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
Workstation Refresh Program
Hardware Upgrades: RAM and SSD
Memory Upgrade Compatibility
Check your AppleCare Status
Student Computer Recommendations
Computer Management & Storage
Computer Setup & Data Management
Computer Performance
E-Waste
E-Waste Procedures
Battery Recycling
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
Upgrading your RAM is the easiest way to get your computer running quicker and
smoother. Your computer should have at least 8GB RAM to perform well with modern
operating systems and programs.
Mac Upgrades:
The RAM on most newer Macs cannot be upgraded. Below is a list of Macs which
cannot be upgraded:
Mac mini (2014, 2020 and newer)
MacBook Pro (Late 2012 and newer)
MacBook Air (all models)
MacBook 12" (all models)
iMac (some 21" models 2015-2020, all models 2021 and newer)
To check whether your Mac can be upgraded, enter your serial number into
Everymac.com's serial lookup tool.
How to upgrade your Mac’s RAM
How to determine how much RAM you need: check your Activity Monitor for Memory
Used to determine how much RAM you need.
PC Upgrades:
How to Install RAM on your PC
How to determine how much RAM you need: check your memory usage and
determine how much RAM you’ll need.
Newegg Memory Configurator - Choose the right RAM for your computer
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)
At least 8GB of RAM is recommended
It is important to have an adequate amount of RAM, because this allows you to run
multiple programs and have multiple browser tabs open at the same time without bogging
down your computer.
If you foresee yourself working with more complicated software and having to multitask
frequently, you may want to consider purchasing a computer with 16GB of RAM
Internal Storage
We recommend at least 512GB of internal storage
This will give you enough local storage for the operating system, software programs, data
files, pictures, etc.
In addition, we highly recommend that you backup your computer. For different methods
and best practices, visit our Computer Backup KB Page
CPU (Internal Central Processing Unit)
We recommend having at least a quad-core processor
Although there is a tradeoff between energy efficiency, a quad-core processor allows you
to multitask and run several programs at the same time without slowing you down
Internal Drive
Ensure that the device you are purchasing has a solid-state-drive (SSD)
Having an SSD will greatly increase your computer’s loading and transfer speeds
Additionally, if your current device has a hard disk drive, you may be able to upgrade it to
a SSD. Check out our Hardware Upgrades KB page to learn more!
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.
Workstation Refresh (No-Cost)
Workstation Refresh (Discounted)
High Performance Configurations
If you or your lab has a need for a high performance machine for a specific purpose,
please contact IT by submitting an IT Helpdesk Ticket. The IT Group will work with
you to decide what hardware will best suit your needs, whether it is a High
Performance Desktop Workstation, a Virtual Machine in the on-premise environment,
or a Cloud Compute Instance.
Storage Devices
External Hard Drive
For backing up your workstation, IT recommends a portable external hard
drive. Below are a few recommended drives.
Seagate Backup Plus Slim
Western Digital My Passport
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
For lab environments, where you may have lots of data that needs to be shared
between many workstations, IT recommends purchasing a NAS. These are
physical data storage servers, connected to the network, that allow you to keep
your lab data in a centralized location and are accessible by whomever you
give access.
Be aware that any lab wanting to purchase a NAS must do so with their own
funds.
If you are thinking of purchasing a NAS for your lab, please submit an IT
Helpdesk Ticket. The IT Group will advise and assist in the process of planning,
purchasing hardware, and getting the NAS setup for use.
Hardware Upgrades
In some cases, a slow workstation's performance can be improved by an increase in
memory or replacing a hard drive with a solid-state drive. If you are thinking about a
hardware upgrade for your workstation, please submit an IT Helpdesk Ticket. For
more information, see the Hardware Upgrades page.
Operating System (OS) & Software
Configuration:
Operating Systems and Updates
Install the latest operating system compatible with your device and perform regular
updates to keep it running quickly and efficiently. For more information, visit the
Recommended Operating Systems page.
Software Installation
To see what services and technologies you have access to at MLML, check out our Service Level
Agreements.
Basic software recommendations include: Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, and Google
Chrome
To learn about all software available through MLML and other recommended
software visit our Software Page
Software Installation Procedures can be found on our Knowledge Base
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
Learn how to keep your passwords robust, safe, and securely stored please visit our
Password Storage & Management Page.
Information Security
IT strongly recommends thoroughly reading and implementing the advice on the
Information Security Overview to keep you and your data safe online.
Data Management:
Computer Backup
There are two methods you may use to backup a computer:
1) Backup User Files to Hard Drive
Purchase an external hard drive to backup your workstation
(recommended 1-2 TB)
This hard drive should be dedicated for this purpose only
Setup the following backup programs available on your device to backup
to your external hard drive:
1. Time Machine - Apple Mac
2. File History (or equivalent) - Windows PC
2) Create a Disk Image
Imaging your computer's disk creates a replica of the contents on your
computer
Using a differential setup creates one initial full image of your disk, then
the proceeding images save only the content that has changed since the
initial 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.
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.
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
Windows also has a basic system information dialog, similar to About This Mac (OS
Version, Processor, Memory, 32/64bit info)
Right click the This PC Icon on your Desktop and Click Properties.
If it isn't there, search "This PC" in the Search Box on your Taskbar.
This system information dialog should pop up
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.
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.
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 3rd Party Tools
Etrecheck - Find serious problems on your Mac
https://etrecheck.com/
https://etrecheck.com/faq
MacKeeper - DO NOT USE THIS! (Uninstall if present)
Uninstall Instructions - be sure to clean up bits that may be leftover
PC 3rd Party Tools
Mac OS Windows
Caffeine Ninite
Quicksilver Synergy
Spectacle 7-Zip
Synergy VLC Media Player
iStat Menus Spotify
Dropbox FileZilla
Spotify WinDirStat
Google Chrome CPU-Z
Sublime Text GPU-Z
Dropbox
Google Chrome
Notepad++
Sublime Text
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:
AAA, AA, C, D
9V
watch batteries, CMOS batteries
laptop batteries
UPS batteries
IMPORTANT! For safety reasons, be sure to put tape on ALL battery contacts!
