Berkeley Lab IT makes it simple to get a new computer quickly and easily. We also provide repurposed and loaner systems.
We provide the lowest-cost and highest-quality services based on Lab-Standard hardware and software, automated management systems, and many years of experience.
Lab IT provides the following services for all new, and repurposed workstation requests:
Assess the ideal computer for your work and budget
Procure computer hardware, accessories, and software
Configure computers with Berkeley Lab-recommended software and settings
Enroll computers in our management systems BigFix and CrowdStrike
Deliver, install, and configure computer setup based on customer needs
Transfer data, settings, and applications from the previous workstation
Retrieve and salvage the previous workstation as requested
Science Divisions
Note that some Science Divisions have internal IT groups that 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, 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 at [email protected]
Rates
As of June 1, 2018, IT has new rates for system configuration and refreshes.
Lab-Standard Model
Non-Standard Model
Repurposed System
New Computer Install
$250
$250 + $100/hr for customization and procurement
$250
Computer Refresh
$250
$100/hr $100/hr for customization and procurement
$250
Loaner Computer
$150 Any loss of property or usage beyond the travel dates may incur additional charges
NA
NA
These fees are 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 or non-primary system.
Time Frame
Request Type
Time to Complete
Notes
General Purpose/Mid-tier models for new hires
2-3 weeks
Place orders at least two weeks before the start date.
General Purpose/Mid-tier models for system refresh and special tasks
2-4 weeks
Repurposed (used) computers
2-4 weeks
High Performance/Graphics Performance/Custom orders
6-12 weeks
October 2023: We are experiencing long delays on high-end laptops through our normal supply chain and are working with our vendors to learn more about the situation. If a system is needed on short notice, we can work with you to review laptops that are available on the shelf from other vendors as alternatives.
Delivery times vary widely, occasionally taking 3-6 months. Systems are typically ready for installation within 2 weeks of delivery.
General Purpose Loaner computers
1-2 business days
Loaner models and availability may vary. Inventory includes Windows, Mac and Chrome devices.
How to Request A Computer
Use the provided Google forms in the table below to request a computer. You must be logged in to Google with your LBL account as the active account (for users who sign in to multiple Google accounts).
See the timeframe table above to help plan when to submit a computer request.
Anyone wishing to purchase a standard model of laptop, desktop, or iPad
All Operations personnel will use this form, except under special circumstances.
Lab IT highly recommends that users deploy Lab-standard models. These are readily available for quick delivery and have better tools and expertise to support these systems.
Anyone who wants a zero-cost repurposed workstation from IT's available inventory.
Lab IT makes systems available to all Lab research groups using computers. The equipment is available for a $250 fee and includes the installation of the Berkeley Lab standard and security configurations.
The models of these systems are subject to availability.
Anyone who needs a temporary computer or is going on an international business trip.
There is a $150 fee for a loaner laptop with a 1-2 business day turnaround.
Any loss of property or usage beyond the travel dates may incur additional charges.
Loaner models and availability may vary. Inventory includes Windows, Mac and Chrome devices.
Lab-Standards Computer Hardware Selections
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
Standard configurations represent the minimum specifications for current models available to the Lab.
As stewards of Lab resources, we utilize existing stock as we transition to the latest models available.
To see more details, expand the hardware list you want to see:
Business Desktop
Performance Desktop
Purpose and Use Cases
Everyday and mid-range computing tasks including office applications, browser-based applications, large spreadsheets, ECAD design, software development, and CPU-intensive applications.
Recommended for: Most non-scientific users and scientists using terminal emulation (SSH), scientists analyzing small local data sets and Developers
Computation and Graphics Intensive Applications, including 2D/3D Modeling, CAD Design Work, Graphic/Video Editing, Data Analysis, Software Development and Running Virtual Machines.
Recommended for: Mechanical Engineers, Graphic Artists, 3D modelers, Intensive Data Processing and Analysis
Windows Desktop
DELL Optiplex Micro Form Factor
Processor: i7/Ultra 7
OS: Windows 11 Pro
Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics
Memory: 16 GB*
Storage: 256 GB*
Warranty: 1Y Basic Warranty
Estimated Cost: $1000-$1200
*Upgradeable component
Dell Precision Tower
Processor: Intel Xeon Processor
OS: Windows 11 Pro
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A4000
Memory:32GB*
Storage: 512GB*
Warranty: 4 Year Basic Onsite Service with Hardware Support
Estimated Cost: $3500-$3700
*Upgradeable component
Business
Performance
Graphics Performance
Everyday and mid-range computing tasks including office applications, browser-based applications, large spreadsheets, ECAD design, software development, and CPU-intensive applications.
