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 | Dell Pro 14 (14 inch) Dell Pro 16 (16 inch) Dell Pro 13 Plus (13 inch) | Memory: 16 GB Processor: Intel Core i5 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 | Dell Pro 13 Plus (13 inch) Dell Pro 14 Plus (14 inch) Dell Pro 16 Plus (10-key) (16 inch) Latitude 7350 Detachable Precision 5690* (16 inch) Precision 7680* (16 inch) | Memory: 32–64 GB
|
| Desktop, Base Performance | Dell Pro | 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 | Dell Pro | 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.
Dell Standard Configuration Naming Convention Changes
The next generation Dells have been on the CU MarketPlace Dell Punchout as standard configurations as of Thursday, April 24th. The naming conventions have been updated, see table below for mapping to previous models (visit the Dell Endpoints Updates spreadsheet for full details).
| Current Model | New Model |
|---|---|
| OptiPlex 7020 SFF+DP | Dell Pro Slim |
| OptiPlex 7420 All-in-one | Dell Pro 24 AIO |
| OptiPlex7020 Tower+DP | Dell Pro Tower |
| OptiPlex 7020 Tower+DP | Dell Pro Micro |
| Latitude 5350 | Discontinued, Dell Pro 14 or Dell Pro 13 Plus are alternatives |
| Latitude 5450 | Dell Pro 14 |
| Latitude 5550 | Dell Pro 16 Plus (10-key) |
| Latitude 7350 | Dell Pro 13 Plus |
| 7350 Detachable | (no change) 7350 Detachable |
| Latitude 7450 | Dell Pro 14 Plus |
| 7450 2-in-1 | Dell Pro 14 Plus 2-in-1 |
| Precision 3590 | Dell Pro Max 14* Dell Pro Max 16* (no discreet video card until July, continue ordering Precision until then) |
| Precision 5690 | Dell Pro Max 14* Dell Pro Max 16* (no discreet video card until July, continue ordering Precision until then) |
Systems not being replaced until mid-July:
Precision 3680 Tower
*Precision 3590
*Precision 5690
Monitors: no change in models
Accessories: Current accessories and the new Smart Docks listed below will remain available, except for the noted UD22 Universal dock EOL.
SD25TB4* Dock
SD25 Dock
*The UD22 Universal dock is EOL the closest comparable is the SD25TB4
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: 512 GB SSD Processor: Apple M2/M3/M4 chip* Included by default: Wireless** Operating System: macOS 15 Sequoia |
| Laptop, High Performance | MacBook Pro 14-inch MacBook Pro 16-inch | Memory: 32–64 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD Processor: Apple M4 Pro* or M4 Max* Included by default: Wireless** Operating System: macOS 15 Sequoia |
| Desktop, Base Performance | iMac 24-inch Mac Mini | Memory: 16 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD Processor: Apple M4 chip* Gigabit Ethernet*** Included by default: Wireless** Operating System: macOS 15 Sequoia |
| Desktop, High Performance | Mac Studio Mac Mini Pro | Memory: 32–64 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD Processor: M2 Max or M2 Ultra* Graphics: Integrated 38 to 76 Core GPU Operating System: macOS 15 Sequoia |
*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.