Engineering Recommended Technology
The Engineering Department is asked daily, "What computer should I buy before starting the program?" The department does not require that you bring your own computer to class, otherwise known as Bring your Own Device (BYOD), but you may. A laptop will also be useful outside of the classroom. If you have not yet purchased or are considering replacing your laptop, here is a recommended configuration:
- Intel Core i7 processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM
- 512 GB storage system
- Discrete graphics card (Nvidia chipset is highly recommended)
- Minimum of 1Gb of GDDR5 Memory, 4GB of GDDR5 recommended
- Graphics card needs to be at least Direct X 11 or greater compliant
- 1920 x 1080 with True Color screen resolution or better
- Webcam
- USB port
- Wifi Capable
Note: Chromebooks, iPads, and similar devices do not meet the operating system and hardware requirements to run engineering applications.
MAC OS Advisory: A large percentage of engineering applications require the Windows operating system. These applications will not run natively on macOS. While a Mac can be configured run both Windows and macOS, doing so decreases battery run-time and the amount of available hard drive space.
Suggested Vendors
Below you will find a list of vendors that have special configurations for our Engineering students. Purchasing from these vendors is not required and this information is listed only for your convenience. Purchases are made directly from the vendor, not through Blinn College.
