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Windows Devices - Recommendations & Minimum Hardware Threshold

Windows Devices - Recommendations & Minimum Hardware Threshold

Owned by Gareth Pullen (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Mar 06, 2025 by Kathy Downham
2 min read

Purchasing a Windows Computer

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

CSCS Type 

Model

Specifications

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 please ensure it meets the minimum standards below.

  • 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, OptiPlex, 

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

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

    • ASUS - ExpertBook, ExpertCentre, Pro series

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, 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

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 security level, which is not possible when running older devices & operating systems. Therefore as a general rule:

  • It is important, that as long as a laptop or desktop PC complies with the minimum hardware specification above & it also runs an up-to-date & supported operating system, it can continue to be used to connect to University services.

  • Just because a laptop or desktop is out of warranty, does not mean that it needs to be replaced. However, if an older device has a hardware failure, needs a hardware upgrade or requires a rebuild to fix an issue, and CSCS determine it will not an up-to-date & supported operating system, we shall 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 specification above 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.






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