Drexel University: recommended laptop specification

No — this is a recommendation, not a requirement. Drexel University (College of Engineering) publishes a suggested configuration. You are not obliged to buy a machine that matches it.

💡 Recommended only. Drexel University publishes this as guidance. An existing laptop that does the job is usually fine — do not buy a new machine on the strength of this page alone.

The published specification

Operating system: Windows preferred but not mandated — "access to a Windows environment is often necessary. However, this doesn't mean that a Mac or run Linux is not an option." All Drexel Engineering programs have access to Windows virtual desktops; macOS/Linux users must run Windows virtually to install software locally.

Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or better

Memory (RAM): "8GB of RAM, but 16GB (or more) is recommended."

Storage: "at least a 250GB SSD. If you're planning on running macOS or Linux and will need to run Windows virtually, you should opt for at least 500GB."

Graphics: "Most engineering software will benefit from having a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU). This will usually be listed as NVIDIA GTX/RTX or AMD Radeon GPU... For new laptops, even integrated Intel UHD graphics are likely enough to run most graphically-intensive software acceptably."

Source

Taken from Drexel University's own published page: https://drexel.edu/engineering/admissions/undergraduate/admitted-students/computer-requirements/. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops that meet this specification

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The search is built from the capacities Drexel University actually prints, so compare each result against the published specification above before ordering — listings change and this page does not track stock or price.

Packing for Drexel University

A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full Drexel University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.

Laptop requirements at other schools: East Carolina University · George Mason University · Illinois State University · Indiana University Bloomington · Iowa State University · James Madison University