IT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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For IT Policies and Guidance for working remotely during the curtailment, please visit https://telework.lbl.gov/. All purchases are being reviewed by IT.

Computers may not be purchased on Division PCards or reimbursed.   If a computer needs to be drop-shipped, arrangements will be made for asset tagging.

Currently, procurement of laptops is delayed 30-60 days due to a global chip shortage and other supply chain issues. We may need to issue desktops with wi-fi, previously used systems, or brands other than our current standards to new employees. Mid-tier systems may be delayed 30-60 days but we have some inventory. Custom orders may take up to 100 days. Please plan accordingly.

Expected processing/delivery times will normally fall within these windows, which begin once the computer is both requested and available to begin processing:

Standard configurations for new employees: 2 Weeks*

System replacements for existing employees: 3-7 Weeks

Standard repurposed system requests: 3-7 Weeks

Special task systems: Dependent on Complexity

*A loaner system may issued if 2 weeks notice is not given for new employees. If a loaner is issued for this reason, we may take longer than 2 weeks to prepare the primary system.

Table of Contents

Berkeley Lab IT makes it simple to get a new computer quickly and easily. We also have re-purposed systems available for no charge!

We provide the lowest-cost and highest-quality services available, based on Lab-Standard hardware and software, automated management systems, and many, many years of experience. 

Note that some Science Divisions have internal IT groups who provide workstations. Members of these divisions should follow internal IT processes to request new workstations.

ESnet:
To purchase a new computer: Go to the ESnet Service Portal at: https://esnet.service-now.com/ess and click the Business tab and choose PurchaseNow.

CRD:
To purchase a new computer, monitor or peripherals: Go to the CRD procurement portal at https://bit.ly/CRD_eProForm and submit a procurement request.

NERSC:
To purchase a new computer: Contact your division admin assistants, [email protected]

Overview

IT provides the following services for all new and re-purposed workstation requests:

  • Help selecting the ideal computer for your work and budget
  • Procurement of hardware and accessories
  • Enrolling computers in our management systems
  • Pre-configuring computers with Berkeley Lab recommended software and settings
  • Delivery, installation, and configuration based on customer needs
  • Transfer data, settings, and applications from previous workstation
  • Retrieval and salvage of previous workstation

Rates

As of June 1, 2018, IT has new rates for system configuration and refreshes.


Lab-Standard ModelNon-Standard ModelRepurposed System
New Install$250

$250 + $100/hr for

specifying and procurement

$250
System Refresh$250

$100/hr + $100/hr for

specifying and procurement

$250


These fees ares not charged for "Standard" Primary Workstations issued to personnel from Operations Divisions, as part of the Operations Desktop Support program. A fee of $250 will be charged for any customized system.

How to Request A Computer

Users can request a computer through one of our Google forms. These forms will generate a service request in the askUs system.

You must be logged in to google with your LBL account as the active account (for users who sign in to multiple google accounts).


Please submit all requests for computers at least 2 weeks in advance, for standard models, and 4-6 weeks in advance for custom systems.


Workstation TypeRequest FormWho Should Use This FormNotes
Lab-StandardLab-Standard Computer Request Form

Anyone wishing to purchase a standard model of laptop, desktop, or iPad

All Operations personnel will use this form, except under special circumstances.

IT highly recommends that users deploy Lab-standard models. These are readily available for quick delivery, and we have better tools and expertise available to support these systems.

The Lab-standards are summarized below. 

Re-purposed (used)Lab-Standard Computer Request FormAnyone who wants a zero-cost re-purposed workstation from IT's available inventory.

IT makes systems available to all Lab research groups after they have passed the end of their primary service life. The equipment is available at no cost, and the erasing, re-installation, OS license, configuration and installation costs $250 per system.

The models and performance of these systems is subject to availability.

Custom SpecificationCustom Computer Request FormAnyone whose computing needs are not met by any of the Lab Standards.In general it costs more to select, procure, and support custom computer equipment, and the use of standard equipment is encouraged when possible, but IT will provision and support whatever equipment is needed for a given project.


Computer Selection

Lab-Standards

  • Any customization made to these specifications will require additional time and labor for provisioning.
  • Selecting from the standard configurations will ensure the fastest delivery of your workstation.

To see more details, expand the hardware list you want to see below:


General Purpose

Mid-Tier

Graphics Performance

High
Performance
Purpose and Use Cases

Everyday computing tasks include office applications, browser-based applications, and light-duty analysis.

