Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning Computer Requirements
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning graduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.
We strongly recommend students purchase a Windows computer and Windows-associated hardware.
NOTE: 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!
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning graduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.
The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning requires all students to own a computer that, at a minimum, meets the specifications listed below. We strongly recommend students purchase a Windows computer and Windows-associated hardware.
Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements. Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements General Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.
Your computer should 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.
| Components | Windows Desktop | Windows Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| CPU (Processor) or Model | Any model using Intel Core i7 or newer processors. Should meet current Lumion system requirements. | |
| System RAM | 16 GB minimum. Students who intend to pursue coursework in advanced GIS or 3D modeling courses should upgrade to 32 GB minimum | |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine) | |
| Monitor/Display | 21″ or larger, 1920×1080 resolution or better | 15″ or larger (second external monitor recommended) |
| Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) Should have a discrete GPU. | Should meet current Lumion system requirements. 6GB video memory or more. No integrated graphics processors. | |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or later. | |
| Audio | Standard on PCs | |
| Network Adapters | Wi-Fi card or adapter | |
| Backup | External Drive – Windows Backup (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 | |
| Warranty Service | Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss/damage coverage | |
| 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) • Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 or later • Adobe Creative Cloud
| |
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.
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