(Last updated 7Jan26)
We recommend and supply Dell desktops and laptops with configurations that provide optimal performance, potential for future expansion, and overall compatibility for as many users as possible. Since the availability of configurations regularly changes, we can only supply general recommendations for some specifications.1 Systems not supplied or tested by MindWare may have unforeseen hardware or software compatibility issues.
Recommended System Specifications
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro2, 64bit, English |
| Processor | Intel® CoreTM Ultra 7 Processor (or better) |
| Memory | 16GB RAM or better (dual channel memory configuration is recommended) |
| Video Card3 | Intel® Arc Integrated Graphics or better, with appropriate display adapters |
| Hard Drive | 1TB SSD or larger |
| Networking | Gigabit ethernet (dual gigabit ethernet required for desktops to isolate research network) |
| USB | USB 2.04 recommended for BioNex |
| I/O | Parallel Port PCIe Card for event generationBluetooth Wireless Card for audio integration |
Microsoft Office is available for an additional fee. Computer systems purchased through MindWare include initial configuration, testing, and technical support for data acquisition and analysis. Security, virus scanning, and general system administration are the responsibility of the end-user. Notes:
- The listed computer system specifications are tested by MindWare for compatibility and performance. Different specifications may not perform as expected.
- See MindWare Software Compatibility Chart: https://support.mindwaretech.com/knowledge-base/kb0025/
- A discrete video card with higher specifications is required for systems with virtual reality (VR) integration and/or other graphics-intensive tasks.
- Some USB 3.0 implementations do not emulate USB 2.0 properly and can cause video or data streaming issues. NEC/Renesas chipsets can be problematic. Intel chipsets may be acceptable. A USB 2.0 PCIe Card may be added to ensure compatibility.
Recommended PC Specifications by Solution
| Primary Research Tool | Required PC Tier | Key IT Hardware Specifications | Minimum PassMark Score (G3D Mark) | Minimum VRAM (Video Memory) |
| MindWare Mobile / BioNex | Tier 1: Standard | Core i7, 16GB RAM, Integrated / RTX 4050 | 7,000+ | 4GB |
| Cameras (1-4), fNIR | Tier 2: Advanced | Core i7, 32GB RAM, RTX 4060 | 19,000+ | 8GB |
| EEG (BioSemi/BrainProducts) | Tier 3: High-Data | Core i9, 64GB RAM, PCIe USB Expansion Card | 30,000+ | 12GB – 16GB |
| Eye Tracking (Tobii) | Tier 3: High-Data | Core i9, 64GB RAM, RTX 4070 Super / 4080 (GPU must be NVIDIA) | 30,000+ | 12GB – 16GB |
| (VR) Pico Neo / Vive Focus | Tier 3: VR Ready | Core i9, 32GB RAM, RTX 4070 Super / 4080 | 30,000+ | 12GB – 16GB |
| VR/XR (Varjo XR-4), (Multi-User VR) | Tier 4: VR/XR | Core i9 / Xeon, 64GB, RTX 4090, | 38,000+ | 24GB |
File Size Estimation – How Much Storage Do I Need?
| Data Source | Configuration | Data Rate | Estimated Size (30 minutes) |
| Mobile | 1-4 Channels (24-bit) | ~60 kbit/s | 12 – 24 MB |
| BioNex | 1-32 Channels (16-bit) | ~1 MB/min | 28 – 60 MB |
| Cameras (1-4), fNIR | 1 Stream (1080p @ 30fps) | ~10 Mbps | 1.5 – 2.0 GB |
| EEG (Brain Products / BioSemi) | 64 – 160 Channels | ~1.5 MB/s | 2.5 – 10.0 GB+ |
| Eye Tracking (Tobii) | All Models (Gaze + HD Scene Video) | ~30-50 MB/min | 1.0 – 1.5 GB |
| VR (Pico / Vive) | All Models (Tracking Data + POV Session Video) | ~100+ MB/min | 3.0 – 5.0 GB |
| Varjo XR-4, Multi-User VR | High-Resolution Research Log | ~500 MB/min | 5.0 – 10.0 GB+ |