A computer meeting minimum specifications, listed below, is required. A mouse, with a scroll wheel, is also required. Chromebooks, tablets, mobile devices are NOT adequate for architecture classes and not substitutes for a computer.

A large monitor, 27” or larger in size, is required. A second monitor is highly recommended. If using a laptop, a separate monitor, 27” or larger in size, is required.

In online classes, a webcam and a microphone are required in the first week of the semester.

In onsite design studio classes, students need to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

Undergraduate students purchasing a new computer should choose PC over Mac. After the 1st year, undergraduate students are required to have a PC. In upper year courses, students need to use software, Revit, that is optimized for PC.

• PC Windows 11 operating system
• Processor (CPU): Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• RAM: 16 GB minimum
• Graphics Card (GPU): Nvidia RTX 5070 or AMD 9070 (“integrated” graphic cards are not sufficient)
• Storage: 1TB minimum

When searching for a computer to purchase, we recommend using the term “Workstation” in your searches. This is a class of computer built to handle high software loads and long running time. However, due to their more powerful hardware, they are more expensive. Here are some examples for making comparisons. While specific models listed are not required, we recommend comparable options.

Recommended Examples:

• MSI WS/GS
• Dell Precision
• Asus Strix
• Windows Surface Pro
• HP ZBook Razer Blade Pro

Graduate students can choose between PC or Mac. However, please note that most architecture firms use PC and software (such as Revit) that are optimized for PC.

PC: Windows Operating System

• Processor/CPU: Intel i7 processor 9th generation or higher or AMD Ryzen 7 series
• RAM: 32 GB of RAM or greater
• Graphics Card/GPU: Nvidia Quadro/RTX 5070 or greater or AMD RX 9070 or greater. “Integrated Graphics” such as Intel Iris Xe are not dedicated graphics processors and insufficient for rendering software.
• Hard Drive: 1TB minimum. USB hard drives for general mass storage are okay to use.

Mac: MacOS Operating System

• Mac Book Pro M3 12 Core or 14 Core
• RAM: 32 GB of RAM or greater
• Hard Drive: 512GB SSD minimum, 1TB or greater preferred

A member of the Lab Support Team will be in a Zoom room to answer student questions. Drop in during business hours for live help!

Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm (Pacific Time)

Email: labtechsupport@academyart.edu

Zoom: https://art.zoom.us/my/labtechsupport

Updated for SU & FA 2026