North Dakota State University: laptop requirements

Yes — a conforming laptop is required. North Dakota State University (Interior Design program only) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 32GB RAM, 1TB storage.

📌 This is a requirement, and it is college-specific. It binds the Interior Design program only, not necessarily every North Dakota State University student — check your own program before buying.

The published specification

Operating system: Microsoft® Windows® — "All computers purchased for use in the interior design program MUST use Windows 11."

Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (Ultra 9 Preferred)

Memory (RAM): 32 GB RAM

Storage: 1 TB Solid State Drive (SSD)

Graphics: Dedicated video card (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB or better). "Graphics card must be dedicated, NOT integrated".

Warranty: RECOMMENDED, not required: "We strongly recommend purchasing a warranty that will last the duration of your academic career and features 'in home' support. Consider accidental coverage as well." The NDSU Bookstore stocks design laptops with a four-year warranty covering accidental damage.

What this specification rules out

"No Macs for the Interior Design program will be allowed". "Windows emulation is not supported." "Intel-based graphics cards WILL NOT WORK."

Also listed on the same page

Monitor: 16" or 17" monitor size; 1920 x 1200 with true color, maximum Ultra-High (4k) definition monitor. Also listed: webcam (integrated or external), ergonomic three-button USB mouse, 2x USB flash drives (32+ GB each), earphones/ear buds with microphone, computer case/bag. A personal printer and digital camera are "strongly recommended" (not required).

Source

Taken from North Dakota State University's own published page: https://www.ndsu.edu/interior-design/for-students/laptop-requirements-software-information — stated for Page carries no explicit academic-year label. It states the specs are "based on Autodesk Revit 2027, Autodesk AutoCAD 2027, SketchUp Studio, and various rendering software packages", and applies to students entering in the fall semester.. 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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Search Amazon for Windows 11 laptop 32GB RAM 1TB SSD →

The search is built from the capacities North Dakota State 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 North Dakota State University

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

Laptop requirements at other schools: Northwestern University · Oakland University · The Ohio State University · Ohio University · Old Dominion University · University of Mississippi