Graphic & Experience Design Computer Requirements

NOTE: All students should have a full computer, at least an older computer, available for coursework in the Fall Semester of their first year. Using a smart phone only will not work for courses.

ALL departments require students to have a computer with minimum specifications. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments.

Please read this page AND the general information before spending money on computer hardware and software.

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!

Graphic & Experience Design undergraduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.

Graphic & Experience Design graduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.

Macintosh computers are required for Graphic & Experience Design students.

The Department of Graphic & Experience Design and Industrial Design at NC State was the first program in the University of North Carolina System to require students to have a computer for their studies. This requirement has allowed our students to gain a level of computer proficiency and confidence that is essential in practice. Graphic & Experience Design integrates computers in virtually every step of the design process from conception to production and in a range of media including print, video, and web. Apple Macintosh is the preferred platform of the graphic design field and is required for our Graphic & Experience Design students.

****DO WE KEEP THIS PART?Download the departmental Materials List for more detailed information from the Department of Graphic & Experience Design and Industrial Design. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view this file.)

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.

Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.

Macintosh Computers

Components	Macintosh Desktop	Macintosh Laptop
CPU (Processor) or Model	Good: iMac 24″, any current model. Better: Mac Studio or Mac Pro, any current model	MacBook Pro, any current 14″ or 16″ model.
System RAM	16 GB minimum, more preferred.	Same as Desktop.
Hard Drive (Storage)	512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)	Same as Desktop.
Monitor/Display	21″ 4K resolution minimum (Consider two monitors for more working space on the computer.) iMacs include a built-in 5K monitor. Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.	14″ or 16″ (Second external monitor for more working space optional) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) Should have a discrete GPU.	4 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors.	Same as Desktop.
Operating System	Mac OS 12.0 (Monterey) or later	Same as Desktop.
Audio	Standard on Macs	Same as Desktop.
Network Adapters	Wi-Fi card or adapter	Same as Desktop.
Backup	External Drive – Time Machine (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer’s storage capacity) Cloud Backup Services – Google One (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud, or another backup service	Same as Desktop.
Warranty Service	3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss/damage coverage	Same as Desktop.
Software Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters. Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk’s Education Community. Additional software may be required for certain courses.	• Microsoft Office 365 (free to NCSU students) • Adobe Creative Cloud	Same as Desktop.
Digital Camera (Sophomore Year)	8.0 Megapixel or higher, Macintosh-compatible digital camera with case	Same as Desktop.

Questions?

The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu or use this form to contact the College Information Technology staff with specific information about your problem.