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University Specifications

We think you'll be happiest adhering to the New Computer standards (highlighted), but any computer that meets or exceeds the specifications listed below should be sufficient.

All Illinois State students are expected to own a computer that meets the University's minimum hardware and software standards, which are updated annually and published here. Read the Policy on Student Computer Ownership

University Computer Specifications for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Already Owned

CPU
  • Intel Celeron
  • Intel Pentium
  • Intel Core m / i
  • AMD Athlon
  • AMD Phenom
  • AMD Sempron
  • AMD Turion
  • AMD A
  • AMD FX
  • Apple M
RAM
  • 4 GB
Storage
  • 80 GB HDD
Wireless 802.11 g / n (Wi-Fi 4)

*Dual-band wireless cards (those that support 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless) are recommended. Students in the Residence Halls should also consider an Ethernet adapter.
Operating System
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11
  • macOS 12 Monterey
  • macOS 13 Ventura
  • macOS 14 Sonoma
Video Card Integrated

New Computer

CPU
  • Intel Core i3
  • Intel Core i5
  • AMD Ryzen 3
  • AMD Ryzen 5
  • Apple M
RAM
  • 8+ GB (some majors strongly benefit from 16+ GB)
Storage
  • 250+ GB SSD
Wireless 802.11 ac / ax (Wi-Fi 5 / 6)

*Students in the Residence Halls should also consider an Ethernet adapter.
Operating System
  • Windows 11
  • macOS 14 Sonoma
Video Card Integrated

New Advanced

CPU
  • Intel Core i5 or Ultra i5
  • Intel Core i7 or Ultra i7
  • Intel Core i9 or Ultra i9
  • AMD Ryzen 7
  • AMD Ryzen 9
  • Apple M2, M3
RAM
  • 16+ GB
Storage
  • 500+ GB SSD
Wireless 802.11 ac / ax (Wi-Fi 5 / 6 / 6E)

*Students in the Residence Halls should also consider an Ethernet adapter.
Operating System
  • Windows 11
  • macOS 14 Sonoma
Video Card
  • AMD (Dedicated or Discrete)
  • nVidia (Dedicated or Discrete)

*Check Major Recommendation page for more information