Laptop Specifications Guide

Critical hardware elements to review for your setup:

  • RAM system memory
  • Graphics capabilities and memory
  • Hard drive memory
  • Be sure to include an external backup drive and save work frequently

Critical Software and Operating system notes:

  • Windows 10 or higher supports the required software in the Architecture program.
  • Apple OSX, Chrome OS, and Linux are not supported and Virtual Machines on these platforms do not completely work to the standards needed for our CACM courses.

Primary Processor Recommendations:

Please refer to the recommended specifications currently published by Autodesk. This will allow adequate systems configuration for a majority of CACM coursework.
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/system-requirements

Additional processor requirements list for Rhino:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System- requirements-for-Autodesk-T-Splines-Plug-in-for-Rhino.html

Comprehensive computer system requirements list:

Autodesk additional resources and recommendations:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn- explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Revit-2021-products.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2021-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/netfabb/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Netfabb-2021.html

V-ray / Sketchup recommendations:
https://docs.chaosgroup.com/display/VSKETCHUP/System+Requirements

Adobe and Creative Cloud recommendations:
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html

Lumion system requirements:
https://lumion.com/requirements.html

Rhino system requirements (students are encouraged to purchase after trial period):
https://www.rhino3d.com/7/system-requirements/

Ultimaker CURA system requirements:
https://support.ultimaker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011788040-What-are-the-system-requirements-for-Ultimaker-Cura-

Minimum general requirements (updated 06-2022):

Note: APPLE laptops do not meet the needs of the CACM curriculum.

GENERAL

Processor:

Intel Core i7 3.5 GHz or higher; or Intel Xeon-W 2.8 GHz or higher

Operating System:

Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (current Windows platform) or Higher

Memory:

16GB or higher

Graphics Card:

2GB minimum discrete graphics card or higher

Primary Storage:

500GB solid state drive or higher

Display:

15.6" FHD minimum (1920x1080)

Optional accessories:

Ethernet cable, webcam and microphone, headphones, second monitor / dock

Example of 2022 Dell mobile workstation configuration:

• 8th gen Intel Core i5-8400H (quad-core 2.5GHz, 4.2GHz Turbo, 8M cache)

• NVIDIA Quadro P1000 (4GB GDDR5)

• 16GB RAM (DDR4-2666MHz memory)

Example of 2022 Lenovo mobile workstation configuration:

• 7th generation Intel Core i7-7820HQ (8M cache, up to 3.90GHz)

• NVIDIA Quadro M1200M (4GB)

• 16GB RAM (DDR4-2400MHz SODIMM)

 

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