Computer: Request a Computer
Purpose of the Knowledge Article
Provide information on requesting a computer from Berkelay Lab IT.
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 the 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 nersc-admin@lbl.gov.
Engineering CAD:
To request a computer, monitor, and peripherals: Fill out the CAD Workstation Request form.
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.
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: $1300-$1400
*Upgradeable component
Dell Precision Tower
-
Processor: Intel i9/Ultra 9 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
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: $3,300-$3,400
*Upgradeable component
Apple Computers
Business Desktop
Mid-Tier
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)
This standard will be phased out once current supplies are exhausted.
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
Mac Desktop
Apple Mac Mini (MU9D3LL/A)
-
Processor: Apple M4 chip with 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
-
Memory: 16GB unified memory
-
Storage: 256GB SSD storage
-
Network: Gigabit Ethernet
-
Features: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, two USB-C ports, headphone jack
-
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SR1C2LL/A)
-
Cost: $664.00
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
Apple Mac Mini (Z1JV000LZ)
- Processor: Apple M4 Pro chip with 14-Core CPU, 20-Core GPU, 16-Core Neural Engine
-
Memory: 48GB Unified Memory
-
Storage: 1TB SSD Storage
-
Network: Gigabit Ethernet
-
Features: Three Thunderbolt 5 Ports, HDMI Port, Two USB-C Ports, Headphone Jack
-
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SR1C2LL/A)
-
Cost: $2,044.00
Business Laptop
Mid-Tier
Performance
Graphics Performance
Mac
Laptop
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Midnight (MW123LL/A)
-
Processor: Apple M4 Chip with 10-core, 16-core Neural Engine
-
Graphics: 8-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: $985.00
This standard will be phased out once current supplies are exhausted.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
Space Gray (Z1C80001D)
- Processor: Apple M4 chip with 10-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 (Z1FF000HV)
-
Processor: Apple M4 Pro with 14-core CPU, 16-core Neural Engine
-
Graphics: 20-core GPU
-
Memory: 48GB Unified Memory
-
Storage: 1TB SSD storage
-
Display: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display²
-
Power: 96W USB-C Power Adapter
-
Features: Three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, headphone jack, MagSafe 3 port
-
Keyboard: Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - US English
-
AppleCare: AppleCare Plus (SR182LL/A)
-
Cost: $3,115.00
This standard will be phased out once current supplies are exhausted.
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
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. ChromeOS offers a wide range of extensions and Android applications, as well as 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.
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