Recommended PC Desktop Hardware

Northwestern Information Technology (IT) establishes minimum hardware guidelines to assist in purchasing a computer for use at Northwestern. PleasecCheck with your individual school for additional requirements.

 

Desktop — Minimum

*NOTE* In order to comply with Northwestern IT's encryption policy, please turn on TPM (Trusted Platform Module) upon set up of your computer. This module allows the computer to be encrypted with Bitlocker, which is Northwestern IT's encryption solution.

Expect to use the computer for basic productivity, running multiple applications such as e-mail, web browsing, word processing, music and video players, and photo organization.

Category Description
Processor Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
Memory 8GB
Hard Drive 512GB Solid state disk (SSD)
CD/DVD drive Optional
Network Gigabit Ethernet
Monitor 24" LCD display @60 Hz Refresh Rate with EnergyStar rating
Video card/VRAM Integrated graphics
Ports USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort
Operating system Windows 10 or 11 64-bit Professional
Warranty 3-4 year onsite next business day warranty

 

Desktop — Power User

In addition to the tasks above, expect to resource intensive programs for audio/video editing, graphic design, running multiple operating systems, storing large multimedia files and playing games.

Category Description
Processor Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
Memory 16GB
Hard drive 1TB Solid state disk (SSD)
CD/DVD drive Optional
Network Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0
Monitor 27" LED display @120 Hz with EnergyStar rating
Video card/VRAM 4GB or Higher Dedicated Video Card
Ports USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort
Operating system Windows 10 or 11 64-bit Professional
Warranty 3-4 year onsite next business day warranty

 

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Article ID: 2040
Created
Thu 12/1/22 12:39 PM
Modified
Tue 12/13/22 11:02 AM