Design Studies Computer Requirements

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!

Design Studies students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.

Either Mac or PC computers are acceptable for Design Studies students.

Design Studies students will use computers in some digital imaging courses, but will mainly need computers to write papers, design research posters, and other forms of print media. Students wishing to purchase a new computer and software should follow the recommendations below. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments.

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.

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. 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.

PC Computer Requirements (Mac below)

Components	PC Desktop	PC Laptop
CPU (Processor) or Model	Any model using Intel Core i5 or equivalent processors or better.	Same as Desktop
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″ or larger—4K minimum screen resolution	15″ or larger (second 21″  or larger external, 4K minimum screen resolution monitor recommended)
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) Should have a discrete GPU.	2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors.	Same as Desktop
Operating System	Windows 11 or later.	Same as Desktop
Audio	Standard on PCs	Same as Desktop
Network Adapters	Wi-Fi card or adapter	Same as Desktop
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	Same as Desktop
Warranty Service	Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss/damage coverage	Same as Desktop
Optional Equipment	• Wacom tablet recommended. • Digital Camera, minimum 8 mega-pixels, manual over-rides on automatic exposure and possibly focus controls. Compatibility with the student’s computer platform (Windows or Macintosh), memory cards for image storage. • External Portable Speakers • Security cables and locks. • Surge protector to protect against power problems.	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

Mac Requirements

Components	Mac Desktop	Mac Laptop
CPU (Processor) or Model	iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro, any current model.	Any current 13′ MacBook Air or 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″ or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) Current iMacs include a built-in 5K monitor.	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.	2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors if possible.	Same as Desktop
Operating System	Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) 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
Additional Hardware	Three-button mouse with mouse driver software	Same as Desktop
Optional Equipment	• Wacom tablet recommended. • Digital Camera, minimum 8 mega-pixels, manual over-rides on automatic exposure and possibly focus controls. Compatibility with the student’s computer platform (Windows or Macintosh), memory cards for image storage. • External Portable Speakers • Security cables and locks. • Surge protector to protect against power problems.	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.

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.