Linux Devices - Recommendations & Minimum Hardware Threshold
- Dave Clarke
- Martin Keen
- Kris Morton
Purchasing a CSCS Device
If you would like to purchase a new CSCS laptop/desktop device to run Linux, our recommended standard specification is:
CSCS Type | Model | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
Standard Laptop | Dell Latitude 5450 | Intel Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, M.2 512GB SSD |
Standard Desktop | Dell OptiPlex 7020 (Plus) MFF | Intel Core i5-14600, 16GB RAM, M.2 512GB SSD |
If you prefer to order a different model or specification, it should be for Linux at least:
A minimum Intel Core i5 8th generation processor, or equivalent, however, this is an absolute minimum. A 9th generation processor or above would be preferred.
Intel Core i3 series processors cannot be added onto CSCS Support.
A minimum of 8GB RAM, but preferred 16GB RAM
A minimum 256GB SSD, but preferred 512GB SSD
TPM v2.0 compatible
A business grade model, such as:
Dell - Latitude, Precision, OpiPlex,
Lenovo - ThinkPad, Mobile Workstation, Think Centre, Think Station
HP - Zbook, Elite, Pro Book, ProDesk, Z series
ASUS - ExpertBook, ExpertCentre, Pro series
Must be running at least Ubuntu 20.04/5.15+ kernel
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 Linux device:
A minimum Intel Core i5 8th generation processor, or equivalent, however, this is an absolute minimum. A 9th generation processor or above would be preferred.
Intel Core i3 series processors cannot be added onto CSCS Support.
A minimum of 8GB RAM, preferred 16GB RAM
A minimum 256GB SSD , but preferred 512GB SSD
TPM v2.0 compatible
Must be running at least Ubuntu 20.04/5.15+ kernel
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 it's 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 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.