Recommended for: Most non-scientific users and scientists using terminal emulation (SSH)

Mid-range computing, such as large spreadsheets, ECAD design, software development, and CPU-intensive applications

Recommended for: Scientists analyzing small local data sets and Developers

Graphic-intensive applications, including 3D modeling, CAD design work, and graphic and video editing

Recommended for: Mechanical Engineers, Graphic Artists, 3D modelers

Computation-intensive applications, including modeling, data analysis, software development, and running virtual machines

Recommended for: Intensive data processing and analysis


Windows Desktop

DELL Precision 3450 SFF

  • Processor: 6-core i5-10500 - 3.1GHz up to 4.5GHz
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
  • Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics
  • Memory: 8GB 1X8GB DDR4 2666MHz or 2933MHz
  • Storage: M.2 PCIe 256GB Class 35 SSD HD 
  • Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax Dual Band (2x2) Wireless Module + Bluetooth 5 (555-BFRR)
  • Keyboard: Dell KB216 Wired Multi-Media Keyboard
  • Mouse: Dell Laser Wired Mouse - MS3220
  • Warranty: 5 Year Limited Hardware Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis & Keep Your Hard Drive
  • Cost: $920


DELL Precision 3450 SFF

  • Processor: Intel Core i9-10900 (10 Core, 20M cache, base 2.8GHz, up to 5.2GHz) DDR4-2933 (338-BVOH)
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
  • Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro P1000, 4GB, 4mDP, to DP adapter
  • Memory: 32GB 2X16GB DDR4 2666MHz or 2933MHz (2933MHz requires Intel Core i7 or above) UDIMM Non-ECC Memory (370-AFGF)
  • Storage: M.2 PCIe 512GB Class 40 SSD HD 
  • Network: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax Dual Band (2x2) Wireless Module + Bluetooth 5 (555-BFRR)
  • Keyboard: Dell KB216 Wired Multi-Media Keyboard
  • Mouse: Dell Laser Wired Mouse - MS3220
  • Cost: $1,788

Dell Precision 5820 Tower

  • Processor: Intel Xeon Processor W-2225 (4C 4.1GHz 4.6GHz Turbo HT 8.25MB 105W DDR4-2933) (338-BUOB)
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
  • Graphics: NVIDIA  Quadro RTX4000, 8GB
  • Memory: 32GB 2x16GB DDR4 2933MHz RDIMM ECC Memory
  • Storage: M.2 PCIe 512GB Class 40 SSD HD
  • Wireless: Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8265 (802.11ac) 2x2 + Bluetooth
  • Optical Drive: 6x Half-Height DVD-/+RW
  • Keyboard: Dell KB216 Wired Multi-Media Keyboard
  • Mouse: No Mouse
  • Warranty: 5 Year Limited Hardware Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis & Keep Your Hard Drive
  • Cost: $2,728


Dell Precision 5820 Tower

  • Processor: Intel Xeon Processor W-2235 (6C 3.8GHz 4.6GHz Turbo HT 8.25MB 130W DDR4-2933) (338-BUOF)
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
  • Graphics: Dual NVIDIA® Quadro® P400, 2GB, 3 mDP (5820T)
  • Memory: 32GB 2x16GB DDR4 2933MHz RDIMM ECC Memory
  • Storage: M.2 PCIe 1TB Class 40 SSD HD + 2.5" 256GB SSD Calss 20 SSD
  • Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax Dual Band (2x2) Wireless Module + Bluetooth 5 (555-BFRR)
  • Keyboard: Dell KB216 Wired Multi-Media Keyboard
  • Mouse: No Mouse
  • Optical Drive: 6x Half Height DVD-/+RW
  • Warranty: 5 Year 
  • Cost: $2,840


General Purpose

Mid-Tier

Graphics PerformanceHigh
Performance
Windows Laptop

Dell Latitude 5420 14-inch

  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-10310U (QC, 10th Gen, 6M cache, base 1.7GHz, up to 4.4GHz, vPro)
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
  • LCD: 114.0" FHD (1920 x 1080) 220 Nit Anti-Glare Non-Touch, IR cam and Mic, WLAN WWAN Capable
  • Graphics: Intel Iris XE Graphics
  • Memory: 8GB RAM DDR4 Non-ECC
  • Storage: M.2 256GB Class 35 2230 SSD
  • Keyboard:
  • Wireless: Intel Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 AX201 2x2 802.11ax 160MHz + Bluetooth 5.1
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Cost: $1,600


