Architecture Majors Computer Requirements

The following is a guideline for computer or laptop specifications that would be the minimum for your work in the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University. The set of standards listed below are the minimum of requirements/suggestions.

It is suggested that a new computer be purchased prior to first year or by the start of second year to ensure the compatibility and longevity of the machine throughout the students’ education.

A vast majority of the students’ classwork will require a computer during their years of study. This will prepare students for the creativity, research, communication and future workforce in the field of design, architecture, and beyond. Over 50% of the colleges in the Associate of Collegiate Schools of Architecture require students to provide a laptop for first year students of their programs.

Basic Hardware Requirements

We highly recommend a desktop computer over a laptop because of its performance and cost advantages. macOS is not recommended because of compatibility and performance issues.

CPU: Intel i7 processor. 9th generation or higher. (This is the brain of the computer. The faster the speed, the faster it can process data/projects.) Highly recommend Intel CPU over AMD.

RAM (memory): 16 – 32 GB of RAM or more (The RAM is the computer’s “working” memory. RAM allows a computer to work with more information at the same time, which usually has a dramatic effect on total system performance. The more RAM a computer has, the more efficient it will be while running large programs such as Rhino for projects.)

Storage: Minimum 1 TB storage (preferred 2 TB) Solid State Drive (SSD) or more (the more storage a computer has, the more projects, documents, etc. you can store. SSD storage will allow a computer to turn on and open projects significantly faster than traditional HDD storage but tends to be more expensive.)

Graphics Card: Dedicated card (not integrated); NVidia RTX 3060 or better is preferred to be compatible with VR technology and CUDA acceleration. AMD GPUs are not recommended because they don’t have CUDA acceleration. 

Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 exclusively in the English language

Screen Size: 15″ minimum, 17″ preferred for laptops. 22” minimum for desktops. 1920 x 1080 minimum resolution.

Ports: At least three USB 3.0 and one USBC port; minimum one HDMI or Display Port

Recommended Accessories

• Wireless three-button mouse and QWERTY keyboard
• Webcams and microphones are strongly recommended, per the University BYOD guidelines.

• Additional monitor: 22″ monitor or larger, 27″ monitor preferred; 4K resolution preferred.
• External Storage: USB Drive (2 TB or higher) OR cloud storage; 32 GB USB flash/thumb drive for printer transfers and other tasks.

Software

BED first year required software:

• AutoCAD
• Sketchup
• Rhino 7
• Adobe Creative Suite

BED second year and on key software:

• Autodesk Maya
• Autodesk Revit
• Enscape
• Blender
• Houdini
• Cinema 4D
• Unity
• Cura

Academic versions of most software are available for free or at discount. Texas A&M Software Center provides some software at a reduced cost.