Recommended laptop or desktop spec for SystmOne

If you run a GP practice, community health team or a small healthcare organisation in the UK — somewhere between a handful and a couple of hundred staff — you’ll want SystmOne to be fast, reliable and secure. Choosing the right laptop or desktop spec for SystmOne isn’t about chasing the latest gimmick; it’s about removing distractions so clinicians and admin staff can do their jobs without waiting, logging in again, or calling IT every time the system hiccups.

Why the right spec matters to your business

Picture this: a receptionist waits for a patient record to load while there’s a queue at reception; a clinician loses five minutes during a consultation while systems refresh. Those small delays add up in time, stress and reputation. The recommended laptop or desktop spec for SystmOne should therefore be chosen to reduce downtime, speed up workflows and help you meet information governance obligations.

Core spec — sensible defaults

These are practical, proven components that balance cost and performance for most practices (10–200 staff):

Processor: Modern quad‑core CPU as a minimum — e.g. Intel Core i5 (11th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 5 (4000 series or newer). For heavily virtualised environments or many simultaneous users, step up to an i7/Ryzen 7.
Memory (RAM): 16GB is the sweet spot. 8GB will run SystmOne for basic tasks but expect slower performance during multitasking. 32GB only if you run large numbers of local apps or research tools alongside SystmOne.
Storage: NVMe SSD, 256GB minimum, 512GB recommended. SSDs make a noticeable difference to boot and application load times compared with hard drives.
Operating System: Windows 10/11 Pro (64‑bit). Pro gives better device management and BitLocker encryption options which matter for patient data.
Network: Gigabit Ethernet port for wired desktops and docking stations. For Wi‑Fi, choose Wi‑Fi 5 minimum; Wi‑Fi 6 is preferable for busy sites with many devices.
Display: 1080p (FHD) minimum. Clinicians benefit from larger screens (24″ desktop monitors or 14–15″ laptops) to display records and results side by side.
Peripherals: A reliable docking station for hot‑desk or hybrid setups; a comfortable keyboard and sensible mouse; a privacy filter where triage happens in public areas.

Recommended desktop spec (for reception/admin & shared workstations)

Desktops are still the cheapest way to get the best performance per pound, particularly in reception and admin areas where staff are logged on for long stretches.

CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 (quad‑core or better).
RAM: 16GB.
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD. Add a separate backup or NAS if you keep local departmental files.
Network: Gigabit Ethernet, static IP where possible for printers and shared services.
Monitors: 24″ 1080p; consider dual monitors for admin tasks that require multiple applications.

Recommended laptop spec (for clinicians & home workers)

Laptops need to balance performance with battery life and mobility. Clinicians often want light, robust machines that last a clinic session without charging.

CPU: Mobile Intel Core i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7.
RAM: 16GB.
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD.
Battery: Aim for 8+ hours in real use — not just manufacturer claims.
Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5; an Ethernet adapter or docking station for clinic rooms.
Security: TPM 2.0, fingerprint or PIN sign‑in and whole‑disk encryption (BitLocker).

Virtualisation, remote apps and thin clients

Many organisations run SystmOne through thin‑client or RDS/Citrix‑style solutions. If you plan to use remote desktop infrastructure, your local hardware can be lighter, but network performance becomes critical. In that case, a modest i3 with 8GB and a fast SSD can be acceptable for a thin client — but only if you have a strong, low‑latency LAN and professionally managed servers.

If you’re unsure about local versus server‑hosted setups, it’s worth talking to experienced healthcare IT support teams who can assess your bandwidth, firewall and remote access needs and design a reliable solution. For example, a quick review of your set‑up can identify whether upgrading to Wi‑Fi 6 access points or investing in a docking standard will save appointment time and admin hours; organisations often see the change pay off in fewer calls to reception and quicker patient throughput. Consider contacting a provider that specialises in clinical IT for a tailored plan: healthcare IT support services.

Security and compliance — non‑negotiables

Specs matter less if you ignore encryption, patching and backups. For patient data you should ensure:

Full disk encryption (BitLocker) and secure boot enabled.
Automatic Windows updates managed centrally so clinicians aren’t interrupted mid‑clinic.
Antivirus/endpoint detection deployed and monitored.
Regular backups — cloud or on‑site — tested for restore capability.
Strong password policies and multi‑factor authentication for remote access.

Budgeting and lifecycle

Expect to replace laptops every 3–4 years and desktops every 4–6 years. Spending a little more up front on SSDs, 16GB RAM and business‑grade warranties usually saves money by reducing downtime, emergency repairs and lost productivity.

Also budget for docking stations, spare chargers, and a small pool of hot‑swap machines so clinics aren’t disrupted when a device fails. In my experience working with practices across the UK, the cost of a spare device pales beside the cost of a cancelled clinic or extended waiting room queues.

Checklist to hand to your supplier or IT partner

When you talk to your reseller or IT team, give them this checklist:

Purpose: reception, clinician, admin or mobile.
Minimum CPU (i5/Ryzen 5) and RAM (16GB).
512GB NVMe SSD preferred.
Windows 10/11 Pro, BitLocker and TPM enabled.
Wired gigabit ports for shared PCs; Wi‑Fi 6 for busy clinical areas.
Docking solution for laptops used in clinic rooms.

FAQ

Do I need 16GB of RAM for every machine?

Not strictly. Reception or very light admin PCs can run with 8GB, but 16GB gives room for multiple apps, smoother updates and better future‑proofing. Given the small price difference today, 16GB is the practical minimum for clinical staff.

Will an SSD make a real difference?

Yes. SSDs cut boot and application load times dramatically. Clinicians notice the difference every time they open a patient record — those seconds add up across a day of appointments.

Can I use Chromebooks or tablets with SystmOne?

Chromebooks and tablets can be useful for limited tasks, but full SystmOne use typically requires Windows support or a supported remote desktop client. If you plan to use non‑Windows devices, test thoroughly and ensure secure, managed remote access.

How important is wired networking?

Very. Wherever you can, use wired gigabit connections for desktops and clinic room docks. Wi‑Fi has its place, but wired connections reduce latency and avoid packet loss that can interrupt clinical workflows.

Should I standardise on one model across the site?

Standardising makes life easier for IT: same drivers, same spares and quicker troubleshooting. Choose one or two laptop and one desktop models that meet your spec and stick to them where possible.

Choosing the right hardware for SystmOne is less about chasing specs and more about choosing stability, speed and security that deliver better patient flow, fewer interruptions and calmer clinics. If you want to free up clinician time and reduce admin friction, start by standardising on machines with the spec above and invest in simple things like docking, encryption and tested backups. That approach buys you time, protects money and helps keep your team and patients calm — which is the whole point, really.