At JMU Engineering, having your very own laptop or desktop is required for all the cool course work you'll be doing. So, we've got some suggested specs to help you make the best choice.
We strongly recommend purchasing a system from the JMU Bookstore at the “Recommended” or “Optimal” level to ensure sufficient computing support for your entire plan of study.
*Only Windows Intel-based systems are supported by the department. Systems running Linux or Apple configuration may be inoperable with the required course software.
|
Recommended: |
Optimal: |
|
|
Operating System* |
Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
|
Processor (CPU)** |
Intel i7 |
Intel i9 |
|
Memory (RAM) |
16 GB |
32 GB |
|
Storage |
512 GB HDD |
1TB PCIe NVMe SS |
|
Graphics*** |
Nvidia Quadro |
Nvidia Quadro RTX |
Notes:
* Many Engineering software packages (SolidWorks, NI LabView) require Windows. We do not recommend Apple computers unless you have already installed Windows on them.
** All of the Engineering software packages require an Intel or AMD processor and will NOT run on ARM or M1 processors.
*** SolidWorks only certifies Nvidia Quadro graphics cards, though other options will usually perform acceptably. Intel integrated graphics will have very poor performance.
