DotCIO recommended laptops and desktops

We provide a set of recommended laptops and desktops to our faculty and staff with a streamlined procurement process.  The computer systems represent great options for most faculty and staff traditional workloads.  In addition, they include premier support services and enable our IT staff to quickly deploy and offer the most effective support services.

Currently recommended systems can be found through:

Laptops

• DotCIO typically maintains inventory/stock of MCP models and configurations for departmental purchase.  These laptops come with an extended warranty with accidental and international coverage. 
  • L14 - enterprise grade providing good performance and reliability, small and lightweight.
  • T16 - great performance, larger monitor and numeric keypad make this a popular choice for office work.
  • P1 - performance model for those that require higher resolution display, discrete graphics, more memory and larger hard drive.  
• To request one of these models:
  • Individual with budgetary authority submit a Support Request indicating:
    • they approve the purchase
    • which model
    • faculty/staff member being assigned the laptop
    • FOPAL for the funds transfer.
    • The prices listed are slightly lower and will not include a backpack.

Desktops

Optiplex Small Form Factor Plus

The Optiplex Small Form Factor would provide good performance and reliability for general Office use and utilizing applications such as Office 365, Adobe Reader, Webex, Microsoft Teams, web browsing, and video conferences.  

[Optiplex Small Form Factor]

• Intel Core i5 14500 vPro CPU
• 16 GB DDR5 Memory
• 512 GB M.2 SSD
• Windows 11 Pro
• Dell Keyboard and Mouse
• 3 year basic onsite service for hardware components
• Order #:  S006DO7020SFFPUSR

Dell Pro Max Micro Desktop

The Dell Pro Max Micro Desktop offers a faster CPU processor, double the amount of Memory as our Optiplex Form Factor, and a dedicated Nvidia graphics card.  This model will provide advanced performance for clients that need to complete video editing, and for clients that would need a machine for faster processing power and mid-range graphics card.   Good for those that use Adobe Creative Cloud products.

[Pro Max Micro Desktop]

• Intel Core Ultra 7 265 CPU
• 32 GB DDR5 Memory
• 512 GB M.2 SSD
• Windows 11 Pro
• Nvidia A1000 8 GB GPU
• Dell Keyboard and Mouse
• 3 year basic onsite service for hardware components

Dell Pro Max Tower T2 Desktop

The Dell Pro Max Tower T2 Desktop offers significantly higher processing power and dedicated graphics performance.  This system would also have double the amount of hard drive M.2 storage as our Pro Max Micro Desktop.  This model will be beneficial for clients who would require substantial computing and simulation needs (completing work with our enterprise software such as Matlab, NX, CAD, AR work).

[Pro Max Tower T2 Desktop]

• Intel Core Ultra 9 285 CPU
• 32 GB DDR5 Memory (Can be upgraded to 64 GB of RAM)
• 1 TB M.2 SSD
• Nvidia RTX 2000 ATA 16 GB GPU
• Dell compact silent keyboard and mouse
• 3 year basic onsite service for hardware components

Ordering for Dell Desktop machines:

To order any of the above Dell Desktop models, the Department or Schools budgetary authority would be able to login to the Online Shopping Cart at Rensselaer (OSCAR), and click Dell as the vendor option under Technology.  In addition, each of these models can be modified before checkout for different hardware components or upgrades.  Be sure to include at least the 3 year basic onsite service for hardware components.

Laptops/Desktops not listed above

If links above are not current or for needs not met by these specifications or just want to consult before purchasing, it is recommended that you submit a Support Request for consultation and recommendation based on your specific needs.

References

Recommendations for Hardware Peripherals

Last Reviewed date:  15-May-2025