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Computer Recommendations
For the Crossland College of Technology Students

Engineering Technology Students

2024-2025 Recommendations

The contents within this document are only recommendations based upon past experiences, and are in no way intended to direct you to a specific brand or model of computer.

***Chromebooks and Apple/Macintosh products are not recommended*** The software required for Engineering Technology courses is not compatible with these machines.

The brand of computer does not necessarily matter. The hardware/software specifications should be the primary reason for making your purchase. The SolidWorks System Requirements are the driving force behind our recommendations.

Hardware Specifications:
  • Operating System: Windows 11, 64-bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i7 and 3.3 Ghz or higher processor
  • RAM: 16GB memory or higher
  • Drives: 512GB SSD hard drive or higher

· Video Card- please refer to the SolidWorks Hardware Certification site to lookup the model of computer/video card you are purchasing. Make sure it is compatible with Solidworks 2023 or newer. Recommended is Nvidia Quadro or Radeon Pro lines of video card. 

· Computer should include: speakers, webcam, and microphone


Software Recommendations:

· Windows Home/Windows Pro Operating System (excluding S mode)
· Microsoft Office 365 – Free to PSU students 
· Solidworks – Free to PSU Engineering Technology students. Download instructions will be given in class.
· Anti-Virus software – Free to PSU students 

Computer Accessories (as needed):

· Cables: Power, USB, HDMI
· USB Flashdrive, cloud storage
· Headphones, keyboard, mouse
· Printer: Printers are not required. There are several printing services around campus.

*Please note: Wireless printers are not allowed in the dorms.

Browsers:

· Chrome (preferred)
· Others as backup: Firefox, Microsoft Edge

Helpful links:

· Pitt Start!
· PSU Information Technology Services and Gorilla Geeks Help Desk
· Canvas Learning Management System

Graphic Communications Students

Graphic Communications Student Computer Recommendations:

2025-2026

Mac computers are preferred for Graphic Communications coursework due to industry-standard software integration and performance with creative applications. However, Windows PCs are also acceptable based on personal preference.

Computer labs equipped with high-performance machines and industry-standard software are available to all students in the Graphic Communications program. Students are not required to purchase a personal computer.

However, if a student chooses to purchase their own device, we recommend selecting a computer that meets or exceeds the following specifications:

Recommended System Specifications

Windows

  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) version 22H2 (or later) or Windows 11
  • Processor: Intel® 11th Gen or newer CPU with Quick Sync – OR AMD Ryzen™ 3000 Series / Threadripper 3000 series or newer
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM (HD media), 32 GB or more recommended for 4K and higher resolution work
  • GPU: Dedicated graphics with at least 8 GB of GPU memory
  • Storage: 500 GB SSD or larger

MacOS

  • Operating System: macOS Monterey (12) or later
  • Processor: Apple Silicon (M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, or newer)
  • Memory: 16 GB unified memory (minimum)
  • GPU: Integrated with Apple Silicon (16 GB unified)
  • Storage: 500 GB SSD or larger

Devices NOT Recommended

  • MacBook Air (due to limited GPU performance)
  • iPad Pro (iPadOS not compatible with required software)
  • Chromebooks (not supported for professional design software)

Additional Recommendations for Graphic Communications Students

Because our program involves intensive design, photography, video editing, and UX/UI development, the following equipment can enhance a student’s workflow and overall learning experience:

  • External Monitor for home use – 24”+ IPS display capable of accurate color reproduction (100% sRGB or Adobe RGB).
  • External Storage – Portable SSD/HDD (1TB or larger) for media storage and project backups.
  • Quality Peripherals – Ergonomic keyboard, a SILENT or QUIET mouse, drawing tablet and laptop stand for extended design sessions.
  • Backup Solutions – Use PSU-provided OneDrive cloud storage or an external backup drive.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud – Due to Adobe licensing, Adobe CC will only be available to student free of charge on PSU owned machines. If a student would like to use Adobe CC on their personal machine, they will need to obtain their own subscription. Subscriptions can be obtained with a student discount by use their gus.pittstate.edu email account and going to the following link: https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/buy/students/explore/ccforstudents.html

If you have any specific questions please feel free to contact Professor Rocky Restivo

Your major not listed?

If your major isn’t listed above, just check out the computer recommendations from our Information Technology department.