Performance PC Buyer’s Guide:
Recommendations for Fourth Quarter 2002-2003
Specifications effective April 1, 2003
The following are current recommendations for new administrative desktops and other University users with significant computing needs. Performance PC’s meet the necessary requirements for a four year life cycle and generally cost between $1,400 and $2,200.
Important Note: these recommendations are designed as a quarterly complement to the University's yearly desktop recommendations -- not as a replacement for them. They will always meet the current standards and may at times exceed them, particularly later in the academic year.
These specifications reflect current system configurations being offered by Apple and Dell.
Recommended Configurations for Performance PC Desktop Workstations
Specifications effective April 1, 2003
Specifications will be reviewed and updated quarterly as appropriate (10/1, 1/1, 4/1, 7/1) |
|---|
| |
Windows |
Mac OS |
| Hardware |
Processor |
Pentium 4 (2.8 GHz)
Athlon XP (2.13 GHz/2600+) |
PowerPC G4 (1.0 GHz) |
|---|
| Memory (RAM) |
512 MB |
512 MB |
|---|
| Hard Disk |
60 GB |
60 GB |
|---|
| Monitor & VRAM |
17-inch CRT
(19-inch CRT or 17-inch LCD optional)
32 MB VRAM |
17-inch CRT
(19-inch CRT or 17-inch LCD optional)
64 MB VRAM |
|---|
| Sound |
Sound Blaster compatible audio
card & speakers |
Built-in audio
& speaker |
|---|
| Miscellaneous |
CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive
ZIP 250 drive |
CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive
ZIP 250 drive (external) |
|---|
| Support Period |
Until July, 2006 |
Until July, 2006 |
|---|
| Estimated Price |
$1,4501 |
$1,7001 |
|---|
| Operating System |
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows XP Professional2 |
Mac OS X version 10.2.x3 |
|---|
| Network Connection |
High-bandwidth |
10/100BaseT Ethernet |
10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet |
|---|
| Low-bandwidth |
internal V.92 modem4 |
internal V.92 modem4 |
|---|
Performance PC change history
Footnotes:
- Pricing is generated using the online configurators available from Dell and Apple and is for general reference only. Support providers will often be able to generate more competitive pricing using various means, such as purchasing components (RAM, etc.) seperately and taking advantage of vendor bundles and rebates.
- Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional are significantly more reliable, supportable, and secure than other versions of Windows (e.g., Windows 98/ME/XP Home). At this point in time, Windows 2000 Professional is generally the best choice for new Windows-based workstations because of its superior driver support, good security, high reliability, and excellent connectivity. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) sees Windows XP Professional as steadily improving and expects it to be the Windows operating system of choice sometime in Fiscal Year 2003. Schools or centers may choose to use other Windows operating systems (such as Windows 98 or Windows NT Workstation 4.0) where local needs warrant such use, but should be aware that Microsoft is rapidly retiring these operating systems.
- Mac OS X version 10.2.x is generally the best choice for new Mac OS-based workstations because of its superior driver support, greater security, high reliability, and excellent connectivity. Schools or centers may choose to use other versions of the Mac OS (such as Mac OS 9.2.x) where local needs warrant such use.
- Workstations that will remain on the Ethernet connected portions of the University campus for their entire life cycle do not require modems.
Performance PC manufacturers that ISC has had good experience with include Apple, Dell, and IBM.
If your school or center is considering a significant quantity of Performance PC purchases, ISC strongly recommends a consultation to weigh the pros and cons in today's rapidly changing environment (contact John Mulhern III in ISC, mulhernj@isc.upenn.edu; 573-3567).
desktop recommendations
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