Table of Contents
Overview
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.
| Workstation Type | Request Form | Who Should Use This Form | Notes |
|---|
| Lab-Standard | Lab-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. | 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. The Lab standards are summarized below. |
| Re-purposed (used) | Repurposed Computer Request Form | 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. |
| Custom Specification | Custom Computer Request Form | Anyone whose computing needs are not met by any of the Lab Standards. | Please note that custom orders are subject to supply chain constraints. |
| Loaner | Loaner Computer Request Form | 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:
Windows Computers
| 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 |
Apple Computers
| 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 Devices
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.
List of available ChromeOS devices coming soon
Standard Software
Virtual Machines
Berkeley Lab IT also provides on-demand VM hosting for scientific applications. See the Science VM FAQ for more information.
Additional Resources
