The Tech Den Advantage
The Choice Is Yours
You can be successful at NC State regardless of whether you choose a Windows or Mac device. Campus systems support both platforms.
If you choose a Mac, some courses may require Windows-based software. In those cases, you may need to install Windows on your machine.
Bringing A Laptop
You may not need to purchase a new laptop. If your current device is under two years old and meets the specifications below, it should work for what is required.
Higher performance (processor, RAM or storage) will help your device last longer throughout your academic career.
Choosing The Right Laptop
Not sure what to buy? These specifications represent the minimum recommended configuration for most students and academic workloads. Please read and compare the individual college recommendations to understand the specific needs for each college.
Windows PC
- CPU: Minimum: Intel i5 or i7, 14th generation
Recommended: Intel Core or Core Ultra - RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD or larger
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- Wireless: 802.11ac
- Warranty: 3-year onsite recommended
Apple
- CPU: Minimum: Apple M4
Recommended: Apple M5 - RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD or larger
- OS: macOS 15 or newer
- Wireless: 802.11ac
- Warranty: 3-year AppleCare+ recommended
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State has adopted the standard university-developed computer recommendations for students in the college. Please refer to the college recommendations.
Shop laptops for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences →The College of Engineering provides minimum and recommended specifications for computers to use for engineering courses. Many students want to install University-supplied software on their laptops for convenience. Due to many software titles being demanding of computer resources like processing power and memory, please refer to the hardware consideration guide created to aid in making decisions on purchases.
Minimum specifications:| Category | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 64-bit - Regarding MacOS, please see note below | Windows 11 64-bit - Regarding MacOS, please see note below |
| CPU (Processor) | 2.5 GHz 64-bit AMD or Intel processo | 3 GHz+ 64-bit AMD or Intel processor |
| RAM (Memory) | 16GB | 32GB |
| Graphics Card | 4GB VRAM (NVIDIA/AMD) | 8GB VRAM (NVIDIA/AMD) |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 512GB+ SSD |
| Wireless | 802.11ac capable | 802.11ac capable |
| Warranty | 3 Year hardware warranty from reputable source with accidental damage coverage | 3 Year hardware warranty from reputable source with accidental damage coverage |
| Accessories | 16GB USB Flash Drive, lightweight power adapter/charger | 32GB+ USB Flash Drive, lightweight power adapter/charger |
Apple Devices
The College of Engineering wants to make sure that its students are successful and have the tools that they need including computing resources. The college provides multiple resources including the Virtual Computing Lab and several on-campus computer labs. These resources have most of the software titles needed for the various majors offered in the college.
The following departments have said that they believe their students see no difference in experience whether they bring Apple or Windows-based personal computers:
- Biomedical Engineering (BME)
- Computer Science (CSC)
- Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
All other engineering departments said students can be successful with either one, but there are specific software packages that require the Windows operating system.
Students will need to purchase and run additional Windows emulator software like Parallels on their Apple device or utilize the college-provided virtual and physical labs to use these special engineering software packages.
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE)
- Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering (CCEE)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
- Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE)
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
- Nuclear Engineering (NE)
Students choosing to use Apple computers may be directed to the Eos Virtual Lab or on-campus Eos Labs for using engineering software that is problematic or incompatible with Apple operating systems.
The College of Sciences at NC State has adopted the standard university-developed computer recommendations for students in the college.
Shop recommended models for College of Sciences →The University College at NC State has adopted the standard university-developed computer recommendations for students in the college.
Shop recommended models for Univerity College →While the curriculum and software for each design department differ, below is some features of what to look for when deciding on a laptop. The College of Design provides general computer purchase information for student, breaking down the different departmental requirements.
Recommended Purchases:- Suggested brands/models: Alienware, Lenovo Legion
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 30xx, 40xx, to 50xx (low, mid, high-end)
- Storage: 1 TB+ SSD
- Memory: 16GB+
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at NC State has adopted the standard univeristy-developed computer recommendations for students in college. The Tech Den recommends the models below to meet the needs of College of Humanities Natural Resources students.
Shop recommended models for College of of Humanities and Social Sciences →Poole College strongly recommends that incoming students purchase a Windows-based laptop, as most courses across all programs use software built for the Windows operating system. MacBooks are not recommended because they often require additional configuration and workarounds to run required applications. Students using macOS may need to rely on resources such as the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) or physical labs at university libraries to complete coursework. Please also note that the base model MacBook Neo does not meet the College’s minimum specifications and is not recommended for academic use. Please review theminimum and recommended configurationsprovided by Poole College for students.
Minimum requirements:| Windows | |
|---|---|
| Recommended | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 |
| Memory | 16GB or higher |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Accessories | Webcam & Microphone |
| Wireless | 802.11ac |
| Warranty | 3 years |
The College Of Education at NC State has adopted the standard univeristy-developed computer recommendations for students in college. The Tech Den recommends the models below to meet the needs of College Education students.
Recommended Purchases:- Lightweight laptop
- Tablet or stylus support
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources has developed more specific guidelines for student computer requirements. The software used in some of the required courses is difficult, if not impossible, to run on a Mac. Students in Forestry and Environmental Resources should have a Windows-based computer with 16GB ram
Students in other majors in the College of Natural Resources can choose a Mac or Windows laptop and be successful.
Recommended Purchases:- Lightweight laptop
- Tablet or stylus support
The Wilson College of Textiles has adopted the standard university-developed computer recommendations for students in the college.
Shop recommended models for Wilson College of Textiles →NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine requires all DVM students to have a personal laptop for continuous use that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications listed on the CVM Student laptop requirement page . Tablets, iPads, or Chromebooks are not acceptable substitutes. Students may use a previously owned or newly purchased laptop, provided it meets the stated requirements.
Minimum requirements and recommended specifications:Windows – Microsoft Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, or Pro (build 23H2 or higher)
| Category | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Processor | Intel® Core Ultra 5 | Intel® Core Ultra 7 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
| Screen | 1920 x 1080 (FHD, WUXGA) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD, WUXGA) or better |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Webcam | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3- or 4-year on-site parts and labor; with 3-year accidental damage protection with laptops | 3- or 4-year on-site parts and labor; with 3-year accidental damage protection with laptops |
Apple – Latest macOS (prepare to stay current within two versions for Apple Update/Security)
| Category | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M3 or higher |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD |
| Screen | Liquid Retina Display | Liquid Retina display or better |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Webcam | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3- or 4-year on-site parts and labor; with 3-year accidental damage protection with laptops | 3- or 4-year on-site parts and labor; with 3-year accidental damage protection with laptops |
Tech Resources
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides centralized campuswide computing and information and communication technology services in support of the university’s academic and administrative goals. Some services we provide to you are:
On Campus App
Serves as your daily guide to life on campus with easy mobile access to key tools and resources.
View Resource →Help Desk and OIT Walk-In Center
Get general IT support with software, hardware, connectivity and Unity account issues.
View NC State Help Desk →Software
Students will have access to campus-supported software, tools and IT services for students. NC State also provides Office 265 licenses to many of its users.<
Browse software →