Computer Requirement

Hands on the keyboard of a laptop.

For Summer/Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Entering Students

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 Windows 10, 64 Bit
Processor: Intel 8th Gen i5 or i7 Intel 9th Gen i7
Memory: 16 GB RAM 16 GB RAM
Hard Drive:

250 GB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD)
(500+ GB highly recommended)

 500 GB or larger Solid State Drive (SSD)
Wireless: 802.11 a/c dual band 802.11 a/c dual band
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)

Minimum Requirements

  • Computer: A laptop or 2-in-1 tablet with specifications meeting the minimum requirement--see chart below
  • 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. Unlimited space is provided for all students at VT on Google Drive
  • 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 MacBooks are acceptable if it meets all of the same requirements as a Windows 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?

Please email our Instructional Technology Office or call 540-231-9076.