Computer and Peripheral purchasing guidelines

Below is general information about purchasing and supported hardware at the institute. Centers and groups are responsible for budgeting and paying for all equipment, please get approval from the PI or admin before contacting us.

Purchasing

All purchase requests for computers and peripherals must be done through Sysnet. Below is a list of items that we can help make purchases for:

  • Desktops or workstations

  • Servers

  • Laptops

  • Tablets (iPads, Chromebook, Microsoft Surface, etc…)

  • Large storage arrays

  • Clusters

  • TV’s

  • Cameras

  • Projectors

This is not a complete list, these are items we track for inventory. For some items we may suggest or direct you to a site where the item can be purchased. For computers (laptops, desktops, and servers) Sysnet will work with a vendor to get quotes, PO’s, or create UTMarket carts for the purchase. Please contact RT for purchasing equipment listed above.

For other peripherals listed below, purchases for these items can go through the admin with the PI’s approval.

  • Apple multiport adapters

  • HDMI cables

  • Various dongles like USB-C to RJ45, USB-C to {HDMI,DP,VGA}

  • External HDD’s

  • Monitors

  • A/V equipment like headphones, earbuds, microphones, etc…

  • Specialty keyboards, mouse

We do keep backstock of gently used keyboard, mice, HDMI (limited supply) and display port cables. Submit a help request at RT and ask.

Attention

Sysnet does not make the purchase. The admin or a purchasing agent will initiate the purchase. Sysnet sends the quote or UTMarket cart to the admin for purchasing.

Supported Hardware

Warning

We strongly suggest purchasing from vendors listed below. Sysnet may not be able to provide support systems not listed below.

Dell

We have been purchasing and using Dell workstations and servers for 10+ years. We support the Precision line of workstations, PowerEdge servers, PowerVault storage, and XPS line of laptops. The Precision line of workstations have been a solid performer and allow flexible configurations for processor(s), memory, and GPU’s.

Apple

We can purchase Apple products available through the Campus Computer Store in the UTMarket. These include iMacs, Macbooks, iPads, and displays. We can also create carts for other accessories such as multi-port adapters, keyboards, mouse, etc…

Lenovo

CDWG carries a very limited set of Lenovo laptop models sometimes readily available and in stock. Any customizations for models they carry can result in longer lead times.

Xerox

Support for small office or medium duty printers, b/w, color and multi-function printers.

Lexmark

Support for small office or medium duty printers, b/w, color and multi-function printers.

Other

We have made purchases from other vendors such as System76, Exxact, and Lambda Labs. There are limitations working with these vendors, we work directly with them, request quotes and then issue PO’s. Any of these vendors may have an offering that Dell does not, such AMD processors and AMD GPU’s. We strongly suggest looking at Dell products before exploring any of these vendors.

Build your own

Unfortunately we do not help spec or build workstations from scratch components due to the large offerings of mother boards and components. If you desire building a system, be aware the build is considered a fabrication by inventory services and it must have a UT tag. You will ultimately be responsible for purchasing, assembling, trouble shooting, and replacement of all components. We strongly discourage going this route unless you’re a seasoned computer builder.

Receiving

All equipment orders must be shipped to the institute, no exceptions. Sysnet is responsible for receiving computer equipment, tagging if necessary, imaging, and deploying equipment. We do our best to turn equipment around after it has been received.