Computer Specifications

For students enrolled in architecture, a more robust laptop system than appears on the CPIT website is required. The following system has increased processor and graphics capabilities, which may prove invaluable to your studies at CUA. Please be aware that it is mandatory for all incoming architecture students to have a laptop computer.

Below are the recommended specifications (effective May 2008):

• SYSTEM TYPE:
  • Laptop/Notebook.
• PROCESSOR
• Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (2.5 GHz clock speed, 667 MHz bus) or equivalent
• OPERATING SYSTEM:
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Service Pack 2, English (recommended)
  • Microsoft Vista Ultimate (optional)
• PORTS: At least 4 USB ports (you might also consider a USB hub, which retails for approximately $20, so you can connect even more devices)
• MONITOR
• Internal (built into laptop): Recommended 17
• MEMORY
  • Minimum: 2 GB (or better), DDR2, 2 Dimm.
  • Recommended: Expandable to up to 4 GB dual channel memory
• VIDEO CARD
  • Minimum: 512 MB, dedicated (not shared)
  • Recommended: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
• HARD DRIVE: 200 GB (or better), 7200 rpm Ultra ATA Hard Drive (we recommed using addditional external USB portable hard drives to back up and transfer data)
• NETWORK CARD (NIC): Integrated 1 Gigabit Network Card
• WIRELESS NETWORKING: Internal 802.11 b/g, 54 Mbps  and Bluetooth
• DVD-ROM DRIVE: 8X or faster DVD+/-RW Drive
• SERVICE WARRENTY: 3 years.
• CORE SOFTWARE
• Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Frontpage
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 (free download if not included with your computer)
• Anti Virus: Symantec or McAfee subscription
• Anti Spy: SpyBot Search and Destroy (free download from the internet)
• Adobe Creative Suite 3 Production Premium (Student Edition)
• Revit Architecture (free download at www.autodesk.com)
• AutoCAD Architecture (free download at www.autodesk.com)
• ArchiCAD (free download at www.graphisoft.com)
• Google SketchUp (free download at http://sketchup.google.com)

Please feel free to contact Assistant Dean George Martin via email if you have any questions.