Engineering Computer Requirement
For Summer/Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Entering Engineering Students
Do not purchase M1 Macbooks, Surface Pro X (with ARM processors) or Chromebooks. They do not meet the requirement and will not run all engineering software. Only systems with Intel processors are guaranteed to run the required software.
The minimum system requirements are designed to ensure success through the student's undergraduate program of study. Systems that do not meet the minimum requirements may be slower or may not run more advanced software used in some courses and disciplines.
| Minimum Requirement | Recommendation | |
| OS: | Windows 10, 64 Bit (MacOS not supported) |
Windows 10, 64 Bit |
| Processor: | Intel 9th Gen i5 or i7 | Intel 10th Gen i7 |
| Memory: | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Hard Drive: | 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) Possible tablet options |
|
| Graphics Card: | Discrete/dedicated (such as NVIDIA or AMD) | |
| Video Conferencing Tools: | Built-in Mic, Speakers, & Camera | Headset with Mic & built-in or external camera |
Minimum Requirements
- Computer: A laptop or 2-in-1 tablet with specifications meeting the minimum requirement--see chart above
- Wireless: All laptops or desktops must have wireless network and internet capabilities
- Warranty: 3 Year onsite with accidental damage coverage (recommend 4 years) or ability to purchase a new computer immediately if it breaks.
- Software: University Undergraduate Bundle and Engineering Software Bundles
- Backup: Any backup solution acceptable. Space is provided for all students at VT on Google Drive (Currently unlimited space, but will likely reduce with upcoming Google Service changes).
- 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 academic cycle in the College of Engineering. The recommendations are optional specifications that can be mixed and matched to provide an improved computing experience.
Apple MacBooks
Apple Intel-based MacBooks are acceptable and must meet the same hardware requirements as a Windows system, with 16 GB of RAM, 500 GB SSD, and the latest possible Intel processor (Apple's New M1 ARM Processor will not run all your software.) These hardware requirements are necessary because you will need to run software under the Windows operating system. More information about bringing an Apple MacBook.
Software Requirements
All entering and transfer engineering students are required to purchase both the University undergraduate software bundle and the Engineering software bundle. Purchasing copies of the software from outside the university cannot be substituted as part of the bundle. More information about the Software Requirement.
Do you still have questions?
- Check out our Virtual Info/Q&A Session recording or just the slides.
- If you need more immediate assistance, please email our Instructional Technology Office or call 540-231-9076.