Computer Hardware Upgrade & Managment

Guides and information about computer setup, management, and backups. As well as information on how to upgrade to a new device or upgrade your device's memory capabilities.

Computer Hardware Upgrades

What hardware should you have for your lab or computer? What are some of the best practices for storing information on your computer? Learn about these topics and more in this chapter.

Computer Hardware Upgrades

Workstation Refresh Program

Details on the workstation refresh program can be found at Workstation Refresh Program.  For additional assistance, email mlml-helpdesktech@sjsu.edu.

Budget User Windows Laptop:
Dell Latitude 3420

$801
  • Intel Core i5-1135G7 quad-core CPU
  • 8GB RAM
  • Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics processor
  • 256GB SSD
  • 14" 1366x768 screen
  • 41 watt-hour battery
Power User Windows Laptop:
Dell latitude 7430
$1246
  • Intel Core i5-1245U 10-core CPU
  • 16GB RAM
  • Intel Iris XE graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • 14" 1920x1080 screen
  • 58 watt-hour battery
Standard Windows Desktop:
Dell OptiPlex 7090 Small-form-factor
$944
  • Intel Core i7-10700 8-core processor
  • 16GB RAM
  • AMD Radeon 550 graphics processor
  • 256GB SSD
Standard Monitor:
Dell P2422H
  • 24" 1920x1080 monitor
MacBook Air:
MacBook Air
$1099
  • Apple M2 8-core processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD
  • 13" 2560x1664 screen
  • 53 watt-hour battery
Standard User MacBook Pro:
14" MacBook Pro
$1849
  • Apple M1 Pro 8-core processor
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD
  • 14" 3024x1964 120hz screen
  • 70 watt-hour battery
Power User MacBook Pro:
16" MacBook Pro$3399
  • Apple M10 Max 10-core processor
  • 64GB RAM
  • 1TB SSD
  • 16" 3456x2234 120hz screen
  • 100 watt-hour battery
Mac Desktop:
Mac mini
$829
  • Apple M1 8-core processor
  • 16GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD
Computer Hardware Upgrades

Hardware Upgrades: RAM and SSD

 

Memory Upgrades

RAM: Random Access Memory

 

SSD Upgrades

  • A Solid-state-drive (SSD) is a storage device for your computer. It is much faster than a hard disk drive (HDD), which was traditionally used for storage in computers. It has no moving parts and its information is stored in microchips.
  • Upgrading your computer from a HDD to a SSD will greatly increase the speed. More specifically, loading times and transfer times will speed up. (Copying and moving files).
  • Crucial SSD Upgrade Tool - helps determine which upgrade you need.
  • Mac Upgrades:
    • The storage drive on most newer Macs cannot be upgraded. Below is a list of Macs which cannot be upgraded:
      • Mac mini (2018 and newer)
      • MacBook Pro (2016 and newer
      • MacBook Air (2018 and newer)
      • MacBook 12" (all models)
      • iMac (2021 and newer)
    • To check whether your Mac can be upgraded, enter your serial number into Everymac.com's serial lookup tool.
    • Determine which SSD is compatible with your system with the Crucial link above or here. Find your Mac model and check out the buying options for SSD upgrades.
    • To learn about SSD Upgrades for Macs click here.
  • PC Upgrades:
    • To determine what kind of drive your computer has click here.
    • Use the Crucial link above for buying options.
Computer Hardware Upgrades

Memory Upgrade Compatibility

 

Many online vendors have tools you can use to identify and purchase a memory upgrade for your computer. Both Crucial and NewEgg.com have reliable and easy to use tool that helps find memory that is compatible with your computer.

PC Part Picker is also a great way to judge compatibility of components for any given hardware. Especially when putting together a new PC.

(Be sure to check how many memory slots your computer has and the max capacity of each slot before ordering)

Crucial Memory

NewEgg.com Memory Configurator

PC part Picker

Computer Hardware Upgrades

Check your AppleCare Status

 

You can quickly and easily check to see whether your Mac is still covered under your AppleCare warranty at Apple's Support website: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

Computer Hardware Upgrades

Student Computer Recommendations

Choosing a new computer is an important decision, and we would like to provide recommendations for minimum system requirements that might help you get the most out of your new computer. Please checkout our KB page for upgrading hardware in your computer to see if minor upgrades could save you the cost of buying a new computer.

Minimum System Requirements

RAM (Random Access Memory)
Internal Storage
CPU (Internal Central Processing Unit)
Internal Drive

Computer Management & Storage

Helpful pages about how to manage, backup, and store data on your device. Also information about checking your computers performance.

Computer Management & Storage

Computer Setup & Data Management

Below are the steps you should take to purchase, setup, and manage a new workstation.

 

Purchasing Computers & Hardware:

When purchasing any computer hardware with SJSU, SJSURF, or Lab-specific funds, we recommend contacting the IT Group by submitting an IT Helpdesk Ticket, so IT can help you find the best hardware to fit your specific needs.

Recommended Configurations

Browse the workstation configurations available and recommended by IT through the SJSU Workstation Refresh program.

