Industrial Design Computer Requirements – NC State, College of Design

(Updated May 2023)

NOTE: All students should have a full computer, at least an older computer, available for coursework in the Fall Semester of their first year. Using a smart phone only will not work for courses.

ALL departments require students to have a computer with minimum specifications. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments.

Please read this page AND the general information before spending money on computer hardware and software.

EACH DEPARTMENT HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS!

Industrial Design undergraduate and graduate students must have their own computer by the Fall Semester of their first year.

Windows-based computers are required for Industrial Design students.

The Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design requires purchase of computers by Industrial Design students. While the industrial design industry uses different platforms, our department has chosen to use the Windows platform for its software applications. Windows-based computers are required for Industrial Design students.

Students in Industrial Design should pay particular attention to the AutoDesk qualified hardware list to find computers and hardware compatible with Autodesk products. In addition, Industrial Design students should avoid purchasing computers with integrated graphics processors and are encouraged to select NVidia graphics processors for increased software compatibility. Industrial Design students need to have higher-end computers for the intense processing and rendering required.

Each department in the College of Design has different computer requirements.

Please read the College’s Student Computing Requirements Information page for general information before spending money on computer hardware or software.

We recommend that your computer meet or exceed the specifications below. Because of the intense software needs of Industrial Design students, higher-end computers are specified. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, disk capacity) and expandability will be more likely to continue to run required software in later years of college.

This chart provides minimum recommendations for students purchasing new computers. Software requirements are listed at the bottom of the chart. Additional specialized software may be required in other courses, as determined by the instructor. Students may consider the purchase of other software to support their particular goals and learning styles.

Windows Computers

Questions?

The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu or use this form to contact the College Information Technology staff with specific information about your problem.