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Laptop requirements for Westphal students

Last Updated: July, 2024

  Notes:

Choose the device that's right for you

We know there are a lot of great options when it comes to purchasing a new laptop and narrowing it down can be overwhelming. We're here to help you choose a laptop with the right technology to empower your productivity, fuel your creativity, and bring your ideas to life.

We've partnered with our faculty to determine the academic and industry standards to support your creative process and help you achieve success in your academic program.

Laptop requirements and software availability vary, so it's important to choose a laptop with the right capabilities for your area of study—whether you're curating an exhibit, editing a film, or rendering a virtual world, our device specifications make it easy to find the best laptop that will meet your needs.

If you currently have a laptop that meets the minimum requirements, it should be enough to get you started. If you're looking to purchase a new laptop, we suggest using the recommended requirements to ensure you're getting a laptop that will meet the needs of your program.

Hardware

Processor (CPU)

Intel and AMD both make excellent processors that are fully capable of supporting demanding workloads. For Intel chips, we suggest a Core I5, I7, or I9 processor, 11th generation or newer. For AMD processors, look for a Ryzen 5, 7, 9, or Threadripper.

 

Memory (RAM)

 

If you are determining if your existing laptop will be compatible when you get to Drexel, you can get by with 8GB of RAM. If you are purchasing a new laptop, we highly recommend a minimum of 16GB of RAM. Please look closely at your program's minimum and recommended specs as RAM requirements vary based on software requirements.

 

Storage

 

You should look for systems with a solid-state drive (SSD) that uses an NVMe or PCIe interface. We recommend at least a 512GB SSD. If you're concerned about running out of disk space, choose a 1TB SSD. It's important to know that new Apple Macbooks can no longer be upgraded later to a larger storage capacity, so it's important to purchase the correct size from the start.

 

GPU

 

Westphal's more graphically-intense programs will benefit from having a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU). Programs that use software to render images, models, and animations will all have higher GPU requirements.  These include our Animation, Digital Media, Game Design, Architecture, Interior Design, and Fashion Programs. Please look closely at your program's minimum and recommended specs below as some programs have compatibility requirements for Nvidia CUDA-Enabled GPUs.

Operating System & Software

Make sure to check which Operating System, Windows or MacOS, your program supports. Based on the software used in each program, some support only Windows or only MacOS, while some others support either option. This is because there are some softwares that are only available on specific operating systems.

Program-Specific Recommendations

Programs

Animation & Visual Effects


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 512MB+ VRAM Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 512MB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3060 (Laptop) GeForce RTX 4060 (Laptop)

Architecture


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)

Art History


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10, MacOS Windows 11, MacOS
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series), Apple Silicon (M1) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Arts Administration & Museum Leadership


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10, MacOS Windows 11, MacOS
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series), Apple Silicon (M1) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Dance & Performing Arts


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10, MacOS Windows 11, MacOS
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series), Apple Silicon (M1) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Design & Merchandising


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Design Research


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)

Digital Media & Virtual Production


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia RTX, 8GB+ VRAM
Nvidia RTX, 16GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 4060 8GB (Laptop)
Best RTX GPU within budget

Digital Media (MS, PhD)


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia RTX, 8GB+ VRAM
Nvidia RTX, 16GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 4060 8GB (Laptop)
Best RTX GPU within budget

Entertainment & Arts Management


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10, MacOS Windows 11, MacOS
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series), Apple Silicon (M1) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Fashion Design & Fashion Design (MS)


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Film & Television


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type MacOS MacOS
Processor (CPU) Apple Silicon (M2) Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Game Design & Production


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 8GB+ VRAM
Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 8GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3060 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 4060 (Laptop)

Graphic Design


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type MacOS MacOS
Recommended Model Macbook Air Macbook Pro
Processor (CPU) Apple Silicon (M2) Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 32GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Interior Architecture & Design


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 32GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)

Interior Design


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 32GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)

Music Industry


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type MacOS MacOS
Processor (CPU) Apple Silicon (M2) Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Photography


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type MacOS MacOS
Processor (CPU) Apple Silicon (M2) Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Product Design


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10, MacOS Windows 11, MacOS
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series), Apple Silicon (M1) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Retail & Merchandising


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (11th gen) or AMD (4000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Screenwriting & Playwriting


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type MacOS MacOS
Processor (CPU) Apple Silicon (M1) Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Television & Media Management


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type MacOS MacOS
Processor (CPU) Apple Silicon (M1) Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 8GB 16GB
Storage 512GB 1TB

Urban Strategy


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10 Windows 11
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
GPU Compatibility Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Nvidia CUDA-Enabled, 4GB+ VRAM
Dedicated GPU GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop)

User Experience & Interaction Design


Minimum Requirement Recommended
Device type Windows 10, MacOS Windows 11, MacOS
Processor (CPU) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2) Intel (12th gen) or AMD (5000 series), Apple Silicon (M2)
Memory (RAM) 16GB 32GB
Storage 512GB 1TB
Dedicated GPU : Dedicated GPU
: Apple Silicon (M2)
: Dedicated GPU
: Apple Silicon (M2)

Undeclared Design & Media

Students in the Undeclared Design & Media program choose a major no later than the end of spring term in your first academic year. If you have a laptop, we advise that you wait to purchase a new laptop until you've chosen your major. If you do not have a laptop, we suggest purchasing a low cost, entry-level laptop, and to purchase a laptop that meets your major’s minimum requirements after you’ve selected your major. If you switch majors, you may need to purchase a different laptop that meets the minimum requirements of your new major.

 

Other Things To Consider

Warranty: Keep your device up and running

You may have the option to purchase extended protection and accidental damage coverage for your device. We recommend you make sure you're covered if something goes wrong.

Work worry-free and minimize out-of-pocket repair costs with an extended warranty for hardware coverage. Get covered for things like spills, drops, and cracked screens with accidental damage protection.


Security: Keep your files safe

Losing data because of malware or a computer problem is discouraging and can set back your academic progress. You might lose months of writing, planning, creating, designing, and innovating. However, a little prevention can go a long way to avoiding this ordeal.

To help save you lots of time and aggravation, we recommend that you use a secure cloud service, such as Backblaze or Carbonite, to back up your data. Keep your files safe from malware, human error, theft, and hardware failure—if something happens to your device, you don't have to worry about losing your files.


Shopping for Discounts

Some brands offer educational discounts for students, including Apple and Dell. However, we understand that retailers like Amazon and Best Buy can sometimes offer better deals. That's why we try and offer as much information as we can regarding computer specs for each program. We suggest using the information from this page when you're ready to shop for a laptop so that you're more well informed.  It's also worth noting that certain holidays are notorious for technology discounts, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Fourth of July.

 

Accessories

Make the most of your device with these suggested accessories.

  • USB-C multiport adapter
  • Headset with microphone
  • Bag or sleeve
  • Additional power supply

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