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Hardware Purchasing

Sciences IT handles all computer purchasing for the College to ensure equipment meets University standards, integrates with the NC State environment, and is purchased at the best available price. This also ensures compliance with the Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI), University IT Policies, Regulations and Rules, and University purchasing guidelines.

How It Works

  1. Browse MarketPlace and find the configuration that fits your needs or reach out to us and we’ll help you identify the right options.
  2. Send us what you’ve found. If you spot a better price elsewhere, let us know and we’ll work with our vendor to try and match it.
  3. We review, place the order, and keep you updated throughout.
  4. Your device ships to our central support location, where we configure it to meet your needs and University standards.
  5. You receive the device ready to use.

Shopping on Marketplace

MarketPlace e-procurement portal must be your first stop for any computer purchase, this is a CPI requirement.

  • All desktops and laptops must come from approved vendors: Dell, Lenovo, HP, or Microsoft Surface (via CDW-G).
  • We recommend a maximum warranty on all purchases.
  • Purchases cannot be made via P-Card, voucher, or personal purchase order.
IT Purchases not generated through Sciences IT may be canceled and need to be resubmitted resulting in delays. IT Purchases made without Sciences IT may not be supported or allowed on the NC State network. Anticipate long shipping times for purchases and consult with us as early as possible.

Return Policies

All purchases that are working as advertised should be considered final, though some vendors may consider returns for working equipment on a case by case basis.

Any issues should be reported to Sciences IT immediately!

L5 Accounts

All requests to purchase with L5 Accounts will be routed for approval by the College of Sciences Research Office.

Recommendations

Sciences IT periodically reviews commonly purchased equipment and is happy to provide recommendations. However, technology and pricing change rapidly and these recommendations can get quickly outdated. In general, we recommend a minimum of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage space.

Schedule a consultation with us to find the solution that best meets your needs and budget.

Helpful LINKS

Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI)

CPI is mandatory for all campuses within the UNC System

Read more

NC State MarketPlace

The MarketPlace is a self-service, e-procurement tool that automates the full procurement to payment process

Read more

IT Procurement Guide

The IT Procurement guide helps users understand the IT Purchase Compliance process

Read more