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Engineering Computer Requirement

For Summer/Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Entering Engineering Students

Latest Update: 1/17/2023

1/17/2024 NOTE: The Fall 2024 Requirement (for students beginning classes in Aug, 2024) has not been determined yet. 

MacBooks are not recommended and are not guaranteed to run engineering software bundles. Students are responsible for academic consequences of deviation from the requirement. More Info

The University Bookstore website is not up to date with our requirement. If you choose to purchase from the bookstore call them by phone or drop by in person.

 

Requirement:

  Minimum Requirement Recommendation (Optional)
OS: Windows 11 (64bit)
(MacOS and Chrome OS not supported)
Processor: Intel 12th Gen i5 or i7
OR
AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 6000 Series
Intel 13th Gen i7
OR
AMD Ryzen 7 7000 Series
Memory: 16 GB RAM 16+ GB RAM
Storage (SSD) 500 GB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD)
1 TB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD)
Warranty: 3 Year w/accident protection 4 Year w/accident protection
Input Tool:   Integrated Active Stylus (Wacom or N-trig)
Graphics Card:   Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD)
Video Conferencing Tools: Functional Mic, Speakers, & Camera Headset with mic

TIP: 'Recommendation' lists suggested, optional upgrades. See 'Required vs. Recommended? - Priorities and Pricing' on our FAQ page for help choosing the right upgrades for you.
 

Minimum Requirements

  • Computer: A laptop or 2-in-1 tablet with specifications meeting the minimum requirement -- see chart above.
  • Wireless: required
  • Warranty: 3 years onsite with accidental damage coverage (4 years recommended).
  • SoftwareUniversity Undergraduate bundle and Engineering Software Bundle.
  • Backup: It is imperative that you back up your work.
    Backup space is provided for all VT students on Microsoft O365 and Google Drive
    1/17/2024 Note - Unlimited storage has ended. University-provided storage is now extremely limited. Students should bring an external hard drive or have a personally funded cloud storage option to backup your data.
  • 2-Factor Authentication Devices: All VT users will be asked for a secondary confirmation of their identity at log-in, using a device in their possession, such as a smartphone or security token. More information
This requirement defines the minimum computing platform necessary for use during the four-year undergraduate academic cycle in the College of Engineering. The recommendations are optional specifications that can be mixed and matched to provide an improved computing experience.

Do you still have questions?

If you need more immediate assistance, please email our Instructional Technology Office or call 540-231-9076.

Appstream Virtual Machine Pilot

Interested in testing using a Virtual Machine through Amazon Appstream this Fall? Click here for more information.