Dell Latitude 7420

  • Processor: I7-1185G7 (4 Core, 12M cache, base 3.0GHz, up to 4.8GHz)
  • OS: Windows 10 Pro 64bit
  • Memory: 16GB, 2666 MHz, DDR4 Non-ECC, Integrated
  • Storage: 512 GB PCIe Class 40 SSD
  • Graphics: Intel Iris XE GraphicsProcessor, 16G Memory
  • Display: 14.0" FHD(1920x1080) AG, SLP, Non-Touch,ComfortView Plus,WVA,400nits, FHD IR Cam,Mic,WLAN,CF
  • Weight: 2.99 lbs
  • Cost: $2,258

Dell Latitude 7430

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-1265U (10 Core, 12 MB Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.80 GHz)

  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

  • LCD: 14.0" FHD (1920x1080) AG, SLP, Non-Touch, ComfView+, WVA, 400 nits, FHD IR Cam+IP, WLAN, CF

  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

  • Memory: 32 GB, DDR4, 3200 MHz, Integrated

  • Hard Drive: M.2 1TB PCIe NVMe Class 40 Solid State Drive

  • Keyboard: Backlit Keyboard

  • Security: Contacted SmartCard Reader

  • Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 2x2 802.11ax 160MHz + Bluetooth 5.2

  • Battery: 4-cell 58 Whr Express Charge Capable Battery

  • Power Adapter: 65W E5 Type-C Power Adapter

  • Optical Drive: No Optical Drive

  • Environmental Ratings: Energy Star & EPEAT Gold Rated

  • Warranty Information: 4 Years Hardware Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis & Keep Your Hard Drive

  • Cost: $3,362

Dell Precision 5560

  • Processor: Intel Core Processor i9-11950H (8 Core, 24MB Cache, 2.60 GHz to 5.00 GHz, 45W, vPro)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit
  • LCD:15.6" Ultrasharp UHD+ HDR400, 3840x2400,Touch, w/Prem Panel Guar, 100% Adobe, LBL w/ IR Cam
  • Graphics:NVIDIA RTX A2000 w/4GB
  • Memory: 32GB, 2X16GB, DDR4 2933Mhz Non-ECC
  • Hard Drive: M.2 2280 512 GB, Gen 3 PCIe x4 NVMe, SSD
  • Keyboard: Internal Single Pointing Backlit Keyboard
  • Wireless: Intel Dual Band Wireless AX201 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.1 Vpro
  • Security: None
  • Battery: 6 Cell 86Whr ExpressCharge Capable Battery
  • Power Adapter: 130 Watt E5 Type-C Power Adapter
  • Optical Drive: No Optical Drive
  • Environmental Ratings: EPEAT Gold Rated
  • Warranty Information: 5 Years ProSupport Flex with Next Business Day Onsite & KYHD Service
  • Weight: 4.5lb
  • Cost:  $3,382


Dell Precision 5760

  • Processor: Intel Core Processor i9-11950H (8 Core, 24MB Cache, 2.60 GHz to 5.00 GHz, 45W, vPro)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit
  • LCD: 17-inch, WLED FHD+, 1920 x 1200, 60 Hz, Anti-Glare,Non-touch,sRGB 100% min,500 nits, Low BL, IR Camera
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A2000, 4 GB, GDDR6
  • Memory: 32GB, 2X16GB,DDR4 3200Mhz Non-ECC
  • Hard Drive: M.2 2280, 1 TB, Gen 3 PCIe x4 NVMe, SSD
  • Keyboard: US English Backlit Keyboard
  • Security: None
  • Wireless: Intel Dual Band Wireless AX201 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.1 vPro
  • Battery: 6 Cell 97Whr ExpressCharge Capable Battery
  • Power Adapter: 130 Watt E5 Power Adapter
  • Optical Drive: No Optical Drive
  • Environmental Ratings: Energy Star & EPEAT Gold Rated
  • Warranty Information: 3 Years Hardware Service with Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis & KYHD Service
  • Weight: 
5.5 lbs
  • 
Cost: $3,500


General Purpose

Mid-Tier

Graphics Performance

High
Performance
Purpose and Use Cases

Everyday computing tasks include office applications, browser-based applications, and light-duty analysis.

