Computer Recommendations for Students
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Computer Recommendations for Students
A student's computer should meet the minimum requirements specified in this document to ensure it will adequately handle course work needs.
Access to a computer serves as an integral part of course instruction. It is important to choose the computer type and operating system with which you feel most comfortable, and that meet the system requirements for the software you need to use. Whether you are buying a new computer or using an existing one, you should ensure it is robust enough for coursework by checking that it meets the general minimum requirements outlined below. Each major has different computing and software needs, so be sure to check with your advisor as well.
Computers are also available for students to use at
various places across campus
(e.g., Fondren Library and residential colleges).
Purchasing Hardware and Software
If you are purchasing a new computer, Dell and Apple offer educational discounts (see the Vendor section below). Rice licenses several
software
products that you can use for free or at a discounted rate.
When buying a new computer, consider the following:
Make sure the computer meets the minimum requirements listed below.
Consider what software applications you will install and if they have minimum hardware requirements. These requirements may exceed what is recommended here.
Think about how long you plan to use the computer and your future needs.
Compare the costs of computer systems with minimum standards with those that are more robust.
Note
: Chromebooks are only suitable for basic internet usage and web-based productivity apps, such as word processing/spreadsheets/presentations.
For information about these requirements, contact the
TS&S Service Desk
Minimum Computer Requirements
Minimum standards have been established to ensure students have a computer that can adequately handle coursework needs.
Requirements Table
Specification
Minimum Recommended Value
Explanation
Processor
i5 processor (or AMD equivalent)
M2 or newer Apple processor
Any current-generation Intel-Core i5 processor
Any current generation Apple M-series processor
RAM (also called memory)
16 GB
More RAM will also allow you to run more applications concurrently without the computer slowing down.
Storage
512 GB
If there is a need for a large amount of storage of larger files (i.e., movies, large pictures, high-quality audio files, CAD files, etc.), an even larger amount of storage space is recommended.
Operating system
Vendor-supported and fully patched:
Microsoft Windows 11
macOS
Choose an operating system that is currently supported by its vendor (i.e., Microsoft Windows or macOS).
We only support operating systems where the vendor is currently providing security patches and updates.
Learn more:
us/windows/comprehensive-
security
Screen size
Screen resolution
Minimum 13-inch
1920x1080 resolution
The screen size and screen resolutions are minimum recommendations for laptops.
Graphics card
Integrated graphics
Dedicated graphics
(NVIDIA or AMD)
Graphic cards come either integrated or distinctly attached to the system board. Integrated graphics cost less and are sufficient for general computing.
Dedicated graphics cards are frequently included on workstation computers because they can improve the speed of rendering or modeling applications.
Networking
Wireless
Wired (adapter may be required)
802.11 is a wireless protocol that allows your computer to connect to WiFi networks.
We recommend purchasing a wired network adapter if your computer does not come with a wired network port. Wired network connections offer greater stability and faster speed than wireless.
Additional features
Headphones
Microphone
Webcam
USB-C
USB-A adapter for flash drives
Display adapters
There are a variety of display adapters used for projecting to external displays. Verify the type of display you would like to connect to before purchasing any accessories. The most common types use on campus are HDMI, USB-C, and DisplayPort.
Warranty
4-year warranty
Accidental damage coverage, which covers more than manufacturer defects.
Vendors
Apple (Higher Education Pricing):
Dell:
Need technical support?
Contact the TS&S Service Desk
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(excluding university holidays)
Contact Methods
All support requests will be documented within a support ticket. To initiate a support request, contact us through one of the following channels:
IT Support Request web form
Phone
: 713.348.HELP (4357)
Email
help@rice.edu
ITSM Tool
(NetID login required)
We provide in-person and remote support services.
After-hours support available for urgent issues.
See Also
Software Available for Students
Laptop Loaner Program
Keywords:
guidelines suggestions informational laptop decide criteria processor RAM HDD SSD upgrade minimum recommendations specs specification speed buy discount purchase
Doc ID:
69087
Owned by:
Robert K. in
Rice U
Created:
2016-11-29
Updated:
2026-04-16
Sites:
Rice University
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