CET Computer Recommendations
We recommend that first-year CET students have a laptop. They will be used regularly in some classes and will be valuable for work outside of class. Students will also have access to several computer labs in the college. These recommendations are designed to help you make an informed decision about your laptop purchase.
Personal computers are required by CET for incoming students. These will be utilized privately for coursework and often times in the classroom (if not in a computer lab).
While required, we do also have computer labs in our departments for coursework and in-class instruction to supplement your own personal computer.
These are recommendations, we offer them to help you make an informed decision.
We do not offer feedback on your individual purchase.
RIT Campus Store
The first place you should shop is our Campus Store. The Campus Store offers recommended models at a great discount.
We do not recommend Chromebooks, Apple Computers, or Tablets (iPad, Android, etc) as they will not fulfill your needs in CET.
RIT Campus Store Recommended Computer Information
All RIT Campus Store Discounted Computers
If you're looking for something else beyond these recommendations, read on.
Hardware Recommendations
Processor
Intel Core 5/AMD Ryzen 5 viable, Intel Core 7/AMD Ryzen 7 processor recommended. Please see this link for laptop processor benchmarking information - http://www.cpubenchmark.net/laptop.html
ARM-based processors such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon are not recommended due to current incompatibilities with many pieces of software.
RAM (Memory)
At least 16GB, but we suggest 32GB.
Hard Drive (Storage)
At least 512GB hard for the boot drive (hard drive with operating system and main applications), 1TB recommended. Solid State drives are a must.
*RIT Students have access to Google Drive and OneDrive storage.
Graphics Card
In reality, getting a laptop with a workstation-grade video card isn't feasible for an incoming student. For advanced CAD and other similar software, a workstation-grade video card will work much better, but anything with a discrete video card would be suggested.
Technical requirements, broadly:
Display adapter capable of 24-bit color and DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5.
Graphics card with 6GB+ of video memory.
Some examples are: Nvidia RTX/RTX A series or AMD FirePro series.
Some examples of non-discrete include Intel Arc and AMD Radeon, these are what to avoid if possible. They'll work, but not nearly as well as a true discrete video card.
If possible, use the SolidWorks System and Graphics Card Requirements matrix to find recommended graphics when configuring a new PC: http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/videocardtesting.html
Laptop - Screen Size
This is up to your preference, some models listed have 12.5 inch screens and some go up to 17 inch screens. The 17” laptops can be quite cumbersome. Most models have docking stations so that you could hook a larger monitor and standard keyboard and mouse in your rooms. 15” would be the suggested size.
Warranty
While not required, it is strongly recommended to purchase at least a 4 year warranty that covers failed hardware during your time as a student. Some vendors such as Dell also offer complete care which covers accidental damage from drops, liquid spills, etc.
Backup
Cloud services such as Google Drive or OneDrive via your RIT Computer Account are the suggested place to store your data. If you prefer a non-cloud storage option an external hard drive or flash drive is perfectly sufficient.