Standard Systems

Standard Hardware Configurations

HBS provides each faculty member with a single desktop or laptop computer that is upgraded on a three-year cycle (some faculty members may have access to additional funding for technology purchases). We are pleased to support both Windows and Mac OS machines to meet your needs.

All HBS computers include a standard software suite for office productivity and security and feature Windows 11 or the most recent supported version of Mac OS depending on whether you choose Dell or Apple hardware. Microsoft Office, including Outlook, is used on both platforms for document creation/editing and for e-mail and calendar collaboration across the school.

Current HBS standard hardware configurations are below (list current as of March 2024):

Windows Laptop: Dell Latitude 14''

Standard specifications:

• Intel® Core i7 16-core processor

• 16 GB of RAM

• 512 GB solid state drive

• 14.0", 1366 x 768 internal display

Comes with accessories:

• Dell 24", 1920 x 1080 external display

• External optical drive (on request)

• Docking station, keyboard, mouse, speakers, cable lock, webcam, wireless headset

• Choice of carrying bag: neoprene sleeve (default), backpack, briefcase, or none

Mac OS Laptop: MacBook Pro 14"

Standard specifications:

• Apple M3 Pro chip with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine

• 16 GB of RAM

• 512 GB solid state drive

• 14-inch display

Comes with accessories:

• Dell 24", 1920 x 1080 external display

• Docking station, Apple wireless keyboard and mouse, speakers, cable lock, webcam, wireless headset

• Choice of carrying bag: neoprene sleeve (default), backpack, briefcase, or none

Technology Exceptions

Some faculty members may have research needs that exceed the capabilities of local compute offerings. Together, HBS IT and Research Computing Services can help you find the right blend of resources to address these needs, including:

• The HBSGrid High Performance / High Throughput Compute Cluster

  • For larger compute problems that require more RAM, disk space, or CPU power than found on a typical desktop/laptop; or High Risk Confidential Information storage, or collaborations with others, including persons external to HBS

  • Features ~700 processor cores, 13 Terabytes of RAM, 5 high-end GPUs, and half a Petabyte of storage.

• The RCS MariaDB relational database server, for storing, retrieving, and merging structured or semi-structured data from one to many data sources.

• The Harvard FAS Research Computing Cannon compute cluster: for larger compute problems too big for the local HBS compute cluster.

• A more powerful or expandable desktop computer. If after consultation with Research Computing Services, you wish to move forward with this request, you may receive one as part of your onboarding setup. TSS and RCS maintain standard hardware profiles for this high-end equipment, and partial funding must be drawn from the individual's Discretionary Research Fund.

• After you arrive at HBS, Technology Support Services (TSS) can respond to all standard technology requests or questions at ithelp@hbs.edu or 617.495.6600.