Used Computer
Minimum recommendations for a computer you already own
NOTE: The computer recommendations and specifications on this and other pages were developed by NC State's Office of Information Technology, OIT for Fall 2009 and will be updated in Spring 2010. Be sure to check with your college or department for their specific computer recommendations as they may vary.
If the computer you already own can:
- run current software
- use the campus network
then you may be able to use it for a year or so and postpone buying a new one until you learn more about what you'll need. A computer you currently own should meet or exceed these recommendations:
2009 Minimum Specifications for a Computer You Already Own
| Component | Used PC Desktop and Laptop |
Used Macintosh Desktop and Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel or AMD 1 GHz | Intel 1 GHz |
| System RAM |
1 GB | 1 GB |
| Optical Drive |
DVD | Combo Drive DVD/CD - RW |
| Hard Drive |
80 GB | 80 GB |
| Monitor | Desktop: 17" Laptop: 14" |
Desktop: 17" Laptop: 13" |
| Operating System | Windows XP Pro | OS X 10.5 |
| Ethernet Adapter | Yes | Built in |
| Firewire |
Optional | Optional |
| USB | Yes | Built in |
| Wireless | Desktop: Optional Laptop: Yes |
Built in |
| Expected Useful Life Span | One year | One year |
Orig. Posted: Tue, 03/10/2009 - 09:23 — dlschmid.ncsu.edu Last Modified: Wed, 09/02/2009 - 08:09