Hardware Recommendations
The specifications that follow are the baseline recommendations for standard and performance computers. NTS can offer the greatest discounts and stable ongoing pricing for the “standard” and “performance” configurations through our spring bulk buy and open-quote programs. The NTS Service Desk can also provide custom quotes based on your needs and budget.
Windows and Mac computers are both fully supported by NTS. When choosing a platform, select one that is not only familiar to you, but also supports the applications you will need to use. For a list of available University-licensed software available for each platform please see Software Downloads.
Recommended Specifications
| Category | Minimum | Standard | Performance |
| Processor |
|
|
|
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB | 16GB | 32GB |
| Storage (Solid State Drive) | 250GB + (Depending on data storage needs) |
500GB | 1TB |
| Graphics | Intel HD Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Integrated Graphics | Nvidia or AMD Graphics Card |
| Service Contract | Dell: 3 year Basic Hardware Service with Accidental Coverage for laptops Apple: AppleCare+ for Mac |
Dell: 5 year Basic Hardware Service with Accidental Coverage for laptops Apple: AppleCare+ for Mac |
Dell: 5 year Basic Hardware Service with Accidental Coverage for laptops Apple: AppleCare+ for Mac |
NTS recommends the following laptop and desktop computers based on reliability, support, and performance. NTS has a contract with both Dell and Apple, allowing for purchase of computers at a discounted price with enterprise-level support. Beyond these recommendations, NTS cannot guarantee support for other computer brands or those purchased from other vendors. The contracted vendor for UA Dell purchases is Government Computer Sales, GCSIT.
Detailed Model Recommendations
| Category | Standard | Performance |
| Windows Desktop | Dell Precision Compact 3260 with standard specifications | Dell Precision Compact 3260 with performance specifications |
| Windows Laptop | Dell Latitude 5430 with standard specifications | Dell Precision Mobile 5570 with performance specifications |
| Windows All-In-One (AIO) |
|
|
| macOS Desktop | Apple Mac Mini with standard specifications | Apple Mac Pro with performance specifications |
| macOS Laptop | Apple Macbook Air with standard specifications | Apple Macbook Pro with performance specifications |
| macOS All-In-One (AIO) | Apple iMac with standard specifications | Apple iMac Pro with performance specifications |
Purchasing Processes
- Pre-configured Dell configurations recommended by NTS
- If these pre-configured options do not meet your needs, you can “build your own” from the shop tab or request a consultation and custom e-quote from the NTS Service Desk.
- We recommend the "standard" options for general use, and the "performance" options for resource-intensive use.
- Add the needed computer(s), monitor(s), and other peripherals to the cart.
- From the cart, create an e-quote.
- Once e-quote is created, save this e-quote as a PDF. Email the PDF to insidesales@gcsit.com, and request that a GCS quote be created.
- GCS will respond with a quote and instructions on how to complete the order.
- Place a request with the NTS Service Desk to have an account created for you in Dell Premier, including the billing address that will need to be added for this account.
- The Service Desk will complete your request as quickly as possible, but please note that it can take up to five business days for Dell to add the billing address once the Service Desk process is finished.
- Once your request is processed, you will receive an email with a link to reset your temporary password.
- Login to Dell Premier using this link (note that the Dell premier login will be different than a standard dell account if you also have one).
- Once logged in, you can use the shop tab at the top of the screen to access our standard configurations, “build your own” computer, and purchase anything that is added to your cart (once your billing address has been added).
- You may also request a consultation and custom e-quote for you to purchase from the NTS Service Desk.
- Follow this link to go to the Apple Higher Education Store
- Add computers and/or other devices to your cart.
- Add Applecare to your cart (optional).
- You can check out and receive education discounts.