Northwestern Information Technology (IT) establishes minimum hardware guidelines to assist in purchasing a computer for use at Northwestern. Check with your individual school for additional requirements.
Desktop — Minimum
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 |
| Model |
Mac Mini |
| Processor |
Apple M4 Processor |
| Memory |
16GB |
| Storage |
512GB Solid state disk (SSD) |
| Monitor |
24" LCD display @120 Hz Refresh Rate with EnergyStar rating |
| Network |
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) , Bluetooth 5.2 or higher |
| Operating system |
macOS 26 (or higher) |
| Warranty |
AppleCare Protection Plan |
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 |
| Model |
Mac Mini |
| Processor |
Apple M4 Pro processor |
| Memory |
32GB |
| Storage |
2TB Solid state disk (SSD) |
| Monitor |
27" LED display @300 Hz with EnergyStar rating |
| Network |
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.2 or higher |
| Operating system |
macOS 26 (or higher) |
| Warranty |
AppleCare Protection Plan |