(Updated April 2013)
This chart provides minimum recommendations for students bringing older computers to campus. Clicking on “Tell Me More” will provide detailed information about a component.
Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements 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.
2013 Minimum Recommendations for Older Computers
| Components | Windows Desktop or Laptop | Macintosh Desktop or Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| CPU (Processor) or Model | Any model using Intel Core or equivalent processors. | Minimum: Any Intel iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Pro or MacBook Pro |
| System RAM | 8 GB minimum, more preferred | 8 GB minimum, more preferred if capable |
| CD/DVD/Blu-ray (optional) | CD-RW/DVD-R/Blu-ray optional | |
| Hard Drive (Storage) | 200 GB remaining space minimum, more preferred | 200 GB remaining space minimum, more preferred |
| Monitor | 14″ or larger (second external monitor optional) | 14″ or larger (second external monitor optional) |
| Video Adapter (Graphics Card) | 256 MB VRAM or more | |
| Operating System | Windows 7 Professional (Not “Home” version) | Mac OS X 10.7 or later |
| Sound Card | 100% Windows compliant sound card | |
| Ethernet and Wireless Adapters | Built-in RJ-45 (802.11g compatible wireless ethernet card optional, but needed for wireless network access.) |
Built-in RJ-45 and Airport Wireless Adapter are both standard on most Macintosh computers. |
| External Hard Drive for Back-ups | An external drive at least as large as your computer’s internal drive for backing up your computer | |
| Warranty Service | minimum 3-year onsite parts and labor (OK if warranty has expired) | |
| Software
Be sure to check for educational discounts through the College of Design or NCSU Bookstores. Many Autodesk products are available free through Autodesk’s Education Community. Additional software may be required for certain courses. |
• Microsoft Office 2010 or later (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 or later (Creative Suite come in several different bundles. See each department’s requirements to find the best bundle for you.) |
• Microsoft Office 2011 or later (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite 6 or later (Creative Suite come in several different bundles. See each department’s requirements to find the best bundle for you.) |
Questions?
The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. Contact them by sending an email to: design_help@ncsu.edu.