Computer Hardware Requirements
Discover essential hardware requirements for your academic performance needs.
Class Requirements
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 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
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
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
- Our library has an open lab with 35 Dell PCs.
- These PCs have the latest i5 processor, 16 Gigabytes of RAM, and a SSD (Solid State Drive).
- They don't have dedicated video cards but are perfect for basic and business class Windows applications.
- View the HCC Normal Campus library open computer lab hours here.
- 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.
- 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
- 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)
- The TLC has 3D printers, a production studio, and an Oculus Rift for students to use.
- Visit the TLC room at the Student Commons Building (SCB) in room 2401.
- Learn more about the TLC's resources on this page.
Computer Labs - Lincoln Campus
- 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 Campus
- 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