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Recommended Computer Specifications

Please note that it is highly recommended that students purchase a personal computer based on the Windows Operating System. While students may purchase a personal computer from Apple based on macOS they may encounter interface problems with some of the software packages that the department and college utilize. In addition, some engineering software packages (like SOLIDWORKS) are not developed for macOS.

Hardware Specifications

The recommended hardware specifications seen below operate under the premise that students will purchase a laptop or tablet/convertible form factor.

MinimumRecommendedIdeal
Operating SystemWindows 10Windows 10 or 11Windows 10 or 11
ProcessorIntel Core i5 (or AMD equivalent)Intel Core i7 (or AMD equivalent)Intel Core i7 or i9 (or AMD equivalent)
Memory (RAM)8 GB16 GB32 GB
Storage250 GB (SSD)500 GB (SSD)500+ (SSD)
GraphicsIntegrated graphicsDiscrete video cardDiscrete video card

Additional Information

Some software companies, like Dassault Systeme’s SOLIDWORKS Corporation, also have unique recommended system requirements.

Software used in Curriculum

  • ANSYS
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • MathWorks MATLAB
  • Microsoft Office
  • Minitab
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • PTC Mathcad
  • SOLIDWORKS

Last updated: 7/11/2022