802.11n or 802.11ac technology. All specific laptop models above include this standard. 802.11ax is available on personal computing devices, and while 802.11ax is not supported across campus at this time, 802.11ax devices are fully compatible with the existing campus wireless system.
**Desktop computers: A wired Ethernet connection is recommended over the use of wireless. If wireless is desired, see Wi-Fi standards above.
Apple Computers
Some configuration details are not individually configurable from Apple and are included by default. These are notated as "included by default."
| Type | Models | Configuration Details |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop, Base Performance | MacBook Pro 14-inch MacBook Air 13-inch MacBook Air 15-inch | Memory: 16 GB Storage: 256 GB SSD Included by default: Processor: Apple M3 chip* Wireless** Operating System: macOS 14 Sonoma |
| Laptop, High Performance | MacBook Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro 16-inch | Memory: 32–64 GB Processor: Apple M3 Pro* or M3 Max* Storage: 512 GB SSD Included by default: Wireless** Operating System: macOS 14 Sonoma |
| Desktop, Base Performance | iMac 24-inch Mac Mini | Memory: 16 GB Storage: 256 GB SSD Gigabit Ethernet*** Included by default: Processor: Apple M2/M3 chip* Operating System: macOS 14 Sonoma |
| Desktop, High Performance | Mac Studio | Memory: 32–64 GB Processor: M2 Max or M2 Ultra Storage: 512 GB SSD Graphics: Integrated 24 to 32 Core GPU Operating System: macOS 14 Sonoma |
*Processor: Macs with M1/M2/M3 chip may not run other operating systems like Windows, even with virtualization software.
**Wi-Fi: These models come with 802.11ax Wi-Fi. While 802.11ax is not supported across campus at this time, 802.11ax devices are fully compatible with the existing campus wireless system.
***Desktop computers: A wired Ethernet connection is recommended over the use of wireless. If wireless is desired, see Wi-Fi standards above
Chromebooks, iPads and Tablets
Chromebooks, iPads and tablets are likely not suitable replacements for a laptop for students during their college career at CU Boulder, or as a primary device for faculty and staff. These devices offer a limited application experience for software programs used on campus.
Additional resources for all computers
- Antivirus and Malware Protection: OIT provides resources for Endpoint Detection Response (EDR) software for both university-owned and personally-owned computers.
- Peripherals: Guidance on purchasing commonly used peripherals such as monitors, docks, webcams and headsets.
- Warranty: Purchase at least a 3-year parts and labor warranty with a new computer. For Dell, the campus standard is ProSupport Plus. For Apple, the campus standard is AppleCare+.
- Software: Reference the Software Lifecycle page for standard and minimum supported software, including productivity tools, email and web browsers, and the Software Catalog for available software.
- Non-standard Equipment: Guidance for non-standard equipment purchasing exceptions can be found on the Standard Computer Hardware and Available Software page.
