University Computer 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

Software Requirements: Microsoft Office is the standard productivity suite for campus. As a benefit of campus-wide Microsoft licensing, a subscription to Microsoft Office 365 is available to all students at no extra charge. Also licensed for all students is Adobe Creative Cloud which includes Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premier Rush, XD and 40 other desktop and mobile applications.

Anti-virus software should be installed on computers. Guidance with no-cost options is available in the Keeping Your Data Safe article.

TechZone recommends a primary computing device with a full-featured Windows or Mac operating System.  Chromebooks, iPads, and some entry-level Windows devices are not sufficient for all needs across the University but can be used as secondary devices.

Those interested in Redbird Esports may need higher specifications.  Please visit IllinoisState.edu/esports or contact esports@IllinoisState.edu for more information.

Some majors have additional technology requirements. Lucky for you, we made a list.

Check your major

University Computer Specifications for the 2023-24 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 11 Big Sur macOS 12 Monterey macOS 13 Ventura
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 13 Ventura
Video Card	Integrated

New Advanced

CPU	Intel Core i5 Intel Core i7 Intel Core i9 AMD Ryzen 7 AMD Ryzen 9 Apple M
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 13 Ventura
Video Card	AMD (Dedicated or Discrete) nVidia (Dedicated or Discrete) *Check Major Recommendation page for more information