University of Utah: laptop requirements

Yes — a conforming laptop is required. University of Utah (Department of Mechanical Engineering) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 4GB RAM, 512GB storage.

This is a requirement, and it is college-specific. It binds the Department of Mechanical Engineering, not necessarily every University of Utah student — check your own program before buying.

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The published specification

Operating system: Windows 10 or later recommended

Processor: Minimum: Any Intel or AMD x86-64 processor. Recommended: Any Intel or AMD x86-64 processor with 4 cores

Memory (RAM): Minimum: 4GB. Recommended: 16 GB

Storage: Minimum: Hard Disk Drive with 512 GB. Recommended: Solid-State Disk with 512BG or greater (page's own wording, incl. the '512BG' typo)

Graphics: Minimum: Integrated Video Card. Recommended: Dedicated Video Card

What this specification rules out

"Mac and Linux machines cannot run SolidWorks software locally." "Chromebook and iPad cannot run the required SolidWorks, MATLAB, or Arduino software."

Also listed on the same page

Network Card: Integrated Wireless 802.11ac. Software used: MATLAB, SolidWorks, Arduino, Microsoft Office (all available at no cost via the University / Price College of Engineering CADE)

The verdict: a laptop fits University of Utah’s Department of Mechanical Engineering requirement when it meets 4GB RAM, 512GB storage. If the machine you already own clears that, it fits — nothing here says you need a new one. If it falls short, replacing it is what this requirement asks of you.

Source

Taken from University of Utah's own published page: https://www.mech.utah.edu/academics/undergraduate/current-students/department-policies/ — stated for Applies to students admitted Fall 2024 or later. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops that meet this specification

One that qualifies: HP 15.6 inch Laptop See price on Amazon Its listing states 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, which meets the University of Utah minimum of 4GB RAM / 512GB storage quoted above (we only name laptops with at least 8GB RAM, our 2026 floor) — their published specification. It is one machine that clears the bar, not a ranking.

This selected product link goes directly to an Amazon product page — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Product links go to Amazon search — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Links never change the checklist.

Search Amazon for Windows 11 laptop 512GB SSD

See price on Amazon

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

University of Utah laptop requirements: common questions

Does University of Utah require students to have a laptop?

Yes — a conforming laptop is required. University of Utah (Department of Mechanical Engineering) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 4GB RAM, 512GB storage.

What laptop specification does University of Utah publish?

University of Utah (Department of Mechanical Engineering) publishes 4GB RAM, 512GB storage, on Windows 10 or later recommended. It is a minimum, not a target. Confirm against the source page before buying.

What does University of Utah's specification rule out?

"Mac and Linux machines cannot run SolidWorks software locally." "Chromebook and iPad cannot run the required SolidWorks, MATLAB, or Arduino software."

Where does this University of Utah laptop specification come from?

University of Utah's own published page at https://www.mech.utah.edu/academics/undergraduate/current-students/department-policies/, stated for Applies to students admitted Fall 2024 or later. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.

Packing for University of Utah

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

Laptop requirements at other schools: University of Vermont · University of Washington · University of Wisconsin-Platteville · University of Texas at Arlington · Vanderbilt University · Virginia Commonwealth University

Compare every school that publishes one: college laptop requirements table.