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Notebook Computer (Laptop) Specifications

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During student orientation, students will be divided into two groups. One group will take the computer class in the fall semester, and one in the spring semester.
For enrollment in the fall 2008 semester, first-year students who will be taking the computer class are required to have a laptop computer.
Students taking a computer class in the spring will not be required to have a computer until the beginning of the spring 2009 semester.

A copy of these requirements may also be picked up in room 1006 of the Architecture building.

These recommendations are designed to provide you with the basis for purchasing a computer that will be powerful enough to run the latest CAD, imaging, and 3D modeling software, and to be upgradable in order to last for the duration of the academic program.

Minimum specifications for this computer are as follows:

Notebook Computer (Laptop) Specifications -Minimum Computer Requirement

A laptop with these specifications meets our computer requirement.

  • Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 (2.4Ghz/800Mhz FSB/3MB Cache)
  • System Memory - 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM1
  • Hard Drive - 160GB SATA (7200 RPM)
  • Video Card - 256MB Nvidia Geforce 8600M GT2
  • DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
  • Network Card - Integrated 10/100 Network Card & 802.11 b/g WLAN network
  • Operating System - 32-bit version3 of Microsoft Windows™ XP Home Edition or Vista Home Premium 4
1Most laptop computers have two RAM slots available. For this configuration it is recommended that you purchase a single 2GB memory card, which would leave room for an additional memory card later. Some manufacturers may sell a system configured with 4GB of RAM, but 32-bit versions of Windows will only use the first 3GB of RAM. 2It is important to choose a powerful 3D-capable video card from the beginning. Unlike desktop computers, laptop computers do not allow the addition of new video hardware. In order for your computer to be capable of running the 3D software applications used in our program, it is imperative that you choose a video card that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications. 364-bit editions of Windows do not function with the full range of software required for your courses, or connect with the college's printers. For these reasons, the College of Architecture will provide absolutely no support for 64-bit versions of Windows. 4Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows Vista Home Premium are the necessary minimum operating system versions required for your computer to function normally in our network environment. Upgrades to XP Professional and Vista Business are available for purchase through the university site-license. More information is available here.

The following configuration is recommended for those students who intend to focus on 3D modeling, animation, and design.

Notebook Computer (Laptop) Specifications -High-Performance System

  • Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5Ghz/800Mhz FSB/6MB Cache)
  • System Memory - 3GB Dual Chanel DDR2 SDRAM1
  • Hard Drive - 250GB SATA (7200 RPM)
  • Video Card - 512MB Nvidia Quadro FX 1600M2
  • DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
  • Network Card - Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card & 802.11 b/g/n WLAN network
  • Operating System - 32-bit version3 of Microsoft Windows™ XP Home Edition or Vista Home Premium 4
1Most laptop computers have two RAM slots available. For this configuration it is recommended that you purchase a single 2GB memory card, and a second 1GB or 2GB memory card. Some manufacturers may sell a system configured with 4GB of RAM, but 32-bit versions of Windows will only use the first 3GB of RAM. The price difference between a second 1GB and 2GB card may be negligible. 2It is important to choose a powerful 3D-capable video card from the beginning. Unlike desktop computers, laptop computers do not allow the addition of new video hardware. In order for your computer to be capable of running the 3D software applications used in our program, it is imperative that you choose a video card that meets or exceeds the minimum specifications. 364-bit editions of Windows do not function with the full range of software required for your courses, or connect with the college's printers. For these reasons, the College of Architecture will provide absolutely no support for 64-bit versions of Windows. 4Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows Vista Home Premium are the necessary minimum operating system versions required for your computer to function normally in our network environment. Upgrades to XP Professional and Vista Business are available for purchase through the university site-license. More information is available here.

Financial Aid Application for purchasing a laptop.

Discounted laptops for TTU College of Architecture Students

Apple Macintosh computers

Many students have asked how our computer policy pertains to Apple Macintosh® computers Due to the fact that Microsoft Windows is necessary to run much of the essential software used in our program, the College recommends that students not purchase an Apple computer at this time. Read the overview of issues to consider before purchasing an Apple computer for use in our program.

Software available to students for free or low cost

AutoCad short courses to meet pre-requisite for 2353 Digital Media I

There is no longer a restriction on what classes freshmen can sign up for so they can pick any section, Sophomore or Freshman.

Sign up online at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ode/outreach/Heading.asp?heading_id=427

Make sure you select a class that is occurring the week of sept 4th.

If you have questions you can contact Corrie Rucker at the following number 806.742.7200 Ext. 251

Assistance with computer problems