Recommended for: Most non-scientific users and scientists using terminal emulation (SSH), scientists analyzing small local data sets and Developers
Computation and Graphics Intensive Applications, including 2D/3D Modeling, CAD Design Work, Graphic/Video Editing, Data Analysis, Software Development and Running Virtual Machines.
Recommended for: Mechanical Engineers, Graphic Artists, 3D modelers, Intensive Data Processing and Analysis
This standard will be phased out once current supplies are exhausted.
Windows Laptop
Dell Latitude 14 inch Laptop
Processor: i7/Ultra 7
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
LCD: 14.0" FHD
Graphics: Integrated Graphics
Memory: 16 GB*
Hard Drive: 256 GB SSD*
Warranty: 1Y Basic Warranty
Estimated Cost:$1400-1500
*Upgradeable component
Dell Precision 16 inch Laptop
Processor:i9/Ultra 9
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
LCD: 16" OLED touch screen
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A2000 Ada
Memory: 32 GB
Hard Drive: 512 GB
Warranty Information:4Y Basic Onsite Service with Hardware Support
Estimated Cost: $3,500-$3600
*Upgradeable component
Dell Precision 16 inch Laptop
Processor: i9
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
LCD: 16" OLED touch
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3500 Ada
Memory: 32 GB
Hard Drive: 256 GB*
Warranty Information: 5 Years of Hardware Service with Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis
Cost: $3,612
*Upgradeable component
General Purpose
Mid-Tier
Performance
Graphics 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
Computation-intensive applications, including modeling, data analysis, software development, and running virtual machines
Recommended for: Intensive data processing and analysis
Graphic-intensive applications, including 3D modeling, CAD design work, and graphic and video editing
Recommended for: Mechanical Engineers, Graphic Artists, 3D modelers
Mac Desktop
Apple Mac Mini (MMFJ3LL/A)
Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 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)
Features: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, two USB-A ports, headphone jack
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SGQQ2LL/A)
Cost: $663.56
Apple Mac Mini (Z170000FN)
Processor: Apple M2 chip with 12-core CPU, 19-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 16GB Unified memory
Storage: 512GB SSD storage
Network: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet using RJ-45 connector)
Features: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, two USB-A ports, headphone jack
AppleCare:
AppleCare Plus (SGQQ2LL/A)
Cost: $1,705.44
General Purpose
Mid-Tier
Performance
Graphics Performance
Mac Laptop
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Midnight (Z1BC0015S)
Processor: Apple M3 Chip with 8-core, 16-core Neural Engine
Graphics: 10-core GPU
Memory: 16GB Unified Memory
Storage: 256GB SSD storage
Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
Power: 30W USB-C Power Adapter
Features: 1080p FaceTime HD camera, Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, MagSafe 3 charging port
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
Cost: $1,281.00
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch Space Gray (Z1C80001D)
Processor: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Graphics: 10-core GPU
Memory: 16GB Unified Memory
Storage: 512GB SSD storage
Display: 14-inch Retina XDR Display
Power: 70W USB-C to MagSafe 3 Power Adapter
Features: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard - US English
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SL9K2LL/A)
Cost: $1,981.00
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch Space Black (Z1AU0029V)
Processor: Apple M3 Pro with 12-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Graphics: 18-core GPU
Memory: 36GB Unified Memory
Storage: 1TB SSD storage
Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display²
Power: 96W USB-C Power Adapter
Features: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SLAL2LL/A)
Cost: $2,966.00
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Space Black (Z1AF001AG)
Processor: Apple M3 Max with 16-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Graphics: 40-Core GPU
Memory: 64GB unified memory
Storage: 2TB SSD storage
Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display²
Power: 140W USB-C Power Adapter
Features: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SL9M2LL/A)
Cost: $4,830.00
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. ChomeOS has a wide range of extensions and Android applications available and integration with the Lab's Google tools. ChromeOS devices 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.
