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 |