Computer Recommendations

 Desktop vs. Laptop

Most students appreciate the portability of laptop computers. However, desktop computers can be a bit cheaper and are perfectly acceptable. The choice is yours.

Computers running Windows are the best choice. Chromebooks and Apple computers may not run most of the programs required for some courses.

General Studies Students

Screen Size

Laptop Computers

• 14” - 17” screen size

  • Screens smaller than 14” may feel “cramped”

  • Larger screens (18” or larger) can be great, may mean a heavier laptop

• Touch screen monitors are a great optional feature

  • They can raise the price of the laptop, however

Desktop Monitors

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or greater

• Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 or greater

• Size: user preference

CPU/Processor

• Intel i7 or greater

  • Intel i5 will work if budget is an issue

• AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 are also reasonable choices

Memory (RAM)

• 16GB (16 Gigabytes) or more

  • The more, the better

Hard Drive

May be listed as “SSD”, “NVMe”, or “M.2” drive

• 512GB or more

  • 1TB (Terabyte) or more is best

• We prefer Solid Stated Drives (SSD) over Hard Disc Drives (HDD)

  • HDDs are slower

  • For desktop computers, it is fine to have an HDD as a second hard drive

Software

• Windows 11 operating system installed

  • Windows 11 home edition will work well

• Microsoft Office is available to you for free! You can find out more on the Microsoft Office page.

• Refer to your course syllabuses for other software you may need to purchase and install

Brand

• We do not offer a computer brand preference

  • Dell, Lenovo, HP have good offerings

  • Asus, Acer, and others do as well

  • We do not recommend Apple computer or Chromebooks

Price

• Viable options for laptops, and desktops without monitors, start around $650

CAD Students

Screen Size

Laptop Computers

• 17” or greater

  • 18” may work better, but may mean a heavier laptop

• A second, external monitor may be helpful

Desktop Monitors

• Same as for General Studies Students (above)

• Higher resolution screens (2560 x 1440 or greater) may be more useful

CPU/Processor

• Intel i7 or greater

• Or AMD Ryzen 7 or greater

Memory (RAM)

• 16GB (minimum) or more

  • Some CAD programs will not run on 8GB or less

Hard Drive

May be listed as “SSD”, “NVMe”, or “M.2” drive

• 1TB or more

• For performance reasons, we strongly recommend Solid Stated Drives (SSD) over Hard Disc Drives (HDD)

  • For desktop computers, it is fine to have an HDD as a second hard drive

Graphics Card (GPU)

• Discrete graphics card is necessary

  • Memory size (VRAM) of 4GB or greater is recommended

Brands

• See “General Studies Students > Brands” above

• Compatible laptops are often listed as “gaming” laptops

Price

• Options for CAD-capable laptops start around $850