The following is a guideline for computer or laptop specifications that would be the minimum for your work in the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University. The set of standards listed below are the minimum of requirements\/suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is suggested that a new computer be purchased prior to first year or by the start of second year to ensure the compatibility and longevity of the machine throughout the students\u2019 education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A vast majority of the students\u2019 classwork will require a computer during their years of study. This will prepare students for the creativity, research, communication and future workforce in the field of design, architecture, and beyond. Over 50% of the colleges in the Associate of Collegiate Colleges of Architecture require students to provide a laptop for first year students of their programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic Hardware Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We highly recommend a desktop computer over a laptop because of its performance and cost advantages. macOS is not recommended because of compatibility and performance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CPU: Intel i7 processor. <\/strong>9th generation or higher. (This is the brain of the computer. The faster the speed, the faster it can process data\/projects.) Highly recommend Intel CPU over AMD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RAM (memory): 16 \u2013 32 GB of RAM<\/strong> or more (The RAM is the computer\u2019s \u201cworking\u201d memory. RAM allows a computer to work with more information at the same time, which usually has a dramatic effect on total system performance. The more RAM a computer has, the more efficient it will be while running large programs such as Rhino for projects.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Storage: Minimum 1 TB storage (preferred 2 TB) Solid State Drive (SSD)<\/strong> or more (the more storage a computer has, the more projects, documents, etc. you can store. SSD storage will allow a computer to turn on and open projects significantly faster than traditional HDD storage but tends to be more expensive.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graphics Card: <\/strong>Dedicated card (not<\/em> integrated); NVidia RTX 3060 or better is preferred to be compatible with VR technology and CUDA acceleration. AMD GPUs are not recommended because they don\u2019t have CUDA acceleration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operating System: <\/strong>Windows 10 or Windows 11 exclusively in the English language<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Screen Size: <\/strong>15\u2033 minimum, 17\u2033 preferred for laptops. 22\u201d minimum for desktops. 1920 x 1080 minimum resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ports: <\/strong>At least three USB 3.0 and one USBC port; minimum one HDMI or Display Port<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended Accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Wireless three-button mouse and QWERTY keyboard<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n