Recommended for: Most non-scientific users and scientists using terminal emulation (SSH)

Mid-range computing, such as large spreadsheets, ECAD design, software development, and CPU-intensive applications

Recommended for: Scientists analyzing small local data sets and Developers

Graphic-intensive applications, including 3D modeling, CAD design work, and graphic and video editing

Recommended for: Mechanical Engineers, Graphic Artists, 3D modelers

Computation-intensive applications, including modeling, data analysis, software development, and running virtual machines

Recommended for: Intensive data processing and analysis


Mac Desktop

Apple Mac Mini (MGNR3LL/A)

  • Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Memory:  8GB unified memory
  • Storage:  256GB SSD storage
  • Network:  Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost: $740


Apple Mac Mini (Z12N000G2)

  • Processor:     Apple M1 CHIP
  • 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU
  • Memory:  16GB Unified memory
  • Storage:  512GB SSD storage
  • Network: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost:  $1,112


Apple iMac (Z0ZX002XU)

  • Processor:  3.6GHz 10-core 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor, Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz
  • Memory:  32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
  • Graphics:  Radeon Pro 5700 XT with 16GB of GDDR6 memory
  • Storage:  2TB SSD storage
  • Network:  Gigabit Ethernet
  • Peripherals: Magic Mouse 2+ Magic Keyboard - US English
  • AppleCare:  AppleCare Plus
  • Cost:  $4,295


General Purpose

Mid-Tier

Graphics PerformanceHigh
Performance
Mac Laptop

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Space Gray (Z124000FK)

  • Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU, 7‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Memory: 16GB Unified Memory
  • Storage: 256GB SSD storage
  • Display: 13-inch Retina Display
  • Keyboard:  Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English
  • Features:   Touch ID - Force Touch Trackpad - Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost: $1,366

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Space Gray (MKGQ3LL/A)

  • Processor: Apple M1 Pro chip with 10‑core CPU
  • Graphics: 16‑core GPU
  • Memory: 16GB Unified Memory
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Features: Three Thunderbolt, 4 (USB-C) ports, SDXC card slot, HDMI port
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost: $2,665

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
Space Gray (MK193LL/A)

  • Processor: Apple M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU with 8 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores
  • Graphics: 16-core GPU
  • Memory: 16GB unified Memory
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Display: 16.2-inch (diag) Liquid Retina XDR display with 3456-by-2234 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch
  • Features:  SDXC card slot; HDMI port; 3.5 mm headphone jack; MagSafe 3 port; Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
  • Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost: $2,956

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Space Gray (Z14V0016X)

  • Processor: Apple M1 Max with 10C CPU
  • Graphics: 32-Core GPU
  • Memory: 32GB unified memory
  • Storage: 2TB SSD storage
  • Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Power: 140W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Features: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
  • Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost: $4,140

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Space Gray (Z14V0016J)

  • Processor: Apple M1 Pro with 10-core CPU
  • Graphics: 16-core GPU
  • Memory: 32GB Unified Memory
  • Storage: 2TB SSD storage
  • Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
  • Battery: 100-watt-hour lithium-polymer 
  • Power: 140W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
  • Features: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports; HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 port
  • Weight: 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg)
  • Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English
  • AppleCare: AppleCare Plus
  • Cost: $3,751

Coming Soon

ChromeOS

Berkeley Lab IT strongly recommends that all users consider using ChromeOS devices. These systems are very inexpensive, and require little-to-no configuration and management. With a wide range of extensions and Android applications available, as well as integration with the Lab's Google tools, these can be an excellent choice for many users. They are ideal for providing remote access to applications and services running on other desktops, servers, and VMs. Please see the ChromeOS FAQ. 

Virtual Machines

Berkeley Lab IT also provides on-demand VM hosting for scientific applications. See the Science VM FAQ for more information.

Standard Software

PC Desktop
PC Laptop
Mac Desktop
Mac Laptop
Chrome Desktop/Laptop
Linux Desktop

Windows 10 Professional
Chrome
Firefox
Sophos
BigFix
Zoom
Druva InSync
RSIGuard
Acrobat Reader DC
Notepad ++
Cisco VPN Client


Windows 10 Professional
Chrome
Firefox
Sophos
BigFix
Zoom
Druva InSync
RSIGuard
Acrobat Reader DC
Notepad ++
Cisco VPN Client


MacOS 11.4 ( Big Sur)
Chrome
Firefox
Sophos
BigFix
Zoom
Druva InSync
RSIGuard
Cisco VPN Client
(Operations only)


MacOS 11.4 ( Big Sur)
Chrome
Firefox
Sophos
BigFix
Zoom
Druva InSync
RSIGuard
Cisco VPN Client
(Operations only)

Google Apps
RealVNC
Remote Desktop
Zoom
Cisco VPN Client

Ubuntu
Chrome
Firefox
Sophos
BigFix
Zoom
Druva InSync
Cisco VPN Client

Backup Software

Protect your data! Use Druva InSync to backup your workstations.

Please see the Druva InSync FAQ for details, or sign up at software.lbl.gov.

For other backup questions, please see the Backups page.


Additional Help Resources

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