Pre-existing Hardware
As a general rule, we recommend postponing new hardware purchases until your current hardware breaks or cannot perform adequately. However, pre-existing hardware, or other hardware that does not explicitly meet the hardware specifications below, will be treated as being 'in compliance' so long as the hardware is successfully running all of the software required by the student’s program and courses.
For those who currently own or are considering purchasing Apple hardware, the following should be noted:
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The specific minimum and recommended hardware specifications for the next academic year will be updated annually on or before July 1. The minimum requirements constitute a computer system with an anticipated lifespan for architectural design purposes of two to three years. The recommended requirements constitute a computer system with an anticipated lifespan for architectural design purposes of five years.
Laptop Hardware Requirements for New Purchases | |||||
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Non-design | Design | ||||
Component | Minimum | Recommended | Minimum | Recommended (Basic) | Recommended (Advanced) |
Processor | Intel i7 10-core | Intel i7 14-core | Intel i7 14-core | Intel Xeon/i9 16-core | Intel i9/Xeon 18+ core or AMD equivalent |
Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
Video Card (1) | Discreet Video Card with at least 2 GB RAM | Discreet Video Card with at least 4 GB RAM | 4 GB NVIDIA Quadro (e.g. P1000) | 8 GB or more | 12 GB or more VR Ready NVIDIA Quadro RTX (e.g. Quadro RTX 3000) |
Screen Size (2) | 15 inch | 15-17 inch | 15 inch | 15-17 inch | 15-17 inch |
Camera | IR Camera | IR Camera | IR Camera | IR Camera | IR Camera |
Networking | Wi-Fi 6E AX211 w/ Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E AX211 w/ Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E AX211 w/ Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E AX211 w/ Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E AX211 w/ Bluetooth |
Warranty | 3 year + accidental damage | 3-5 year + accidental damage | 3 year + accidental damage | 3+ year + accidental damage (# of years should match program length - recommended) | 3+ year + accidental damage (# of years should match program length - recommended) |
(1) - The most important recommendation for video cards is that they are on the list of Autodesk Certified Hardware for Revit. The card search can be found at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?id=18844534&siteID=123112
(2) - Screen size is mostly about usage style, weight, portability, and eyesight. Smaller screens provide lower weight and higher portability while larger screens provide a larger desktop at the expense of weight and portability.
Peripherals
In addition to your required laptop there are several peripherals which can be very helpful to your digital productivity and security.