COES students are expected to use software applications that require substantial computational and graphical processing capability, including the latest versions of SOLIDWORKS and Mathcad. To ensure reliable performance throughout a student’s academic program, students should obtain a laptop computer that meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications.
Operating System:
Windows 11 Professional or Home (64-bit)
Processor (CPU):
Intel Core i7 (13th generation or newer)
or AMD Ryzen 7 (7000 series or newer)
Memory (RAM):
Minimum 16 GB RAM
Recommended 32 GB RAM for long-term use and advanced modeling/simulation
Graphics (GPU):
Dedicated graphics card strongly recommended
NVIDIA RTX-series GPU preferred
Minimum 4 GB dedicated video memory
See list of certified hardware for SOLIDWORKS
Storage:
Minimum 512 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
Recommended 1 TB SSD
Display:
15-inch or larger display recommended
Minimum resolution: 1920 × 1080
Wireless Connectivity:
Wi-Fi 6 or newer
Ports/Accessories:
USB-A and USB-C ports and/or adaptor dongle required
Webcam and microphone required for online meetings and coursework
Printer:
Multifunction printer and scanner (laser or inkjet) recommended.
Software:
Microsoft Office 365 is required, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. We recommend that you install these programs before coming to Louisiana Tech. Free versions of Microsoft software are available to students with a school email address at this site: (https://products.office.com/en-us/student/office-in-education).
Specific Note for Engineering Students:
SOLIDWORKS will likely be your most resource-demanding program, and it will require a Pro edition of Windows. For further recommendations, see https://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html.
The following calculator models are the only ones acceptable for use during exams.