Older Computer Recommendations
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.
NOTE: All students should have a full computer, at least an older computer, available for coursework at the beginning of their first year. Using a 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!
This chart provides minimum recommendations for students bringing older computers to campus.
Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements General Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.
Depending on your needs, you should expect an older computer to be useful for no more than a year. If you plan to bring an older computer to campus, it should meet, or preferably, exceed these minimum recommendations. Contact your department office for specific hardware and software requirements for coursework.
| Components | Windows Desktop or Laptop | Macintosh Desktop or Laptop |
| CPU (Processor) or Model | Minimum: Any model using Intel Core i5 or later processors | Minimum: Any Intel processor iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Pro or MacBook Pro |
| System RAM | 8 GB minimum, more preferred | Same as PC |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine) | Same as PC |
| Monitor/Display | 14″ or larger (second external monitor optional) | Same as PC |
| Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) Should have a discrete GPU. | 2 GB VRAM or more | Same as PC |
| Operating System | Windows 10 or later. | Mac OS 12.0 (Monterey) or later |
| Audio | Standard on most PCs | Standard on most computers |
| Network Adapters | Wi-Fi card or adapter | Same as PC |
| 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 | 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 |
| Warranty Service | Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor (OK if warranty has expired) | Same as PC |
| 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. Additional software may be required for certain courses. | • Microsoft Office 365 (free to NCSU students) • Adobe Creative Cloud | Same as PC |
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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