Linux Minimum Hardware Requirements

Tags linux

On-Domain and Minimally Managed Requirements

These requirements are designed to ensure our ability to support the system, including long-term compatibility with modern Linux operating systems, reasonable performance, and the security functionality to remain compliant with the various programs and agencies that fund Michigan Tech.

These specifications will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to keep pace with evolving technology, compliance, and organizational support needs.

Minimum Hardware Requirements

  • Network: WiFi (for laptops, not recommended for desktops) or Gigabit wired ethernet capable
  • Arch: 64-bit
  • Processor: Manufactured in the last 6 years
  • Processor Speed: 4 GHz or 2 GHz+boost
  • RAM: 16 GB (if no GUI is desired a minimum of 8 GB is sufficient)
  • Hard Drive: 256 GB Solid State Disk (SSD)
  • Video Card: Integrated is adequate, Discrete NVIDIA GPU is recommended

Display that supports a resolution of 1920×1080, if external DisplayPort or HDMI supported.  If multiple displays are desired we would recommend a discrete graphics card.

The hardware must support disk encryption and hardware-based encryption key management through the existence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with at least hardware revision 2.0. The module can be integrated into the system board, provided by an add-in module, or provided through the chipset. Typically that hardware exists in all systems produced after 2017.

In addition to these minimum requirements, the hardware must conform with published specifications from the organizations that maintain the supported Linux distributions.

Operating Systems

Exceptions to these requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis working with the relevant Information Technology teams prior to purchase.