Computer Hardware Requirements

Discover essential hardware requirements for your academic performance needs.

Class Requirements

Basic Classes

Desktops and laptops for basic classes allow you to perform general tasks such as email, web browsing, or using Canvas.

  • Chromebooks are the best option for most people. Plan to spend upwards of $300 for a decent one.
  • Basic Windows laptops and desktops are also a good choice. Plan to spend $400-$800.
  • Apple MacBooks are fine though they will be much more expensive. Plan to spend over $1000.00.

Business Classes
Business classes require a desktop or laptop with full versions of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Dell windows based PC or laptop  
  • Latest Intel i5 or equivalent processor
  • 16 Gigabytes of RAM
  • 250 Gigabyte SSD 

Digital Media Classes (DMED)

Devices used in digital media classes require specific hardware to effectively run software such as Adobe Creative Suite, photo and video editing tools, illustration software, design programs, and programming applications.

  • Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
  • 32 Gigabytes of RAM 
  • 500 Gigabyte SSD 
  • A dedicated video card with at least 4 Gigabytes of video RAM 

Computer Aided Design Classes (CAD)

In Computer Aided Design classes, your computer must meet these hardware requirements to smoothly handle the complex 3D modeling and rendering tasks required by the software you'll use in your classes.

  • Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
  • 16 Gigabytes of RAM 
  • 500 Gigabyte SSD 
  • Graphics card: RTXA2000 with 6 Gigabytes RAM video card or equivalent  

Computer Labs - Normal Campus

Library

Desktops and laptops for basic classes allow you to perform general tasks such as email, web browsing, or using Canvas.

  • Chromebooks are the best option for most people. Plan to spend upwards of $300 for a decent one.
  • Basic Windows laptops and desktops are also a good choice. Plan to spend $400-$800.
  • Apple MacBooks are fine though they will be much more expensive. Plan to spend over $1000.00.

WDC 2001 and WDC 2003 (CAD)
  • These machines are two years old and have i7 processors, 16 Gigabytes of RAM, and RTXA2000 video cards with 6 Gigabytes of RAM.
  • Open lab times are available for students.
  • The Vet Center and FRC open lab will also soon have similar machines.

Lab Hours (WDC 2001 and WDC 2003)

  • Available when scheduled in advance or at instructor’s discretion.

WDC 2607 (DMED)
  • This DMED classroom has Apple Computers (Mac) with open lab hours.
  • These MAC minis have a 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 32 Gigabytes of RAM, and 2 Terabytes of storage.

Open Lab Hours (WDC 2607)

Monday - Thursday: 2:50 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday: 10 AM - 7:00 PM

ICB 2501 and ICB 2806 (ART)
  • These classrooms offer open hours for using Apple computers.

Open Lab Hours (ICB 2501 and ICB 2806)

Monday - Thursday: 3:50 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday: 10 AM - 12 PM (Noon)

SCB 2401 - Teaching and Learning Commons (TLC)

Computer Labs - Lincoln Center

  • These computers have an i5 processor, 16 Gigabytes of RAM, and a 250 Gigabyte SSD.
  • Room 201 does not have Apple (Mac) computers.
  • Room 202 has one Apple computer and 13 other computers.

Open Lab Hours (Room 201 and Room 202)

  • Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM

Computer Lab - Pontiac Center

  • These computers have an i5 processor, 16 Gigabytes of RAM, and a 250 Gigabyte SSD.
  • This lab does not have Apple (Mac) computers.

Open Lab Hours (HCCP 201)

  • Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 8 PM

Contact Us

IT Department

SCB Suite 2000

General information: 
309-268-8340  

IT Helpdesk Email

Email the IT Helpdesk by clicking the button below. You can report website issues to this email as well.

IT Helpdesk Email

IT Helpdesk Hotlines

Student hotline:
309-268-8380
Employee only hotline: 
309-268-8350