Windows - Minimum Hardware Threshold

Owned by Gareth Pullen
Last updated: Dec 08, 2023 by Kathy Downham
2 min read

Purchasing a CSCS Device

If you would like to purchase a new CSCS laptop/desktop device to run Windows, our recommended standard specification is:

CSCS Type 

Model

Specifications

CSCS Type 

Model

Specifications

Standard Laptop

Dell Latitude 5430

i5-1245U 10 Core, 16GB, M.2 256GB SSD

Performance Laptop

Dell Latitude 7430

i7-1245U 10 Core, 16GB, M.2 512GB SSD

Standard Desktop

Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF

i5-10600, 16GB RAM, M.2 512GB SSD

If you prefer to order a different model or specification, it should be for Windows at least:

  • A minimum Intel Core i5 8th generation processor, or equivalent

    • NOTE: Intel Core i3 series processors cannot be added onto CSCS Support.

  • A minimum of 16GB RAM

  • A minimum 256GB SSD

  • TPM v2.0 compatible

  • A business grade model, such as:

    • Dell - Latitude, Precision, OptiPlex, 

    • Lenovo - ThinkPad, Mobile Workstation, Think Centre, Think Station

    • HP - Zbook, Elite, Pro Book, ProDesk, Z series

    • ASUS - ExpertBook, ExpertCentre, Pro series

  • For Windows - must be running Windows Pro or Windows Enterprise (OEM or Retail license). CSCS cannot enroll Windows Home, so you will need to upgrade.

Adding a non-CSCS Device to CSCS Support

If you already have a laptop/desktop PC that you have purchased, that you would like to add onto CSCS support, the minimum hardware threshold for any Windows device:

  • A minimum Intel Core i5 8th Generation processor ie. i5-8xxx series or newer

    • NOTE: Intel Core i3 series processors cannot be added onto CSCS Support.

  • A minimum of 8GB RAM, preferred 16GB RAM

  • A minimum 256GB SSD   

  • TPM v2.0 compatible

  • Must be running Windows Pro or Windows Enterprise as a retail or OEM license. CSCS cannot enroll Windows Home, so you will need to upgrade.

If the device has been purchased through a University supplier, it should be purchased with a 5 year warranty

Age of Devices on CSCS Support

From 01/07/2022, CSCS updated its approach with regards to the age of devices on CSCS support. This was to ensure we are able to provide ongoing protection for your files, data & devices at the appropriate level, which is not possible when running older devices & operating systems.

  • For now, if you have an older device, CSCS will continue to support it. However, we shall be in contact with you to let you know that you should start scheduling its replacement.

  • CSCS expect to work with our customers over the next few years to gradually remove all these older devices from CSCS support, so that by 2025 we shall no longer support devices older than 5 years old & we expect departments to be able to manage hardware replacements on a 5 year cycle, thereafter.

  • Please note, however, if an older device has a hardware failure, needs a hardware upgrade or requires a rebuild to re-issue or fix an issue, CSCS will likely advise you that the device needs to be replaced instead. If that is not possible then the device will likely be removed from CSCS support.

  • The minimum hardware threshold will be reviewed annually to make sure that we are recommending the right hardware levels for our customers, in-line with the major manufacturers & software providers.