Guidelines for computer purchases
These guidelines are designed to assist students who plan to purchase computers by providing minimum specifications for the primary hardware components for both desktops and laptops. Monitor/screen size, video cards, sound cards, etc. should be selected based on personal preference and intended use of the computer.
Note: The College of Engineering and the College of Visual & Performing Arts provide specific computer requirements for their students.
Guidelines
Apple desktop
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or newer
- Memory/RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
- Operating system: macOS 10.15 or newer
Apple laptop
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or newer
- Memory/RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
- Operating system: macOS 10.15 or newer
Windows desktop
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or newer
- Memory/RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
- Operating system: Windows 10 or newer
Windows laptop
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or newer
- Memory/RAM: 16GB
- Hard Drive: 256GB SSD
- Operating system: Windows 10 or newer
Financial aid considerations
The Financial Aid Office has funding options available for students wishing to use financial aid to cover the purchase of a laptop. Please go to the Financial Aid page for more information.
Read more information about financial aid and computer purchases
For more information about the program and computer specifications contact the procurement team at ITProcurement@umassd.edu or at 508-999-8900.