Computer Requirements

Questions?

As you probably know, all Drexel students are required to have access to a personal computer. Below are our computer specifications for each Westphal College major. Regardless of major, your computer should have modem and Ethernet connection capability. If you purchase a laptop, we recommend purchasing a cable-type computer lock and a wireless networking option. More information about our networks is available at:

During freshmen year, most students will use their computers primarily for email, web access, research, and writing. Therefore, if you already have a computer, bring that with you and delay purchase of a new system until sophomore year. As you progress, your studio coursework will demand greater computing power, and you will be better able to determine your own computing needs and preferences.

Computer Specifications

Each program within the College has different computing requirements. Please refer to list of programs and their allowed platforms below to guide your purchase. Unless your program is specifically indicated below, either platform will suffice.

Minimum Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements for the computer that you will be purchasing. Any information not listed here, such as cdrom drives, etc, is completely up to you and your budget.

Apple

• Model: MacBook Pro, 15-inch 
• Processor: 2.2GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7
• Installed Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB GDDR5
• Hard Drive: 750 GB hard drive 7200 RPMs
• Wireless: Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – top speeds and security require 5 GHz at Drexel)
• Warranty: AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro

Windows

• Processor: Intel i series; e.g. i5 or greater recommended
• Operating System: Vista or 7 32bit/64bit (Professional or above)
• Installed Memory: 8 GB
• Hard Drive: 750 GB hard drive, 7200 RPMs
• Wireless: Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – top speeds and security require 5 GHz at Drexel)

Additional Requirements

Architecture

• Computer requirements for incoming Architecture students

Graphic Design

• Computer requirements for incoming Graphic Design students

Interior Design

• 8 GB RAM
• Nvidia Quadro graphics card

All Majors

Note: We strongly recommend all majors purchase a portable hard drive for backups or use a cloud based backup service (such as CrashPlan, Carbonite or Connected Backup). The hard drive should have the following specifications: FireWire and USB 2.0 connection, 500GB minimum. For Film & Video, Screenwriting & Playwriting, and Digital Media programs, we recommend at least a 1TB hard drive for yours projects; so students can work on any workstation in the computer labs.

Note: Many students will find having a USB 2.0 keychain-type storage device or a small portable hard drive convenient for transferring files between their personal computer and computers in our design studios.

Note: You do not need to purchase Antivirus software with you computer. That software, along with some others, is available free to all drexel students. To see all of the sofware that is available please visit the Drexel Software site.

Further data about computer purchases is available via Drexel's web site here.

Our neighbors from Computer Connection at the University of Pennsylvania are offering educationally-discounted Apple products and Mac OS software. Download the PDF for details.