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2011-2012 Computing Requirement

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Incoming freshmen and transfer students must purchase a computer that meets or exceeds the set of specifications defined for the academic year the student joins the program. For example, freshmen and transfer students incoming during the 2011-2012 academic year will be expected to have a computer which meets the specifications for the 2011-2012 academic year.

These recommendations are designed to provide students with the basis for purchasing a computer that will be powerful enough to run the latest CAD, imaging, and 3D modeling software, and to be upgradable in order to last for the duration of the academic program.


Contents

Minimum Laptop Computer Requirement

A laptop which meets or exceeds these specifications meets the computer requirement.

  • Processor - Core i7 620M (dual-core 2.66Ghz, 4MB cache) or AMD Turion II M620
  • System Memory - 4GB DDR31
  • Hard Drive - 250GB SATA (7200 RPM)
  • Video Card - ATI mobility Radeon HD 4670 or Nvidia Quadro FX 880M (ATI or Nvidia brands only)2
  • DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
  • Network Card - Ethernet & 802.11 g/n WiFi3
  • Operating System - OSX Lion or Snow Leopard, 64-bit Windows 74
  1. Most laptop computers have two RAM slots available. For this configuration it is recommended that you purchase a single 4GB memory card, which would leave room for an additional memory card later.
  2. It is important to choose a powerful 3D-capable video card from the beginning. Unlike desktop computers, laptop computers do not allow the addition of new video hardware. In order for your computer to be capable of running the 3D software applications used in our program, it is imperative that you choose a video card that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications. No laptops with only an Intel video card meets these requirements.
  1. At this time, the campus wireless network is not compatible with Atheros brand wireless network cards
  2. Upgrades to Windows Xp and Vista are available for purchase through the university site-license. More information is available here.
  3. It is not necessary to find a laptop with these exact specifications. Visit notebookcheck.net to compare CPUs and GPUs with the specification.

The following configuration is recommended for those students who intend to focus on 3D modeling, animation, and design.

Recommended Laptop Computer Specifications

  • Processor - Core i7 720QM (quad-core 1.6Ghz, 6MB cache)
  • System Memory - 6GB DDR3
  • Hard Drive - 500GB 7200 RPM hard drive(7200 RPM)
  • Video Card - ATI mobility Radeon HD 4670 or Nvidia Quadro FX 1800 (ATI or Nvidia brands only)1
  • DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
  • Network Card - Ethernet & 802.11 g/n WLAN network2
  • Operating System - OSX Lion or Snow Leopard, 64-bit Windows 73
  1. It is important to choose a powerful 3D-capable video card from the beginning. Unlike desktop computers, laptop computers do not allow the addition of new video hardware. In order for your computer to be capable of running the 3D software applications used in our program, it is imperative that you choose a video card that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications. No laptop with only an Intel video card meets the minimum computer requirements.
  2. At this time, the campus wireless network is not compatible with Atheros brand wireless network cards
  3. Upgrades to Windows Xp and Vista are available for purchase through the university site-license. More information is available here.
  4. It is not necessary to find a laptop with these exact specifications. Visit notebookcheck.net to compare CPUs and GPUs with the specification.

Financial Aid Application for purchasing a laptop.

Apple Macintosh computers

Many students have asked how our computer policy pertains to Apple Macintosh® computers. The 15 inch and 17 inch Macbook Pro laptops exceed the specifications for the minimum computer requirement. Software programs required for use in some courses are only available on Microsoft Windows. To use this software, Windows will have to be installed on the laptop. Students are responsible for obtaining, installing, and maintaining operating systems on their computers.

Discounted laptops for TTU College of Architecture Students

Software available to students for free or low cost



Assistance with computer problems

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