Computer Requirements

Remote and Online Requirements for CAPLA Students, 2023-2024 

To participate in online classes students need to be able to access both Zoom meetings and D2L. Most smartphones with a data plan can be used to access D2L and join Zoom meetings with a camera. Students will also need access to a computer that meets the minimum requirements of your program (see below) and has access to the internet and, preferably, a webcam. We have created a remote desktop option for student access to the same software as our computer labs. More information is available here.

Laptop Versus Desktop

Desktop computers have several advantages over laptops for design work. A desktop has better performance for the price and they are more upgradable. Typically, they last longer due to lower internal temperatures. On the other hand, laptops are flexible, you can have them with you at all time and do not need one computer for school and another for home.

School of Architecture 

For professional stage and graduate students, the School of Architecture recommends desktop systems along with a locking cable to keep the computer and monitor securely in your studio space.

For first-year-architecture students, the school recommends that you have a laptop but you are not advised to purchase a computer specifically for the program until you are admitted to the core phase in the second year. Generally, you should bring the computer that you already possess, as long as it meets the minimum specifications below or is able to run Microsoft Remote Desktop or access UArizona’s virtual computer lab.

School of Landscape Architecture and Planning

Graduate students in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning are expected to have laptops by the first day of classes.

Undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program are expected to have access to laptops that meet the minimum requirements outlined below by the time they enter their second semester in the program. Students in the BS Sustainable Built Environments (SBE) program attending through Arizona Online are advised to have access to laptops or desktop computers meeting the minimum requirements outlined below. There are no specific computer requirements for SBE students attending classes on main campus.

Macintosh Versus Windows

Some software that you need will not run on Macintosh OS X. If you use an Apple computer, you will need to install Windows 10 or 11 using the free Boot Camp utility. A copy of windows may be available for free or reduced price here.

Desk Power Availability

Studio desks should have a maximum of three outlets or two outlets and a USB charging port to stay within fire code.

Minimum and Recommended Computer Requirements

Minimum Desktop Requirements (bare minimum to run programs like Rhino or Autodesk - note that programs will run slowly)

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 6th generation or AMD Equivalent
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-Bit
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Hard Drive: 500GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
  • Graphics Card: 4GB gaming graphics card Open GL 3.0 Graphics Card Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater; Direct3D-capable
  • Display: 22-24” Display with 1920x1080 Resolution
  • Wireless Network: 802.11b/g/n
  • Battery: N/A

Recommended Desktop Requirements

  • Processor: Intel Core i7 8th generation (minimum 3.20GHz, 8MB cache, 4 cores)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-Bit
  • Memory: 32 GB
  • Hard Drive: 500 GB+ Solid State hard drive
  • Graphics Card: 8 GB (12+ preferred) gaming graphics card Open GL 3.0 Graphics Card Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater; Direct3D-capable
  • Display: 27” Display with minimum 1920x1080 Resolution
  • Optical Drive: DVD R/W combo
  • Wireless Network: 802.11b/g/n
  • Battery: N/A

Minimum Laptop Requirements

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 6th generation or AMD Equivalent
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-Bit
  • Memory: 8GB DDR3L SDRAM
  • Hard Drive: 500GB SATA hard drive (5400RPM)
  • Graphics Card: 2 GB HD graphics card or better Open GL 3.0 Graphics Card Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater; Direct3D-capable
  • Display: 14” Display with minimum 1920x1080 Resolution
  • Wireless Network: 802.11b/g/n
  • Battery: 58 WHr 4-6 cell Lithium-Ion Primary Battery

Recommended Laptop Requirements

  • Processor: Intel Core i7 7th generation (minimum 3.20GHz, 8MB cache, 4 cores)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 7 64-Bit
  • Memory:  16GB (32 GB preferred)
  • Hard Drive: 512GB Solid State hard drive
  • Graphics Card: 8 GB (12GB preferred) gaming graphics card Open GL 3.0 Graphics Card  Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater; Direct3D-capable
  • Display: 15-17” Display with minimum 1920x1080 Resolution
  • Optical Drive: DVD R/W combo (optional)
  • Wireless Network: 802.11b/g/n
  • Battery: 88 WHr 6-12 cell Lithium-Ion Primary Battery

Software

Additional Software You May Need

Important Note

The University of Arizona has partnered with Dell, Apple, Lenovo and HP so you may receive educational discounts through CATS (Computer and Technology Store) for both hardware and software.

For more information about software availability for students, and to see what is currently installed on CAPLA lab computers, view Student Software.