{"id":335,"date":"2025-05-16T20:16:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/?p=335"},"modified":"2025-05-16T20:22:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T20:22:16","slug":"design-studies-computer-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/operations\/335\/design-studies-computer-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Design Studies Computer Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read this page AND the general information<\/a> before spending money on computer hardware and software.<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n

Design Studies students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.<\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Either Mac or PC computers are acceptable for Design Studies\u00a0students.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.<\/strong> Please read the College\u2019s Student Computing Requirements General Information<\/a> page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC Computer Requirements (Mac below)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/strong><\/th>PC Desktop<\/strong><\/th>PC Laptop<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>Any model using Intel Core i5 or equivalent processors or better.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM<\/strong><\/td>16 GB minimum, more preferred.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)<\/strong><\/td>512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display<\/strong><\/td>21\u2033 or larger\u20144K minimum screen resolution<\/td>15\u2033 or larger (second 21\u2033  or larger external, 4K minimum screen resolution monitor recommended)<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong><\/td>Windows 11 or later.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on PCs<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive – Windows Backup<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer’s storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services – Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Optional Equipment<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Wacom tablet<\/a> recommended.
\u2022 Digital Camera, minimum 8 mega-pixels, manual over-rides on automatic exposure and possibly focus controls. Compatibility with the student\u2019s computer platform (Windows or Macintosh), memory cards for image storage.
\u2022 External Portable Speakers
\u2022 Security cables and locks.
\u2022 Surge protector to protect against power problems.<\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk’s Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/td>		\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)

\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong>
<\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mac Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/strong><\/th>Mac Desktop<\/strong><\/th>Mac Laptop<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro, any current model.<\/td>Any current 13\u2032 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, any current 14\u2033 or 16\u2033model.<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM<\/strong><\/td>16 GB minimum, more preferred.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)<\/strong><\/td>512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display<\/strong><\/td>21\u2033 or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) Current iMacs include a built-in 5K monitor.<\/td>14\u2033 or 16\u2033 (Second external monitor for more working space optional) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors if possible.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong><\/td>Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) or later<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on Macs<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive \u2013 Time Machine<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer\u2019s storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services – Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Hardware<\/strong><\/td>Three-button mouse with mouse driver software<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Optional Equipment<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Wacom tablet<\/a> recommended.
\u2022 Digital Camera, minimum 8 mega-pixels, manual over-rides on automatic exposure and possibly focus controls. Compatibility with the student\u2019s computer platform (Windows or Macintosh), memory cards for image storage.
\u2022 External Portable Speakers
\u2022 Security cables and locks.
\u2022 Surge protector to protect against power problems.<\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk’s Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/td>		\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)
\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong>

<\/td>		Same as Desktop.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> or use t<\/a>his form to contact the College Information Technology staff<\/a> with specific information about your problem.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please read this page AND the general information<\/a> before spending money on computer hardware and software.<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Either Mac or PC computers are acceptable for Design Studies\u00a0students.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.<\/strong> Please read the College\u2019s Student Computing Requirements General Information<\/a> page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PC Computer Requirements (Mac below)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/strong><\/th>PC Desktop<\/strong><\/th>PC Laptop<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>Any model using Intel Core i5 or equivalent processors or better.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM<\/strong><\/td>16 GB minimum, more preferred.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)<\/strong><\/td>512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display<\/strong><\/td>21\u2033 or larger\u20144K minimum screen resolution<\/td>15\u2033 or larger (second 21\u2033  or larger external, 4K minimum screen resolution monitor recommended)<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong><\/td>Windows 11 or later.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on PCs<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive - Windows Backup<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer's storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services - Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>Minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Optional Equipment<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Wacom tablet<\/a> recommended.
\u2022 Digital Camera, minimum 8 mega-pixels, manual over-rides on automatic exposure and possibly focus controls. Compatibility with the student\u2019s computer platform (Windows or Macintosh), memory cards for image storage.
\u2022 External Portable Speakers
\u2022 Security cables and locks.
\u2022 Surge protector to protect against power problems.<\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk's Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/td>		\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)

\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong>
<\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mac Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Components<\/strong><\/th>Mac Desktop<\/strong><\/th>Mac Laptop<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CPU (Processor) or Model<\/strong><\/td>iMac, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro, any current model.<\/td>Any current 13\u2032 MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, any current 14\u2033 or 16\u2033model.<\/td><\/tr>
System RAM<\/strong><\/td>16 GB minimum, more preferred.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Hard Drive (Storage)<\/strong><\/td>512 GB SSD minimum, more preferred (multiple drives are fine)<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Monitor\/Display<\/strong><\/td>21\u2033 or larger (Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers.) Current iMacs include a built-in 5K monitor.<\/td>14\u2033 or 16\u2033 (Second external monitor for more working space optional) Monitors from other vendors will work with Apple computers<\/td><\/tr>
Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) <\/strong>Should have a discrete GPU.<\/em><\/td>2 GB VRAM or more. Avoid integrated graphics processors if possible.<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Operating System<\/strong><\/td>Mac OS 15 (Sequoia) or later<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Audio<\/strong><\/td>Standard on Macs<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Network Adapters<\/strong><\/td>Wi-Fi card or adapter<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Backup<\/strong><\/td>External Drive \u2013 Time Machine<\/a> (external drive needs to be at least twice the computer\u2019s storage capacity)
Cloud Backup Services - Google One<\/a> (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud<\/a>, or another backup service<\/a><\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Warranty Service<\/strong><\/td>3-year AppleCare Protection Plan or third-party loss\/damage coverage<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Additional Hardware<\/strong><\/td>Three-button mouse with mouse driver software<\/td>Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Optional Equipment<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Wacom tablet<\/a> recommended.
\u2022 Digital Camera, minimum 8 mega-pixels, manual over-rides on automatic exposure and possibly focus controls. Compatibility with the student\u2019s computer platform (Windows or Macintosh), memory cards for image storage.
\u2022 External Portable Speakers
\u2022 Security cables and locks.
\u2022 Surge protector to protect against power problems.<\/td>		Same as Desktop<\/td><\/tr>
Software<\/strong>
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or Wolfpack Outfitters<\/a>.

Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk's Education Community<\/a>.

Additional software may be required for certain courses.<\/td>		\u2022 Microsoft Office 365<\/a> <\/strong>(free to NCSU students)
\u2022 Adobe Creative Cloud<\/a><\/strong>

<\/td>		Same as Desktop.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Questions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> or use t<\/a>his form to contact the College Information Technology staff<\/a> with specific information about your problem.<\/p>\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":152,"featured_media":348,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"displayCategoryID\":11,\"showAuthor\":false,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"showReadingTime\":false,\"subtitle\":\"Design Studies\u00a0students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.<\/strong>
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