 

High Performance Configurations

 

Storage Devices

 

Hardware Upgrades

 

Operating System (OS) & Software Configuration:

Software Installation

To see what services and technologies you have access to at MLML, check out our Service Level Agreements.

 

Security:

All State-Owned computers will need to meet certain security requirements set by SJSU that IT will install (e.g., Spirion), but a password manager will also need to be setup by you and is required.

Password Management

Information Security

 

Data Management:

Computer Backup

There are two methods you may use to backup a computer:
1) Backup User Files to Hard Drive
2) Create a Disk Image

 

Storage Management

    • To keep your workstation working properly it is important to properly manage the files and data on the computer

    • Backups should be routinely scheduled - can automatically set this up in the backup computer settings (see Backup section above and follow link)

 

File Migration

To successfully migrate folders and files from an old device to a new device, visit the File Migration Page.

 
Computer Management & Storage

Computer Performance

This is a copy of the Computer Performance page located in the Software book under Operating Systems.

macOS

macOS is Apple’s operating system for all Mac devices. For more information about macOS visit the macOS Apple Page.

About This Mac

  • This dialog shows you basic information about the manufacture date and hardware of your Mac.
  • Click the Apple icon at the top left of the screen on the menu bar.
  • Click About This Mac.
  • The dialog window with basic system information will pop up

  •  Click the System Report button for more detailed information for the advanced user.

image-1550604298812.png

Activity Monitor

  • Similar to Task Manager for PC, Activity Monitor displays every program running on your Mac. You can manage these running programs and identify how they are affecting your Mac’s performance.
  • For more information visit Activity Monitor Support.

image-1550604468855.png

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

  • One simple way to clear disk space and keep your computer running smoothly is to uninstall applications you don’t need or aren’t using.
  • NOTE: Make sure you know what the application function is before you delete it, some applications are key to keeping your computer functioning properly.
  • Find the list of applications: Open Finder → Applications (left side panel)
  • How to Uninstall Applications on Mac

 

Windows

Windows is Microsoft’s operating system for PCs. For more information about Windows visit the Microsoft Windows Page.

System Information

WinSysInfo.png

  • For more detailed and advanced info, download a third-party system info utility program like CPU-Z.

Task Manager

  • Similar to Activity Monitor for Mac, Task Manager displays every program running on your computer. You can manage these open programs and identify how they are affecting your computer’s performance.
  • You can access the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete (press all three keys at once). Once the screen changes color and a menu pops up, click Task Manager.
  • For more information visit About Task Manager.

Resource Monitor

  • The Resource (and Performance) Monitor in Windows allows the user to monitor CPU and memory usage, and disk and network activity in real time. It’s a great resource if your computer or your software is running slow and you’d like to see what program is causing the slowdown.
  • You can access the Resource Monitor by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete (press all three keys at once). Once the screen changes color and a menu pops up, click Task Manager. The Resource Monitor is a tab, Performance, within the Task Manager window.

image-1550604755764.png

  • There is a more detailed Resource Monitor within the Performance tab. At the bottom of the dialog window, there is a button Open Resource Monitor, with a speedometer icon. Click on this for a resource monitor where you can find details on which programs are eating up resources.
  • For more information visit PC World Resource Monitor.

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Event Viewer

  • Log files such as security changes, administrative files, application files, etc. are all compiled for viewing in the Event Viewer. It can be very helpful in locating a source of a problem if your computer starts to have issues.
  • For more information visit How to Use Event Viewer.
  • To use Event Viewer to detect problems in your PC visit Microsoft Support - Event Viewer.

Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

  • One simple way to clear disk space and keep your computer running smoothly is to uninstall applications you don’t need/use.
  • NOTE: Make sure you know what the application function is before you delete it, some applications are key to keeping your computer functioning properly.
  • Find the list of applications by following these instructions.
  • How to Uninstall Windows Applications

 

3rd Party Tools

See the list of 3rd party tools below, or visit these websites:

Mac OS
Windows

 

E-Waste

E-Waste

E-Waste Procedures

When throwing away any electronics, all data/information and any tags will need to be deleted/removed before discarding. 

Follow these E-Waste procedures outlined below:
  1. Check for MLML, SJSU, or SJSURF asset tags
    • If present, remove the tag and stick it to a piece of paper. Write the Make, Model, and description of the device. Also include the serial number.
    • Give the paper with this information to Ivano and a copy to IT.
  2. Remove the hard drive and label it with the group (e.g. MLML) and device info.
    • Coordinate for the destruction of data or drive with IT via an IT Helpdesk Ticket.
  3. Check with IT to determine if any parts/components are still viable or useful.
  4. Dispose the device in e-waste bins located in the corner of the corp yard by the warehouse door. Make sure the bins are covered after you’re done.
E-Waste

Battery Recycling

 
Recycle batteries and printer cartridges:

There are bins in the shop for recycling old batteries and printer cartridges.
The following types of batteries are ok to recycle in the shop:

IMPORTANT! For safety reasons, be sure to put tape on ALL battery contacts!