Technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Newer technology is always right around the corner, but this should not deter you from buying the system you need now. NSCC has put together a set of minimum recommendations to help you select the right computer for your coursework.

General guidelines

  • Spend as much as you can comfortably afford. The more you invest, the longer your system will remain viable.
  • Unless you have specific needs, you don't need to acquire the absolute highest level of current technology. On the other hand, saving a few dollars by buying low on the technology curve does not necessarily represent your best value.
  • Certain majors within the college may have different requirements for computer use; for instance, the Graphic Design department uses Photoshop and Illustrator extensively. If you have any concerns that your major may require a computer that is more powerful than these minimum recommendations, please contact a representative of the department.
  • Technical specifications are not the whole story. Make sure that you are investing in decent quality components and construction, and that you'll be able to get service for your system from the manufacturer or vendor should the need arise.
  • If possible purchase a USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB
  • Spend as much as you can comfortably afford. The more you invest, the longer your system will remain viable.
  • Unless you have specific needs, you don't need to acquire the absolute highest level of current technology. On the other hand, saving a few dollars by buying low on the technology curve does not necessarily represent your best value.
  • Certain majors within the college may have different requirements for computer use; for instance, the Graphic Design department uses Photoshop and Illustrator extensively. If you have any concerns that your major may require a computer that is more powerful than these minimum recommendations, please contact a representative of the department.
  • Technical specifications are not the whole story. Make sure that you are investing in decent quality components and construction, and that you'll be able to get service for your system from the manufacturer or vendor should the need arise.
  • If possible purchase a USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB
  • In light of the current COVID-19 circumstance consider buying a headset/microphone 
 

Minimum Computer Specifications

PC:

  • Intel i5 (7th gen,)   AMD Ryzen™ 5 or higher
  • Windows 10 Home Premium or higher (64 bit), Windows 10 preferred
  • 8GB RAM or more*
  • 250 GB hard drive or larger - SSD (solid state drive not required, but preferred)
  • Integrated Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n/AC)
  • 10/100/1000 Integrated Networking
  • 3 years parts and labor warranty

Mac:

  • Current model (2018 or newer) MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac or Mac Pro
  • Current Mac OS (10.14, Mojave)
  • 16GB RAM or more
  • 250 GB Hard drive or larger - SSD (solid state drive not required, but preferred)
  • Airport Wireless (802.11 b/g/n/AC compatible)
  • 3 years parts and labor warranty