Skip to main content

Minimum Laptop Requirement

While undergraduate students are not required to purchase a laptop through the Carolina Computing Initiative, they are required to have a laptop that meets the or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications for their class. Please note that while best efforts will be made to support students with non-CCI laptops, the highest level of support can only be extended to students who purchase a CCI laptop package. Specifically, hardware support and access to the pool of loaner laptops are provided only for students who own a CCI model laptop.

Minimum Laptop Specifications for First Year Students/Freshman

Students in the class of 2024 are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications. All CCI models meet or exceed the specifications below:

  • Processor: 9th Generation Intel Core i5 or better
  • Memory: 8 GB Minimum
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise or Pro
  • Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB SSD
  • Display: 12 inches or larger
    • 1440 x 900 Resolution or better
    • Integrated graphics
  • Audio: Built-in audio capabilities
    • Speaker
    • Microphone
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
  • Expansion Ports: Two USB 2.0/3.0 and/or USB-C

Minimum Laptop Specifications for Second Year Students/Sophomore

Students in the class of 2023 are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications. All CCI models meet or exceed the specifications below:

  • Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or better
  • Memory: 8 GB Minimum
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise or Pro
  • Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB SSD
  • Display: 12 inches or larger
    • 1440 x 900 Resolution or better
    • Integrated graphics
  • Audio: Built-in audio capabilities
    • Speaker
    • Microphone
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
  • Expansion Ports: Two USB 2.0/3.0 and/or USB-C

Minimum Laptop Specifications for Third Year Students/Junior

Students in the class of 2022 are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications. All CCI models meet or exceed the specifications below:

  • Processor: 7th or 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or better
  • Memory: 8 GB Minimum
  • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise or Pro
  • Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB SSD
  • Display: 12 inches or larger
    • 1440 x 900 Resolution or better
    • Integrated graphics
  • Audio: Built-in audio capabilities
    • Speaker
    • Microphone
  • Communication devices:
    • Wireless (802.11a/b/g/n compliant)
  • Expansion Ports: Two USB 2.0/3.0 and/or USB-C